The Rise and Fall of Simon Biwott: The Untold Story of Kenya’s Controversial Athlete
Simon Biwott was a Kenyan long-distance runner who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. He competed in numerous international races, including the Olympics, and won numerous titles, earning him a reputation as one of Kenya’s greatest runners.
Despite his success, Simon’s career was marred by numerous controversies. He was banned for two years for doping, and he was also linked to the gruesome murder of a female athlete. This post tells the story of Simon Biwott, from his early life to his rise to fame, controversies, decline, and eventual death.
Introduction
Simon Biwott was born in 1966 in the Keiyo District in Kenya. He was the fifth-born in a family of twelve children. Growing up, he was an active child, and he loved running. Simon had a natural talent for running, and he started training at a young age. He later joined Kapkawa Secondary School, where he honed his skills as a long-distance runner.
Section 1: Simon Biwott’s Rise to Fame
In the 1980s, Simon Biwott emerged as a talented runner, winning numerous local races in Kenya. In 1990, he competed in his first international race, the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aix-les-Bains, where he won a bronze medal. This victory propelled him to international stardom, and he went on to win several other international races. Simon also made a mark in the Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 5000 meters in Barcelona in 1992.
Section 2: Controversy: Simon Biwott’s Doping Ban
In 1996, Simon Biwott was banned for two years by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for doping. This controversy shook the athletic world, and many fans were disappointed by Simon’s actions. Despite the ban, Simon continued to train and take part in local races in Kenya.
Section 3: Simon Biwott Linked to the Murder of Female Athlete
In 2000, Simon Biwott was linked to the murder of a female athlete, Lucy Ondondo. Lucy was found dead in a hotel room in Nairobi, and Simon was one of the last people seen with her before her death. Although Simon was never charged with the crime, many people believed that he was involved in the murder. The incident tarnished Simon’s reputation and cast a shadow over his career as a runner.
Section 4: Simon Biwott’s Decline as a Runner
After his doping ban and the murder controversy, Simon Biwott’s career as a runner started to decline. He struggled to regain his form, and his performances in races became lackluster. Simon continued to train, but he failed to make an impact on the international stage.
Section 5: Retirement and Life After Running
Simon Biwott retired from athletics in the early 2000s, but he continued to be involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to young runners. He also ventured into business, investing his earnings from running in several enterprises, including agriculture.
Section 6: Simon Biwott’s Mysterious Death
In 2012, Simon Biwott was found dead in his home in the Rift Valley. His death was mysterious, and there were rumors that he was murdered. However, no suspects were ever identified, and the case remains unsolved. His death shocked the athletic world, and many of his fans mourned his passing.
Section 7: Legacy of Simon Biwott
Simon Biwott left a lasting legacy in Kenya and the international athletic world. He was one of the first Kenyan runners to achieve international acclaim, and his success inspired many young athletes in Kenya to take up long-distance running. Despite his controversies, he will always be remembered as a great athlete who made a significant impact on the sport.
FAQs
1. What is Simon Biwott’s most significant achievement as an athlete?
Simon Biwott’s most significant achievement as an athlete was winning a silver medal in the 5000 meters in Barcelona in 1992.
2. Was Simon Biwott convicted of murder?
No, Simon Biwott was not charged with the murder of Lucy Ondondo, but he was linked to the crime.
3. What were Simon Biwott’s business ventures after retirement?
Simon Biwott invested his earnings from running in several enterprises, including agriculture.
4. When did Simon Biwott retire from athletics?
Simon Biwott retired from athletics in the early 2000s.
5. Where was Simon Biwott found dead?
Simon Biwott was found dead in his home in the Rift Valley.
6. How did Simon Biwott die?
Simon Biwott’s death was mysterious, and no official cause of death was ever established.
7. What is Simon Biwott’s legacy?
Simon Biwott left a lasting legacy in Kenya and the international athletic world as one of the first Kenyan runners to achieve international acclaim.
Conclusion
Although Simon Biwott’s career was marred by controversies, his legacy as a Kenyan athlete and international runner cannot be ignored. He was one of Kenya’s greatest runners and inspired many young athletes to take up the sport. His mysterious death left many unanswered questions, but his impact on the sport will always be remembered.