Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
19 May 2011
opinion
ATHLETE Samuel Wanjiru died on Monday morning at his Nyahururu home. There have been rumours of foul play but he probably died accidentally. Whatever the truth of his death, there is no doubt that his personal life was chaotic and dangerous.
On that fateful day, he had already been to several bars and met two women by the time his wife caught him in bed with another lover. Earlier this year he had waved a pistol at a motorist on Nakuru road. Last year he was physically assaulted his wife.
Should the Kenya Athletics Association have done more to help him? He was just 24 years old, a great marathon runner earning millions of dollars.
In Ethiopia, the athletics association manages the earnings of runners on their behalf. They receive counseling and support so their sudden wealth does not go to their head.
The KAA should now set up an independently managed investment fund for young athletes. If they want to compete under Kenyan colours, they should agree to have half of their winnings paid into the fund to take care of their future after they stop running. They should also receive regular psychological support. Otherwise we will have many more Wanjirus in future.
AllAfrica – All the Time
See original article:
Kenya: Set Up Investment Fund for Athletes