Samuel Wanjiru

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Samuel Wanjiru's achievements are legendary in the world of athletics. He was the first Kenyan to win the Olympic marathon, a feat accomplished with a record-breaking time of 2:06:32 in 2008. His dominance in the half marathon, where he set the world record three times, showcased his versatility. Winning both the London and Chicago Marathons in 2009 with course records demonstrated his superiority over the global elite. His 10,000m U20 world record, which stood for nearly 20 years, remains a testament to his youthful genius. Inducted into the Kenyan Sports Hall of Fame posthumously, he is widely considered one of the greatest marathoners in history.

AwardsSamuel Wanjiru won the gold medal in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, setting an Olympic record. He claimed victories at the London Marathon and Chicago Marathon in 2009, setting course records in both events. He also won the Berlin Half Marathon in 2007, setting a world record. He was named the World Marathon Majors Series Champion for the 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 seasons. His 10,000m U20 world record set in 2005 stood for nearly two decades.

Honours & Distinctions

Kenyan Sports Hall of Fame

Kenyan Sports Council·2012

Posthumous induction recognizing his contributions to Kenyan athletics.

World Marathon Majors Series Champion

World Athletics·2009

Awarded for winning multiple major marathons in the series.

Rankings & Lists

#15

Greatest Runners of All Time

Runner's World·2012

Top 20 Marathoners of the 21st Century

Track & Field News·2011

Magazine Covers

Running Times

2009-06

The Wild Man of Running

Sports Illustrated

2008-09

Olympic Hero

Records & Feats

Youngest Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist Since 1932

Historic First·2008

Won the 2008 Beijing Olympic Marathon at age 21.

Longest Standing U20 10,000m World Record

Record·2005

His record of 27:36.35 stood for 19 years until 2024.

Fastest Marathon in UK History

Chart Record·2009

Set a course record of 2:05:10 at the 2009 London Marathon.