David Rudisha’s mother Naomi Matasi dies
By Joel Masibo, December 20, 2025The world and Olympic 800M record holder, David Rudisha, has been thrown into mourning following the demise of his mother, Naomi Matasi.
In a statement shared via X on Friday evening, December 19, 2025, Rudisha confirmed that Naomi Matasi passed away on Friday morning. The retired athlete has also called for support during the difficult moment.
Naomi Matasi dies
”Hello, I just wanted to share some very sad news. My mother, Naomi Matasi, AKA (Mama Poroko), passed away this morning, and it’s been a tough time for me. I deeply appreciate all your support and understanding during this period,” Rudisha said.
Rudisha won gold medals in the 800 m at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where, at the former, he set the world record in the event with a time of 1:40.91. He is also a two-time World champion (2011 and 2015) and two-time Diamond League champion (2010 and 2011) in the 800m. Rudisha is the first and only person to ever run 800 m under 1:41, and he holds the three fastest times ever run in this event, each being a world record when set.
David Rudisha also holds the world’s best time in the 500m and the African best for the 600m. He is a two-time Diamond League 800 m winner. Rudisha won the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award in 2010 and three consecutive Track and Field News Athlete of the Year awards.
In May 2022, Rudisha announced he would be running for election in his native Kenya as an independent candidate in the Kilgoris Constituency.
In March 2024, Rudisha served as the World Athletics ambassador for the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.