John Anzrah is a former Kenyan sprinter and athletics coach known for his contributions to the country’s sprinting scene. Over the years, he transitioned from being a competitive athlete to a coach, guiding young sprinters in Kenya. Despite facing challenges in his career, Anzrah remains a notable figure in Kenyan athletics.
Profile and Background
Born on October 27, 1954, John Anzrah made a name for himself in the world of sprinting, representing Kenya in multiple international competitions. He specialized in the 400m sprint and relay events, showcasing immense talent on the track. His participation in the 1984 Summer Olympics solidified his status as one of Kenya’s top sprinters.
After retiring from competitive athletics, he dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring, using his experience to train some of Kenya’s best up-and-coming sprinters.
Career and Achievements
Anzrah’s international career took off in the early 1980s when he represented Kenya in the 4x100m and 4x400m relay events at the 1983 World Championships. He gained further recognition in the 1984 Summer Olympics, competing in the 400m sprint. In 1987, he switched to the 200m event at the World Indoor Championships, showing his versatility as a sprinter.
Beyond the Olympics and World Championships, he also competed in the All-Africa Games, further cementing his reputation as one of Kenya’s top sprinters. At a time when Kenya was primarily known for its dominance in long-distance running, Anzrah helped shine a light on the country’s sprinting potential.
Following his retirement, he took up coaching and played a pivotal role in training young athletes, helping them refine their techniques and strategies. His mentorship and coaching contributions have had a lasting impact on Kenya’s sprinting development.
Challenges and Controversies
Anzrah’s career was not without controversy. His most significant challenge came during the 2016 Rio Olympics, when he was accused of impersonating Kenyan 800m runner Ferguson Rotich during a doping test. While he denied providing a urine sample, he admitted to using Rotich’s accreditation card to access meals at the Olympic Village.
The incident led to his immediate expulsion from the Kenyan Olympic team and raised concerns about management within the country’s athletics delegation. While Anzrah maintained that he never intended to deceive anti-doping officials, the controversy cast a shadow over his post-competitive career. Despite this, he continued working within athletics, focusing on coaching and mentoring young sprinters.
Net Worth in 2025
John Anzrah’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $100,000 and $500,000. While he may not be among the wealthiest Kenyan athletes, his earnings from competitions, coaching, and mentorship programs have contributed to his financial standing.
His financial journey includes earnings from race prizes, sponsorships, and later, coaching engagements. Though sprinting in Kenya is not as lucrative as long-distance running, growing interest in the sport has led to increased sponsorships and funding. Anzrah’s experience and reputation have positioned him as a valuable asset in the athletics world, helping him secure financial opportunities in training and consultancy roles.
Personal Life
John Anzrah comes from a family deeply involved in sports, making athletics a central part of his life. His late brother, Joe Kadenge, was one of Kenya’s most celebrated football legends, while his sister, Esther Kavaya, was also a sprinter and athletics coach.
Despite his public presence in the athletics world, Anzrah has kept his personal life relatively private. He is married and has children, but details about his family remain scarce.
Throughout his life, Anzrah has left a lasting impact on Kenyan athletics, both as a sprinter and a coach. His contributions continue to inspire young athletes, and despite the challenges he has faced, his legacy in the sport remains significant.
