Novmber 7 - Olympic marathon champion Sammy Wanjiru (pictured) is threatening to quit the country over fears he is being targetted by criminals because of the money he has earned from being successful.

 

Wanjiru's home in Nyahururu has twice been burgled by robbers and the high earning athlete is adamant unless the Government makes much needed improvements in rural areas he will quit the country.
 
The 22-year-old seven years ago moved to Japan undertaking a scholarship at Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School and after graduating remained there for a couple of years competing for the Toyota Kyushu athletics team.

 

Wanjiru, who became the first Kenyan ever to win the Olympic marathon title in Beijing last year, criticised current security measures after returning hom from New York where he was crowned World Marathon Majors (WMM) champion picking up a cheque for $500,000 (£300,000).

 

Wanjiru's  huge pay out for his WMM success came only three weeks after lifting the Chicago Marathon title which earned him in prize money and bonus for a course record plus his appearance fee in total estimated at $425,000 (£256,000).
 

He said: "I have a big name in Japan and if I go there I will be comfortable"

 

 

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