Kenya Plunged Into Mourning After Death of Legendary Athlete

• Dan Omwanza made a name for himself in the world of athletics during Kenya's independence days
• The 74-year-old initially competed in the 4x400m relay before he decided to switch to 800m during the Munich Games
• His death was confirmed by his wife, Esther Moraa, who revealed Omwanza had been admitted to hospital with high blood pressure and stroke

The Kenyan sporting fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of legendary athlete, Dan Omwanza.

Omwanza, who hails from Ibeno in Kisii County is understood to have passed away on Wednesday, February 16, after a battle with illness.

His death was confirmed by his wife, Esther Moraa, who divulged the iconic athlete died at a Nairobi hospital where he was admitted with high blood pressure and stroke.

"He has been in and out of hospital for months now. He rested on Wednesday night. As a family, we accept the loss and thank God for the period we lived together," Nation Sports quoted Moraa saying.

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Dan Omwanza's career on the track

Omwanza made a name for himself as an athlete during Kenya's independence days and was part of the training group that made history after winning gold in the 4 by 400m relays during the 1972 Olympics in Munich.

Others who were part of the team include Robert Ouko and Julius Sang, both deceased, and the duo of Charles Asati and Hezekiah Nyamao.

Omwanza would later transition to the 800m during the Munich Games.

The 74-year-old went on to compete in the 1976 Olympic Games staged in Montreal, taking part in the 800m race where he clocked 1min 46.1 sec.

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