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The Kericho Green Stadium has been officially renamed the Wilson Kiprugut Chuma Stadium by President William Ruto.

This renaming is a tribute to the legendary athlete, Kiprugut Chuma, who secured Kenya’s first Olympic Medal at the Tokyo 1964 Olympics.

Kericho Green Stadium renaming

The announcement of this name change took place during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebration held at the venue.

President Ruto, in his address, said that athletes deserves the honour following his Olympic achievement.

“Allow me to celebrate Kiprugut Chuma, the first Kenyan athlete to win an Olympic medal, by renaming this Kericho Green Stadium after him. I believe he truly deserves this honour.”

The decision to rename the stadium follows a request made by Kericho residents to Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba during the late Kiprugut’s burial ceremony.

They requested that the government consider honouring the legendary athlete by renaming a stadium in his memory.

Chumo was a notable Kenyan sprinter and middle-distance runner. He participated in the 1964 Tokyo and 1968 Mexico Olympics, earning two medals in the 800-meter event.

He was the first Kenyan to ever win an Olympic medal. In the 1964 Olympics, he also competed in the 400 meters, although he did not make it to the final.

At the 1962 Commonwealth Games, Kiprugut was part of the Kenyan 4×440 yards relay team, which finished fifth. He secured the 880-yard silver medal at the 1966 Commonwealth Games.

Furthermore, he won two gold medals in the 400 and 800 meters at the inaugural All-Africa Games in 1965.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, he was awarded the Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year in 2010.

Kiprugut’s journey began in Kericho, where he grew up. His talent for running was first noticed during his time at Kaptebeswet Primary School and Sitotwet Intermediate School. He went on to win numerous 880-yard titles at the East and Central African Championships.

Wilson Kiprugut Chumo passed away on November 1, 2022, at the age of 84.