Kenya's pioneer Javelin thrower and champion John Mayaka died on Saturday at Nyamira County Referral Hospital after months of struggling with a disease, his daughter Stella Mayaka has revealed.
The news about his death emerged several hours after his demise, coinciding with those of his compatriot Nyantika Maiyoro, another legend who succumbed on Sunday at Christa Marriane Hospital in Kisii.
"Mayaka, born on in 1948 in Nyamira County, died on Saturday morning at the Nyamira Level Five Hospital, his daughter, Stella Mayaka, confirmed," said a statement from Athletics Kenya.
"Mayaka participated at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, and 1978 in Edmonton. His best throws were 77.56 metres in Christchurch and 70 metres in Edmonton.
"Mayaka is survived by a wife and eight children," the statement, signed by Peter Angwenyi, said.
Mr Mayaka worked for Kenya Defense Forces for many years and retired as a Senior Sergeant in 90s from Lang'ata Baracks in Nairobi. Besides excelling in international competitions, he won several local titles.
It is a double tragedy for Athletics Kenya and National Olympic Committee of Kenya now that they have to organise two funerals for the legends. Apparently, they both hail from Nyamira County.
The County Government of Nyamira is set to release official statements in connection to the deaths on Monday according to Sports minister Bernard Osumo.
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