Naftali Temu: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Naftali Temu (April 20, 1945 - March 10, 2003) was a Kenyan athlete, winner of 10 000 m at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

Born in Sotik, Kenya, Naftali Temu burst onto the international long distance running scene at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, where he beat the world record holder Ron Clarke in the 6 miles. Two days later, Temu finished fourth in the 3 miles.

At the Mexico Olympics, in the 10 000 m final, only Mamo Wolde from Ethiopia managed to keep Temu's pace. Wolde went to lead at the bell, but Temu passed him with only 50 m remaining to win the gold. Four days later, he contested the 5000 m final, where he won the bronze medal, only narrowly beaten by Mohammed Gammoudi from Tunisia and fellow countryman Kip Keino. Later, he also contested the Olympic marathon, where he had again a great battle with Wolde, but the latter broke free just after the 30 km mark, and exhausted Temu managed to finish only in nineteenth place.

The rest of the Temu's athletics career went downward. He finished nineteenth in the 10 000 m at the 1970 Comonwealth Games in Edinburgh, and was eliminated in the heats of the 10 000 m at the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Naftali Temu died in Kenyatta National Hospital after serious illness, aged only 57.