The late Naftali Nabiba Temu was the first Kenyan to win a gold medal at the Olympic games.
He achieved that feat in the 1968 Olympic games that were staged in Mexico City.
He clinched gold by finishing first in a 10,000-meter race in a then-record time of twenty-eight minutes.
His achievement pretty much set the rhythm for future Kenyan success in the discipline. His success was a magical precursor to more success.
There have been more and more gold medals in the marathon races over the years as more Kenyans have emulated his success in the editions of the Olympic games that followed.
The diminutive Nyamira resident was a nightmare for other track runners on his good days as he knew perfectly well how to time his runs and ensure that he finished on a high.
He participated in a number of international athletics competitions before his untimely retirement at the age of 28.
He struggled with ailments that consigned him to the hospital bed for most of the time.
He is regarded as one of Kenya's finest marathon runners of all time.
The ling illnesses meant Kenya was robbed of a national treasure when he succumbed at the age of just 57.
Naftali Temu Memorial race was established after his death to honor the fallen hero.
Many athletes have since plied his path edition after edition of the Olympics bringing home gold not only in the marathon but also in other areas.
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