Champion Wanjiru commits suicide

Kenya Olympic marathon champion Sammy Wanjiru (24) committed suicide by jumping from a balcony shortly after a domestic dispute involving his wife and another woman. Wanjiru died on Sunday after jumping from a balcony at his home in the town of Nyahururu. Wanjiru's suicide jump came shortly after an argument with his wife. Wanjiru, who had been drinking, was with another woman in his home and was discovered by his wife. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Wanjiru became the first Kenyan to win a gold medal in the marathon, finishing with an Olympic-record of 2 hours, 6 minutes, 32 seconds.

Wanjiru had a history of domestic problems. He was charged with wounding his security guard with a rifle and threatening to kill his wife and maid. Wanjiru was the youngest runner to win 4 major marathons. He pulled out of the London Marathon in April because of a right knee injury.