Wainaina, who was based in Japan, finished third in the Olympic marathon in Atlanta in 1996 and second four years later and has now backed the Japanese capital to win its bid against Chicago, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro.

 

He said: “As an athlete, I am delighted to take part in Japan’s enthusiastic effort to bring the Games to Tokyo in 2016.

 

"The Tokyo 2016 Bid Committee has sought the advice of athletes at every step of developing its Games plan, aiming to create an ideal environment for athletes to achieve their full potential.

 

"I support Tokyo 2016 because I believe it will offer the best conditions to unite and inspire the world with a dynamic plan that sets the stage for heroes in the heart of Japan’s wonderfully safe and vibrant capital.”

 

His comments came as a senior delegation of Tokyo officials arrived in the Nigerian capital to address delegates attending the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) General Assembly.

 

The team will be led by Dr Ichiro Kono, the chairman and chief executive of Tokyo 2016, and also include Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda and Yuko Arakida, a member of the Japanese volleyball team that won the gold in the 1976 Montreal Games.

 

Kono said: “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to visit Abuja and meet with the African Olympic Family to explain how we will provide ANOCA members with a highly professional plan that meets their reflects and concerns as a result of talking with NOCs (National Olympic Committees) around the world.
 

“Japan remains a key partner of African nations, and sport provides us with a universal bond to bring our nations closer together.

 

"Tokyo 2016 indeed will unite our worlds and offer African heroes superb conditions for training and competition.
 

“We are thankful to Eric Wainaina of Kenya for contributing his great Olympic experience and passion to our bid.

 

"In working with athletes like Eric, we are confident that their wisdom has enabled us to offer a fantastic Games plan.”