NYANTIKA MAYIORO: THE UNSUNG ATHLETICS HERO FROM KISII

Kisii is home to numerous athletes who have done well athletics although, many are well appreciated others have not been recognized for their achievements in the sport.

One of the famous athletes who did well in the sports industry was Nyantika Maiyoro, who graced the tracks in the early 1950s

He was born in 1931 in Kisii. He attended Nyakegogi primary school but he later dropped out after five years to fully concentrate on his athletics career.

He was coached by the great Musa Nyandusi who was the paramount chief in Kisii. The first major trophy he won was the 3000 m race at the 1953 Indian Ocean Games in Madagascar.

He later competed at the 1954 Commonwealth Games, the first major international competition that Kenya participated and emerged fourth in the race.

Few years later at the summer Olympics in 1956 he participated and finished 7^th in the 5000 m race. He also competed at the 1958 Commonwealth games and performed dismally.

However, two years later he competed at the 1960 summer Olympics and he emerged 6^th in the 5000 m race. He was awarded the MBE honour.

The veteran retired from active athletics in 1964.On family life Nyantika had two wives Mogute and Pasticha and 14 children.

After his retirement worked as a sports director officer in nyamira and later a Gusii stadium manager.

Story by

Camillus ong’eta

Edited by

 Kevin Mogambi