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Obituary: Concerning the Passing of Fujitsu Athlete Johana Maina

http://sports.jp.fujitsu.com/cs/news/detail/160723010226/1.html

translated and edited by Brett Larner
click here for more information on Maina's passing

Fujitsu men's long distance team member Johana Maina complained of not feeling well while on vacation back in his home country Kenya.  He was taken to a hospital but passed away suddenly on July 21, 2016.  We are deeply grateful for the kindness he showed in life and wish here to humbly pay our respects to his accomplishments.

Johana Maina, athlete
Dec. 24 1990 - July 21, 2016

 Personal Bests
5000 m: 13:25.24 (2015)     10000 m: 27:26.92 (2015)     half marathon: 1:01:19 (2016)

Major Accomplishments
2012: 1st, Sendai International Half Marathon, 1:01:34
2014: 1st, Sendai International Half Marathon, 1:01:43
          2nd, Kumanchi 30 km Road Race, 1:29:55
2015: 1st, Sendai International Half Marathon, 1:02:33
          2nd, Hachioji Long Distance 10000 m, 27:26.92 - 19th in world in 2015
2016: 2nd, National Corporate Half Marathon, 1:01:19

Comments from Fujitsu head coach Tadashi Fukushima
On July 19 Johana Maina returned to Kenya in good health, but on July 21 he abruptly passed away.  As an athlete he was just at the point where he was coming into his own, and it is a tremendous loss.

Maina joined us in 2012, and from the start his bright and friendly personality meant he fit in well on our team and was well-liked by everyone.  He had the desire and work ethic to try to get better, and lately he had reached the point where he was just about ready to race in international competitions, the point where you could expect more and more success.  In the ekidens he ran with the team he was always encouraging the other team members, saying, "Let's become the best!"

This news is a sad reality but it is one that we must face and accept.  I hope that as a team we can take up Johana's spirit of striving to be the best in pursuing our goals.  My sincere gratitude for all the words of support we have received.  Thank you.

Rest in peace.
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