Reading praise from all the people who never even met David makes me feel all the more blessed to not only have met him, but to have been in his company for an afternoon at the 2001 Alabama Relays. As anyone who runs in the south knows, kenyans abound on many of the teams, and most meets turn into kenyan powwows of a sort. I had followed Kimani's success since his win as a freshman at XC nationals, and naturally, I eagerly followed the kenyans on my team up to the top of the stands where David was sitting with a group of people. I was in awe of this runner who was so far above what I had ever dreamed of accomplishing. Yet, he was jovial and not at all arrogant. I was suprised at how approachable he was, and I even got to share lunch with him and the other kenyans at a fast-food chicken restaurant across the street from the track. Somebody already mentioned how they couldn't believe a runner who was so fast could walk so slow. That's exactly what I thought as we walked from the track to a place just across the street. Whether it was from acknowledging the multitude of acquaintances who greeted David, or simply from enjoying a leisurely walk, as he did all things in life, Kimani did walk exceedingly slow. I didn't mind at all though, as just being in the presence of this joyful person imparted upon me, if only for a short time, a great appreciation for life.
Later, we were in our hotel room awaiting a call, as the kenyans on the team were heading over to Kimani's place for dinner, and I once again hoped to tag along. It was about 10 PM and they informed me that kenyan dinners start late as it takes a while to prepare the meat. Eventually, I left due to tiredness and because I was running in the 4x15 the next day. Due to my extreme bad luck, no sooner had I left than David arrived to get the kenyans and take them to his house. Well, several of my teammates had planned to throw water on me as a prank, and upon hearing that I was in the kenyans' room, they charged in soaking everything in sight, including Kimani! I heard about this the next morning and couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of an NCAA champion being drenched with water that was intended for me. I was even able to talk to David about it and share a laugh with him over the incident. He was so cheerful and good-natured about it. He laughed off my apology and called it a "good joke."
I can't believe he's gone, but we will hold in our hearts forever the memory of him and his smiling face.
We love you David, and we won't ever forget you.