Filbert Bayi (born June 23, 1953) is a former middle-distance runner of the 1970s who set the world records for 1500 metres in 1974 and the mile in 1975. He is still the 1500 m Commonwealth Games record holder. The following writers have influenced us in one way or another. Godfrey Mwakikagile, Mohamed Said, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Julius Nyang'oro, Prof. Clement Ndulute, Prof. Frank Chiteji, Prof. Joseph Mbele, Prof. Issa Shivji, Jenerali Twaha Ulimwengu, Prof. Penina Mlama, Prof Chris Peter Maina, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere (you cant avoid this man, yuko kotekote), Adam Shafi, Dr. Malima M.P Bundala and Shaaban Robert.
But by greatest Tanzanian go to Suleiman Nyambui (born February 13, 1953). His remarkable history is inspiring. He won the silver medal in 5000 metres at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Nyambui had dropped out of school after primary education. He became a fisherman in Ukerewe District Mwanza Region where his potential as a good athlete was spotted by the Region's Athletic Organization.
In short, the organization helped in his training and afforded him facilities and guidance in making him a national and international athlete. This just shows that if talented people are offered facilities and guidance they can be the greatest not only nationally but also internationally. Nyambui also had joined the Tanzania National Service before he went to train as a teacher. He taught school at Bukumbi -twenty miles from Mwanza City - till he went to study in the United States for his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at UTEP.
Then, he took a contract to train Saudi Arabian athletes. After that he moved back to Tanzania. In between all these, he also did the followings:
- He won a bronze medal at the 1978 All-Africa Games, and twice (1987 and 1988) triumphed at the Berlin Marathon.
- Attended the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) from 1978 to 1982, where, as an older aged athlete (he was 29 when he graduated), he won four straight NCAA titles in the 10,000 meters one of only five Division I men to ever accomplish such a feat.
- He also won 3 straight NCAA titles in the 5,000 meters while at UTEP and was the 1980 NCAA Cross Country champion.
- In a memorable Millrose Games race in New York in February 1981, Nyambui broke the world indoor 5,000 meter record with a 13:20.4, just ahead of Alberto Salazar who broke the American indoor 5,000 meter record.