Wilfred Bungei, Kenya's Olympic 800m champion, has been sober for 14 years and 11 days. He marks the days since his last drink on September 20, 2012, a period that followed a struggle with alcoholism after his retirement from athletics. Bungei's journey to sobriety began after his children refused to get into his car because he was too drunk. This incident served as a wake-up call, prompting him to seek help.
Bungei's athletic career was marked by significant achievements, including winning Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008 by five hundredths of a second. He was one of the fastest 800m runners on earth for seven years, between 2001 and 2008. However, he faced challenges in his personal life after retiring from athletics. Bungei slipped into alcoholism, which he describes as a disease with only three possible outcomes: rehabilitation, death, or jail. He chose rehabilitation and has since become an advocate for sobriety.
Bungei's decision to seek help was influenced by his children, who were affected by his addiction. He recalls that his children, whom he refers to as the Al-Anons, went through hell while he was drinking. The experience took a toll on his family, and it took time for them to recover. Bungei's journey to sobriety was not easy, but he has managed to stay sober for 14 years. He credits his counsellor, Fatima, at the Nairobi Place rehabilitation centre in Karen, for helping him change his perspective on life.
Bungei's rehabilitation experience was eye-opening. He was recognised immediately at the centre, and his counsellor, Fatima, played a significant role in his recovery. Bungei had checked into the programme for six weeks but initially wanted to leave after five days. However, the other inmates voted against his early discharge, which turned out to be a turning point in his recovery. He has since become close to Fatima, whom he respects like no other.
After his rehabilitation, Bungei opened a hotel with a bar, which his counsellor initially thought was a recipe for relapsing. However, Bungei was determined to stay sober and has managed to do so for 14 years. He no longer lives by the stopwatch and has moved on from his athletic career. Bungei is now a father, farmer, entrepreneur, and World Athletics commentator. He has also tried politics but is now looking for other ways to contribute to society.
Bungei's Olympic gold medal is now memorabilia, not his identity. He is focused on his current life and no longer wishes to live in the shadow of his past achievements. Bungei counts himself lucky and is grateful for the support of his family and counsellor. He believes that athletes need a transition plan after retirement to avoid ending up in unfamiliar territory. Bungei's story serves as an inspiration to those struggling with addiction and those transitioning from a high-profile career.
Today, Bungei is a successful farmer and entrepreneur, with a focus on his family and community. He has come a long way from his days as a professional athlete and is now giving back to society through his various endeavours. Bungei's 14-year sobriety milestone is a testament to his hard work and determination. He continues to be an advocate for sobriety and a role model for young athletes.
Key points
- Wilfred Bungei has been sober for 14 years and credits his counsellor, Fatima, for helping him change his perspective on life.
- Bungei's journey to sobriety began after his children refused to get into his car because he was too drunk.
- He has moved on from his athletic career and is now a father, farmer, entrepreneur, and World Athletics commentator.
