David Chelule represented Kenya at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and mentored young runners.
Athletes honour the former Olympian, who died aged 49, for opening training opportunities and guiding young runners in Olenguruone.
David Chelule, the former Kenyan Olympian who died last Friday aged 49, leaves a mentorship legacy in Olenguruone. Fellow athletes remember him for helping young runners find training opportunities and develop their talent.
The double world junior silver medallist competed in 5,000m, 10,000m and cross-country events. He also represented Kenya at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, inspiring runners from his home village of Simotwet and beyond.
His brother, retired marathoner Wesley Chelule, said he died at night after a traditional initiation ceremony in Kiptaragon, Nakuru County. Wesley said Chelule vomited and collapsed shortly after eating and drinking at the gathering.
He had managed high blood pressure with medication since 2017, Wesley said. Meanwhile, the funeral committee has scheduled his burial for Saturday.
David Chelule opened doors for young runners
Wesley credited his brother with strengthening athletics in the wider Olenguruone area after the Sydney Games. His own running journey also benefited from that guidance, and the brothers began training together in 1995.
During the 2000s, Chelule turned his home into a training camp for young athletes. He also connected promising runners with training opportunities in Ngong, Wesley said.
Jeremiah Mutai, who competes in the 400m hurdles and 800m, remembered receiving his first training programme from Chelule. Mutai later won two silver medals at the 2011 African Junior Championships in Gaborone, Botswana.
When Chelule first noticed him, Mutai trained barefoot. Chelule encouraged him by recalling his own years running without shoes before a race victory earned him his first spikes.
That example taught Mutai perseverance, while the training programme helped him pursue sprint and middle-distance events.
A lasting influence on Olenguruone athletics
Mutai also named Collins Koros, Nicholas Kirui and Franklin Kebenei among the athletes Chelule nurtured. Another beneficiary was Kenya Defence Forces runner Geoffrey Barberei, who later died in a road accident.
Koros, a 10,000m and cross-country specialist, recalled Chelule recognising his potential when he began training in 2013. The older runner urged him to stay focused and keep working hard.
For these athletes, Chelule’s influence extended beyond his own results to the practical guidance he offered during their early careers.
Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya paid tribute in a statement issued on Monday, describing his death as a major loss. The federation highlighted his Olympic appearance, dedication and contribution to Kenya’s distance-running history.
Born on July 7, 1977, Chelule emerged internationally during the late 1990s. Athletics Kenya said fellow athletes, coaches and the wider sporting community would remember his contribution.
