The family of the late Kenya athletics legend Hezekiah Nyamao is seeking monetary support to help them pay off the outstanding medical bills that were left after the death of the athlete at a hospital in Nakuru County. The 88-year-old Nyamao died of cancer that he had been battling for over ten years.
Nyamao was the Kenyan 4x400m relay team that made the country proud during the good old days of athletics. Together with Charles Asati, Robert Ouko, and Julius Sang, he was instrumental in the team winning the very first gold medal for Kenya in the 4x400m relay at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games thus creating the first of many great moments for Kenyan sports abroad. Besides, the four had won a silver medal in the 1968 Commonwealth Games in Mexico and thus they became the most accomplished athletes in the history of Kenya’s sports after that success.
After his major worldwide accomplishments, Nyamao was unfortunately ill and financially challenged during his last years. His family now confesses that they cannot afford the medical bills incurred in his lengthy treatment.
“We are calling on the government, the athletics fraternity, and all the good Samaritans to assist us so that we can organize a dignified send-off for our father,” said a family representative.
Nyamao’s death is a reminder of the debate regarding the welfare of Kenya’s sporting heroes, which has been going on for a long time. The debate has been joined by sports analysts, ex-athletes, and former athletes who suggest that a support fund be created to accommodate the needs of retired sports legends. This would ensure medical and financial assistance to them at their old age.
Hezekiah Nyamao will be remembered as one of the finest athletes in Kenya,a man whose speed, power, and cooperation skills helped to elevate the nation to the top of the world athletics chart.