RIP Samuel 'Sammy' Wanjiru

Sammy Wanjiru, 24, the Kenyan Olympic marathon champion died after a tragic fall from the first floor of his Nyahururu home.

Wanjiru's record breaking win in Beijing in 2008 also made him the first Kenyan marathon champion. In a sport that has typically seen its champions win such honours later in their careers, the 21-year old's win was phenomenonal. He completed the marathon in 2:06:32.

Since that win, Wanjiru has claimed multiple victories that showcased the young athlete's resolve, discipline, and tenacious spirit. In 2009, he won both the London Marathon and the Chicago Marathon, scoring the fastest figures in marathons ever recorded in the respective countries, United Kingdom and the United States. Wanjiru repeated his win in Chicago in 2010.

Born in 1986, Wanjiru died on May 15, 2011 following a domestic dispute.

RIP, Sammy. The heavens are richer for our loss.

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia