Pioneer Kenyan Olympian Daniel Matasi Rudisha, father of 800m world record holder David Rudisha, died at War Memorial Hospital in Nakuru on Wednesday evening at age 73.
The passing was confirmed by David Rudisha, who revealed his father succumbed to a heart attack after a four-day hospitalization for kidney failure. Rudisha, an Olympic champion and world record holder, described his father's final hours as unexpected.
"He was in the ICU and had recovered well, moving to a general ward. He underwent dialysis successfully on Wednesday and was in good spirits when visitors left at 10pm," David said. "It's shocking he passed away shortly after." Rudisha had been scheduled for discharge on Friday.
David called his father "my hero" and credited him for his athletic achievements. The elder Rudisha, a former teacher and coach, had previously competed in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, winning silver in the 4x400m relay.
Kenya's athletics federation honored Rudisha's legacy, noting his role in establishing Kenya's global athletics presence. "He and teammates like Hezekiah Nyamao laid the foundation for Kenya's 1972 Munich gold in the 4x400m relay," said Athletics Kenya spokesperson Barnabas Korir.
