The 2008 Beijing Olympics Marathon was won by Samuel Wanjiru in a record time of 2:06:32, marking the first time a Kenyan athlete claimed gold in the event. His victory solidified his status as a premier long-distance runner, a trajectory that began in his youth and eventually led to multiple world records across several international marathon circuits.
Early Development and Transition to Japan
Born in 1986 in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, Wanjiru spent his childhood in the Rift Valley. Faced with poverty, he left school around the age of 12. He began running at age eight and later moved to Japan in 2002 to attend Sendai Ikuei Gakuen Senior High School. Success in the Japanese cross country circuit followed, including consecutive victories in Fukuoka and Chiba. Upon graduation in 2005, he joined the Toyota Kyūshū team under coach Koichi Morishita.
Professional Milestones and World Records
Wanjiru displayed significant speed early, running a 13:12.40 in the 5000m at age 17. In 2005, he established a 10,000m U20 world record of 26:41.75. He later dominated the half marathon, setting the world record three times between 2005 and 2007. His marathon debut at the 2007 Fukuoka Marathon resulted in a win and a course record of 2:06:39. In 2009, he achieved consecutive wins at the London and Chicago marathons, setting course records in both cities and securing the top spot in the World Marathon Majors.
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The 2010 season proved difficult due to injuries and health issues. Despite a stomach virus and lack of peak fitness, he defended his Chicago Marathon title by surging in the final 400 meters to finish in 2:06:24. His personal life during these years involved multiple domestic relationships and legal challenges, including a December 2010 arrest regarding accusations of threatening his wife and possession of a firearm.
Death in Nyahururu
On 15 May 2011, Wanjiru died at his residence in Nyahururu. Following an incident where his wife, Triza Njeri, discovered him with another woman and locked them in a bedroom, Wanjiru suffered a fatal fall from a balcony. He was confirmed dead after local medical personnel could not revive him. Authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the fall to determine if it was intentional or the result of a domestic dispute.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Nyahururu, Kenya
- Died: 15 May 2011, Nyahururu, Kenya
- Olympic Gold: 2008 Beijing Marathon
- Half Marathon world record holder: 3 times
- 2009 London and Chicago Marathon winner
- Education: Sendai Ikuei Gakuen Senior High School
- Occupation: Long-distance runner
Questions readers ask
What record did Samuel Wanjiru set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics?
He set an Olympic marathon record of 2:06:32.
How many times did he break the half marathon world record?
He set the half marathon world record three times.
What was the cause of death?
He died following a fall from a balcony at his home in 2011.
