Kenyan athletics legend David Rudisha is mourning the death of his mother, Naomi Matasi, affectionately known as ‘Mama Poroko’.
The two-time Olympic champion shared the news on social media, saying her death has been a difficult moment for him and his family.
“My mother Naomi Matasi AKA (Mama Poroko) passed away this morning, and it’s been a tough time for me and family. I deeply appreciate all your support and understanding during this period,” he wrote.
Rudisha, widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history, holds the world record in the 800 metres, a mark he set in an extraordinary final at the 2012 London Olympics
In his personal tribute, he thanked well-wishers for their support during a profoundly emotional time for his family.
Messages of condolence have since been shared by athletics fans and peers across social platforms, recognising both his loss and his remarkable career.
Rudisha’s achievements span more than a decade at the top of global track and field. In addition to his world record, he won Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, defending his title in Rio de Janeiro four years after his London triumph.
His mother’s passing comes several years after another personal tragedy: the death of his father, Olympic medallist Daniel Rudisha, who died in 2019.
Daniel Rudisha was a celebrated 400 metres runner who won silver in the 4×400m relay for Kenya at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and he played a formative role in shaping his son’s athletic path.
David Lekuta Rudisha, MBS is a retired Kenyan middle-distance runner who is the world and Olympic record holder in the 800 metres.
He won gold medals in the 800 m at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where, at the former, he set the world record in the event with a time of 1:40.91.
He is also a two-time World champion (2011 and 2015) and two-time Diamond League champion (2010 and 2011) in the 800 m.
He is the first and only person to ever run 800 m under 1:41, and he holds the three fastest times ever run in this event, each being a world record when set.