The Kenyan Athletics Federation announced that Henry Rono, a long-distance runner who broke four world records in 81 days in 1978, passed away today at the age of 72. Between April and June 1978, Rono, a student at Washington State University in the United States and relatively unknown on the international stage, set world records in the 3000, 5000, 10000 meters, and 3000 meter steeplechase. However, Rono never competed in the Olympics due to Kenya's boycott of the 1976 and 1980 Games. His career was also shortened by alcoholism.
The Kenyan Athletics Federation stated, "On behalf of the executive committee of the Kenyan Athletics Federation and the athletics family, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences." The federation did not mention the cause of death but said that Rono had been in a hospital in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, for the past ten days. Rono's death comes as Kenyan athletes are still mourning the loss of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum (24 years old), who died in a traffic accident last Sunday.
Rono was born in 1952 in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, an area renowned for producing elite runners. He was unable to walk until the age of six due to a bicycle accident. He developed his talent as a runner while serving in the Kenyan army and was selected for the 3000 meter steeplechase and 5000 meters at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Kenya was among more than 20 African and Arab countries that boycotted the competition in protest against New Zealand’s participation, which had sporting ties with the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Rono was known for his unconventional running style and a diet largely composed of fast food and alcohol. After spending some time in the United States, he returned to Kenya a few years ago to coach young athletes.
