John Ngugi

John Ngugi’s is best remembered for his triumphs at the International Cross-Country Championships, where he won a record four consecutive titles between 1986 and 1989 and then won his fifth title in 1992. Ngugi established himself on the track in the 5,000 metres at the 1987 World Championships. After winning his heat, Ngugi took the lead in the final during the second kilometre but was outsprinted in the finish, eventually finishing 12th. In 1987 Ngugi won the 5,000 m at the All-African Games.

At the Seoul Olympic Games, Ngugi took the lead after 1,000 metres and opened a 50 metre lead, finally holding on to win by 30 metres. At the 1990 Commonwealth Games, Ngugi tried the same tactic, but tripped and fell at the end of the second lap and lost contact with the field. He actually caught back, and then opened a 40 metre gap by the bell, but was eventually caught by Australian Andrew Lloyd, who won by 0.08 seconds in a stunning finishing burst. Ngugi never again competed at a major international. In 1993 he refused to take an out-of-competition drug test and received a four-year suspension which effectively ended his competitive career.

Personal Best: 5000 – 13:11.14 (1990).