The 10,000 metres final at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City marked a milestone for Kenyan sports when Nabiba Naftali Temu crossed the finish line to secure the nation's inaugural gold medal. This performance vaulted him into the international spotlight, defining a career that spanned nearly a decade of high-level competition on the global stage.
Early Development and Army Service
Born in Nyamira county in 1945, Temu initiated systematic long-distance training at age 14. Upon completing his school education, he joined the Kenyan Army. His first Olympic appearance occurred at the 1964 Games, where he placed 49th in the marathon and failed to finish his 10,000 metres event.
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Temu secured a silver medal in the 5,000 metres at the 1965 All-Africa Games, finishing behind Kipchoge Keino. The following year, at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, he defeated world record holder Ron Clarke to win the six-mile race. He also finished fourth in the three-mile event during those same games.
Success in Mexico City
During the 1968 Olympics, Temu engaged in a tactical 10,000 metres final, reclaiming the lead with 50 metres remaining to clinch gold. Four days later, he earned a bronze medal in the 5,000 metres, finishing narrowly behind Mohammed Gammoudi and Kipchoge Keino. He also participated in the marathon, ultimately placing 19th.
Retirement and Later Years
Following 1968, his competitive results declined. He placed 19th in the 10,000 metres at the 1970 British Commonwealth Games and was eliminated during the heats of the 1972 Summer Olympics. He retired from athletics in 1973 to manage a farm in North Mugirango, which had been granted to him by President Jomo Kenyatta. Temu passed away at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi on 10 March 2003, at age 57, following a battle with prostate cancer.
Fast facts
- Full Name: Nabiba Naftali Temu
- Born: 20 April 1945, Nyamira county
- Died: 10 March 2003, Nairobi
- Primary Sport: Long-distance running
- Olympic Gold: 1968, 10,000 metres
- Retirement Year: 1973
- Cause of Death: Prostate cancer
Questions readers ask
What was Naftali Temu's major contribution to Kenyan athletics?
He became Kenya's first Olympic gold medalist by winning the 10,000 metres race at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
What did Temu do after his athletic career ended?
After retiring in 1973, he managed a farm in North Mugirango that was gifted to him by President Jomo Kenyatta.
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