African Taekwondo Games champion dies in Kenya

Dixon Wamwiri, who represented Kenya at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, passed away. This was reported by the local newspaper Daily Nation. Vamviri, 35, died at Kenyatta National Hospital. The athlete was taken to hospital after he fell in the bathroom on the morning of Sunday, September 6, at his home in Waitaka, Nairobi. Confirming his death, Kenya Taekwondo Federation Secretary General George Vesonga said Wamwiri had recurring seizures. Vesonga said that Wamviri, who won silver medals in featherweight at the 2003 African Games in Abuja and 2011 in Maputo, at some point underwent surgery due to seizures. It seems that this intervention failed to eradicate the problem, sadly losing such a disciplined and dedicated person, Vesonga said, adding that at one time the athlete fell into depression after losing his job at one of Nairobi's leading gas stations. Vamviri never lost his fights at the local level, and this inspired many young people to take up this sport, said Vesonga, who on behalf of the Federation conveyed his condolences to the family of the late Vamviri. Note that Vamviri also won gold at the 2007 African Games in Algeria.