No sprinting as Rudisha leads Naanyu down the aisle

By LEONARD KORIR

Narok County

For David Lekuta Rudisha, breaking the world record twice and winning the coveted Athlete of the Year Award was not enough to make him a conqueror.

The athlete, also Kenya’s sportsman of the year, crowned his list of 2010 success when he wed his long-time girlfriend, Lizzy Naanyu.

By marrying, Rudisha became a complete man and a moran according to the Maasai tradition.

From left: Alfred Kirwa, Nicholas Kemboi, Abraham Chepkirwok, Moses Tangui, David Rudisha and his newly wed wife Lizzy Naanyu during the ceremony. [PHOTO: LEONARD KORIR/STANDARD]

The couple tied the knot at Trans Mara West DC’s office and later proceeded to Naanyu’s Olborsoito home where they were taken through traditional marriage rituals known as ‘nkaputi.’

During the ceremony Naanyu’s parents, William Kiptoo and Mary Kiptoo officially handed over their daughter to Rudisha’s family.

Song and dance rent the air as Naanyu was escorted from her father’s home to a nearby tent where Rudisha was anxiously waiting.

Veteran athletes

The athlete’s best man, Moses Tangui, his usual race pace-setter, changed position and followed Rudisha from behind as he welcomed his bride.

Other athletes who accompanied Rudisha in the ceremony included; Augustine Choge, Nicholas Kemboi, Alfred Yego and Abraham Chepkirwok.

The colourful ceremony was attended by veteran athletes among them Rudisha’s father, Daniel Rudisha and Stephen ole Marai, the champions childhood coach.

And when the time to make speeches came, speaker after speaker showered praise on the couple and wished them well in their marriage.

Kinanada ole Marai, a village elder, used his whisk and milk (ngulet) to bless the couple and advised Rudisha to invest proceeds from athletics wisely.

Pursue studies

"Remember that athletics is a short-term career and you need to seek advice on how best you can invest for your future and the future of your family," said Kinanda.

Another elder, Joseph Mibei advised Rudisha to further his studies, saying education was a lifetime investment, which has no retirement age.

"I urge you to spare some of the money you have earned to pursue education as you continue with your running career," advised Mibei.

He told the couple the world was closely watching them and they should, therefore, uphold high standards of integrity and respect.

The world champion was also advised to follow the footsteps of former athletes Kipchoge Keino and Paul Tergat and avoid squandering golden opportunities.

"After you retire from athletics you need to remain a focused person and engage in nation-building," Mibei told Rudisha.

After the official handover ceremony, a convoy of vehicles accompanying the new couple snaked its way towards Kilgoris town to an awaiting party at Rudisha’s Taruru home in Oltanki, where people danced till dawn.