NOC-K mourns Olympic legend Hezekiah Nyamau, 1972 relay gold hero
Nyamau was part of Kenya’s iconic 4x400m relay team that famously won gold at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games after a dramatic comeback from eighth place following a dropped baton.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has mourned the death of legendary athlete Hezekiah Nyamau, who passed away in Nakuru early Tuesday at the age of 88.
Nyamau was part of Kenya’s iconic 4x400m relay team — alongside Charles Asati, Julius Sang, and Robert Ouko — that famously won gold at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games after a dramatic comeback from eighth place following a dropped baton.
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He also won silver in the men’s 4x400m relay at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, clinched Commonwealth Games gold in 1970, and was a multiple East and Central African champion. Beyond athletics, Nyamau served in the Kenya Defence Forces from 1963 until his retirement in 1997.
Reports indicate that Nyamau had been battling gallbladder cancer since his diagnosis in February. He was receiving specialised treatment in Nakuru after being transferred from a facility in Kisii, where he had appealed for help from Kenyans to offset his medical expenses.
With his passing, Asati is now the only surviving member of the legendary relay quartet.
Kenyan athletics pioneer
In a statement, NOC-K described Nyamau as a true pioneer of Kenyan athletics and extended condolences to his family.
"His story, particularly the unforgettable comeback at the 1972 Munich Olympics, when Kenya's relay team recovered from a dropped baton and surged from eighth place to claim gold, remains one of the most remarkable and inspiring moments in Olympic history," said NOC-K.
"This loss comes barely a fortnight after the passing of another great Kenyan athlete, Jairus Birech, a 3000m steeplechase star and former gold medallist who represented our nation with pride."
NOC-K further urged the government and sports stakeholders to continue supporting and recognising retired athletes, noting that their contributions should never be forgotten.
"As we celebrate the lives and legacies of our heroes, NOC-K calls for enhanced collaboration between the Government, sports federations, and institutions to ensure that our retired athletes are supported, celebrated, and empowered beyond their years on the track," said NOC-K.
"Their contributions to our nation's sporting story must never be forgotten."
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