27-year-old Alexander Mutiso Munyao made a name for himself after winning the men’s race at the London Marathon in April this year.
Following the win, he secured himself a place in the team that will represent Kenya in the forthcoming Paris Olympics marathon.
According to a list by Athletics Kenya (AK) and National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), Munyao is featured in Kenya’s final marathon team to Paris.
But who is Munyao? Here is his story as told by WoK.
Munyao was born and raised in Ndithini, Kakuswi, Makueni County.
While athletics was not a popular sport in his locality, he grew up watching Patrick Makau winning races and developed an interesting in running.
“I got encouraged and started taking part in school competitions. After taking up athletics and following in Makau’s footsteps, I discovered it was possible for someone from my region to make it in athletics,” he said in an interview with Standard.
While in high school at Kiteta Boys, a teacher from a nearby school, Peter Muteti, spotted his athletic talent and took him under his wing.
Muteti enrolled Munyao at a local training camp where he would attend during school holidays, further impressing the teacher.
After completing his secondary school education, Muteti helped Munyao join a residential training camp, and helped him secure more opportunities.
“I joined a residential camp under Muteti’s close watch and that is the year I was called to Team Kenya for the first time. I represented the country at the 2013 World Youth Championships,” he said.
He won bronze in 3,000 meters at the 2013 World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Ahead of his Paris Olympics assignment slated for July 26, 2024, Munyao attributes his successes to discipline.
“Discipline is my key pillar. I have realised progress over time because of my discipline. I strictly follow what my coach says because I know how indiscipline hampers a career,” he said.
Munyao has a wife, Irene Alex, and two young children.
“I am always out of our home, training in camp and Irene and the children have really been supportive. I owe it to them,” he stated.
