www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]
Veteran athlete continues to scout for sporting talent
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 22 October 2008 00:48
Among those who he helped identify and train include the first Kenyan to win an Olympic gold medal in 10,000 metres, the late Naftali Temu, in 1968. Others include 1974 Olympic 4 x 400m relay gold medallist Charles Asati, Robert Ouko and Ezekiel Nyamao, Mayieka Oriku, John Mwebi and the late steeplechaser Evans Mogaka. He also acted as a talent scout for Kenya Army and Kenya Prisons.
Maiyoro says an American whom he only identified as Mr Clark advised him to quit competitive athletics. "Since I wanted to keep my record, I heeded the advice and called it quits," he says. He worked as a District Sports Officer in Nyamira between 1953 and 1962. He also served as the Gusii Stadium Manager from 1962 until he quit to concentrate on farming eight years ago.
Even after dropping out of primary school, Maiyoro boasts of an honorary doctorate degree from Kenyatta University for his contribution in athletics. Former President Moi also feted him with a Silver Stars medal 23 years ago. Today, he proudly introduces himself as Doctor Nyandika Maiyoro; member of the British Empire— a title, he says, Queen Elizabeth gave him in the 60s for bringing glory to the colonial government. He is also a widely travelled man. He has visited Egypt, Britain, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Finland, US, Japan, Australia, India, Hong Kong, Uganda, Tanzania and Congo. His latest was in 1992 as part of the delegation to the Victoria Commonwealth Games, Canada.
