Gabriele Rosa, the man who shaped the careers of thousands of Kenyan runners, has announced his exit.
The 81-year-old came to the East African nation in 1991 thanks to an invite from an ex-Kenyan international Moses Tanui.
In over three decades that he spend in the country, Rosa nurtured many athletes including a number of world record brokers.
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On Sunday morning, February 12, the author of the book titled “Running Life” announced that he would be returning to Italy after his incredible achievements.
“But at 81 years now, I’m not young anymore. This should be my last visit to Kenya.
"I’m happy with what I’ve done in Kenya for the last 33 years. It’s time to go a bit slow now," he told Nation.
Some of the runners who became global superstars courtesy of the Italian International include the National Olympic of Kenya (NOC-K) President Paul Tergat, Robert Cheruiyot Mwafrika, Asbel Kiprop, and Nancy Lagat.
Others include Pamela Jelimo, the first Kenyan to win an Olympic gold medalist, Jemima Sumgong, Prisca Jeptoo, Mathew Kisorio, and Martin Lel.
The reigning women’s marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei, Rita Jeptoo, and Stanley Biwott also passed through his able hands.
Moreover, most of the best-performing training camps in Kenya were established by Rosa.
The camps are spread over the north rift region, including in Iten, Kaptagat, Kapsabet, and Kiptbauk.
One of his training camps is named in honour of the late Samuel Wanjiru, whose remarkable career was also shaped by him.
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