Bayi: Athletic legend’s book out soon

TANZANIA’S athletics legend, Filbert Bayi is in final preparation to launch his book titled ‘Catch Me If You Can’, the legend announced on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters at his home in Kibaha, Coast region, Bayi said the book covers his lifetime career in athletics from his early schooldays to All Africa Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics, all events made him who is today.

He said the book was complete during the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England from July 28th to August 8th this year.

Adding he said the launch of his book aims to tell young Tanzanians what he did to the athletics and challenges he faced since beating Kipchoge Keino in 1500m race of All Africa Games in 1973, Club Games of Christchurch, New Zealand where he won gold medal in 1500m where beat John Walker of New Zealand and Ben Jipcho of Kenya.

Other races he excelled are 1 mile, 800m, and 3000m steeplechase.

“All these were great global level events and winning them heighten the image of Tanzania globally,” he said

Adding, Bayi said in those years they fought for the country not cash prizes as it is today.

Bayi, who also serves the Tanzania Olympic Committee as its Secretary General said athletics has lost its glorious era today and it’s fame is fading considerably.

Adding, Bayi said the book also pays homage his deceased wife, Anna Bayi, for her commitment to develop sports especially netball.

In his book, Bayi also mentions other athletics legends like Suleiman Nyambui and his coach Ron Davis for working closely to him in his entire career.