Zimbabwe: Kipketer the Track Legend

Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere

25 June 2011

Moshi — ONLY a few individuals have managed to last 11 years, at the top of their game. Wilson Kipketer, a Kenyan who changed his citizenship to Danish, and – for some time – ruled the world in the 800 metre race. Kipketer was born in Nandi, Kenya in a family of five boys.

He started running when he was in primary school, where he also took part in a number of sporting disciplines, including volleyball, football and basketball. He is also a gymnast.

But he quickly found out that athletics was his place. He first represented his country in the World Junior Championships in Canada 1988 in the 800m race where he was disqualified over a technical error. It was a defining moment for Kipketer.

“I felt very sad but it was a good lesson for me ,” he told The Herald this week.

In 1990, he was again selected for the World Championships and he had his big breakthrough when he came fourth.

“I was very happy because I now got the knowledge of how to run,” said Kipketer. He moved to Denmark that same year after he was invited to be part of the Openhager Athletics Club.

In 1995 he became world champion in 800m. Two years later, an inspired Kipketer destroyed all the opposition to confirm his status as the best in the world over 800m. He also broke the world record for both the indoor and outdoor races. Kipketer was also awarded as the sports man of the year for 1997.

“I got injured in 2000, but I still had to take part at the Olympics and managed a silver medal,” he said. The following year Kipketer was unfit all year and could not take part in any competition.

After recovering he continued to impress but, in the new millennium, it was clear that the opposition had caught up with him and, in some instances, left him behind. So, the great Kipketer decided to leave the track.

This year Kipketer is the guest of honour at the East Africa Cup, where Zimbabwe is competing, and he is sharing his experience with the youngsters who are carrying their national flags here.

“Since then I have been involved in educating the young athletes by telling them not to give up in life,” he said.

“I also encourage them to take both sports and education seriously. Last year I was invited by many sports organisation to speak to the young people about what it takes to be a champion and to be a responsible person in life.

“I went for the Youth Olympics in Singapore, were I spoke to a number of youths to try and motivate them and the response was very good.”

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