Remembering Rugby Legend, Jonah Lomu

Athlete Jonah Lomu left an impact on the world of rugby, and his champion sportsmanship will not be forgotten. The international athletic community has lost a legendary sportsman.

Born on the 12th of May of 1975, Jonah Tali Lomu was the youngest member to play for New Zealand national men’s rugby union team, more commonly known as All Black. In 1994, he set this record at age 19, in a match against France. Lomu gained international attention after his appearance at the 1995 World Cup. His performance was ranked number 19 of 100 Greatest Sporting Moments, and made him the top player of the championship. The national New Zealand went on to the finals, where they lost to South Africa in extra-time. But, there is no doubt Lomu did more than his fair part to carry the team to the finals.

Though he never claimed the top prize at the World Cup, Lomu is a rugby superstar, nonetheless. In October of 2007, Lomu was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Later on, in 2011 he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Lomu also shares the record of all-time top try scorers, a title also held by Bryan Habana, of South Africa. Lomu was giving sportsman, and partook in charity games after his retirement. He was also a member of the Champions for Peace, a group of 54 athletes dedicated to spreading peace in the world through sports.

In late 1995, Lomu was diagnosed with the rare nephrotic syndrome. The diagnosis of this serious kidney disorder was detrimental to his athletic career, but Lomu didn’t let it stop him from playing. He kept playing, with occasional breaks to undergo dialysis treatment and recuperate. Wellington radio host Grant Kereama donated his liver to Lomu, who received a transplant on July 28th of 2004. Unfortunately, the kidney stopped functioning in 2011, four years after his retirement.

Lomu unexpectedly passed away on November 18th of this year, in Auckland, New Zealand. He is survived by wife Nadene, and their two sons. Though he has passed on, his legacy will remain forever.