Naftali Temu

Naftali Temu (April 20, 1945 – March 10, 2003) was a Kenyan athlete, who won the 10.000 metres at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Early career

Born in Nyamira District, Naftali Temu started running at the age of 14. After completing schooling, he joined the Kenyan Army.

Temu competed at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, where he finished 49th in marathon

He won 5000 metres silver medal at the inaugural All-Africa Games in 1965, the race was won by Kipchoge Keino. He burst onto the international long distance running scene at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, where he won gold medal and beat the world record holder Ron Clarke in the six miles. Two days later, Temu finished fourth in the three miles.

1968 Olympics

At the Mexico Olympics, in the 10 000 m final, only Mamo Wolde from Ethiopia managed to keep Temu's pace. Wolde went to lead at the bell, but Temu passed him with only 50 m remaining to win the gold. Four days later, he contested the 5000 m final, where he won the bronze medal, only narrowly beaten by Mohammed Gammoudi from Tunisia and fellow countryman Kip Keino. Later, he also contested the Olympic marathon, where he had again a great battle with Wolde, but the latter broke free just after the 30 km mark, and exhausted Temu managed to finish only in nineteenth place.

Retirement and afterwards

The rest of the Temu's athletics...
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