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Bungei was known for his chiseled physique and focused gaze hidden behind sleek sunglasses.
Former Olympic 800m champion Wilfred Bungei has explained how Kenyan athletes can make more money aside from the usual coveted prize and appearance fees earned from the events they compete in.
During his running days, Bungei, 43, was renowned for wearing full body kits which perfectly fit his chiseled physique, as well as possessing a focused gaze behind sleek sunglasses during races, an appearance that always made him resemble a typical American short sprints athlete.
Bungei explained why he chose that ‘swag’ for all the races he took part in before retiring.
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11:30 - 30.07.2023
ATHLETICS Former Olympic 800m Champion Wilfred Bungei calls for criminalization of doping among Kenyan athletes
Bungei has described the increasing number of doping cases as “embarrassing” to Kenya, adding that in his time, they were never allowed to even use supplements.
“It was sponsored and two, I wanted to create a brand because Kenyan athletes are known to wear the sinklets to run, but for me, I was using the full body running kit,” Bungei told KTN News.
“It was something new, a trademark. I started using them in 1999 when a few Kenyans used eyewear. I was sponsored by Adidas who used to provide me with them. You are being paid for it. You wear them because you are advertising for Adidas. I would get a number of eyewear that I used to use now and then.
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08:40 - 02.08.2023
ATHLETICS 'Hungry Hungary month'- Omanyala fires warning shots to rivals before World Championships showdown
With just 17 days to the moment of truth, Omanyala still remains unfazed despite the presence of other 100m greats.
“In 2001, I ran with them and won my first medal as a senior, and it became part of me, if I put them on, people would know it was me.
“It became kind of like a trademark because I would step out of the field without the eyewear and people would not know who I am, but the moment I put them on, people would know that this was the 800 meters champion. It became a trademark and I was happy that I was able to help bring a different perspective of how we regard sports in this country.
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15:00 - 01.08.2023
ATHLETICS: ‘I enjoy talking s**t to other people’ - Omanyala’s track rival stocks up the fires ahead of Budapest showdown
The American sprinter has put Omanyala and co on notice as the countdown to the World Championships begins
“I remember when I won the Olympics and came back here, the first prime minister then Raila Odinga was like, ‘we were all watching the 800 meters final and then there was a Kenyan wearing eyewear and we did not know if he was a Kenyan or an American. It was a brand.”
The 2008 Olympic champion believes that Kenyan athletes should embrace a unique way of representing themselves during races so that they can establish their own brands, which may win them more endorsements and a few extra cash.
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16:00 - 01.08.2023
ATHLETICS: Faith Kipyegon now plans to attack the 40-year-old 800m world record
Her main focus at the moment is to successfully defend her world title when she heads to Budapest later this month.
“It is imperative all sportsmen and women have something different that they do and brand themselves because if you look at Kenyan sportsmen and women, they are underpaid, whether it is because of appearances or kit contracts, and that is because we do not brand ourselves. We are too much (of) traditionalists. It is supposed to be a show.
“It starts with the coach and then those who surround the athletes. Sports at the moment is business. By the time Adidas, Nike, and Puma pay you, they need to see the show and they need to see that.
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07:32 - 02.08.2023
ATHLETICS Free at last! Mark Otieno reveals his next plan after conclusion of doping ban
The Kenyan sprinter has lofty dreams as he returns to athletics following his two-year suspension.
“For a very long time, Kenyan athletes have been winning races and then disappear into the changing rooms instead of doing the victory laps. It lies between the coach and manager.
“I do not blame it mostly on Athletics Kenya or boards in charge of the sport, but mostly those in charge of the athletes. They are the ones who are supposed to make these athletes understand they are a brand.”
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