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June 21, 2025 24 mins

In Part 1 of this two-part series, we explore the meteoric rise of Samuel Kamau Wanjiru, the Kenyan long-distance runner whose rare talent catapulted him into the global spotlight.

From humble beginnings in Nyahururu to shattering Olympic records in Beijing at just 22, Samuel seemed destined for greatness until the pressures of sudden fame, his personal struggles, and turbulent lifestyle began to cast long shadows on his bright future. 


CREDITS -

Cover Art:

F.Nur, PitchR Media


Editing/Production:

F. Nur, PitchR Media


Theme Song:

"Dunia Ina Mambo" by Just A Band (original song by The Mighty Cavaliers)


REFERENCES -

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Wanjiru
  2. https://olympics.com/en/athletes/samuel-wanjiru
  3. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13414257
  4. https://ntvkenya.co.ke/news/inquest-into-death-of-athlete-samuel-wanjiru-rules-out-murder-suicide/
  5. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/17/sports/sammy-wanjiru-marathon-champion-is-dead-at-24.html
  6. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001412215/the-death-of-a-god
  7. https://www.pulsesports.co.ke/athletics/story/samuel-wanjiru-kenyan-marathon-icon-whose-legacy-lives-on-13-years-since-his-untimely-demise-2024051723031165432
  8. https://grantland.com/features/anna-clark-mysterious-death-sammy-wanjiru/
  9. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-12095635
  10. https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/content-hub/world-marathon-majors-press-release-and-tribute-to-sammy-wanjiru
  11. https://www.sportanddev.org/latest/news/lessons-be-learned-death-samuel-wanjiru
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/17/sports/marathon-champion-dies-in-fall-from-balcony.html
  13. https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/athletics/10-years-later-athlete-samuel-wanjiru-s-family-focuses-on-inquest--3402754
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