Henry Rono, Kenyan Legend Who Set Five World Records, Dies at 72

[Sewa]

Rono grew up in Kenya’s Rift Valley, and as his talent for running began to emerge, he joined the Kenyan army, which allowed him time for training. In 1976, when he was 24, he moved to Pullman, Washington, to run for Washington State University.

There, he won NCAA cross-country titles in 1976, 1977, and 1979, an indoor 3,000-meter track title in 1977, and outdoor 3,000-meter steeplechase crowns in 1977 and 1978.

Over a stunning period from April through June 1978, Rono was untouchable at a range of distances. He first set the 5,000 meter world record, on April 8, at a meet in Berkeley, California, running 13:08.4, and lowering the existing record by more than 4 seconds.

A month later, on May 13 in Seattle, Rono ran 8:05.4 in the steeplechase.

The third record Rono set was in the 10,000 meters. On June 11 in Vienna, his 27:22.47 lowered the existing mark by 8 seconds.

Later that month, on June 27 at the Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway, Rono ran 7:32.1 to set the record for 3,000 meters.

Rono never competed in the Olympics, as Kenya boycotted the Games in 1976 and 1980, when he was at his peak.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/henry-rono-kenyan-legend-who-set-five-world-records-dies-at-72/ar-BB1ilmO8

[MomInTheCrowd]

1. Got to talk with him a few times. Wonderful guy

He worked as a skycap in Albuquerque for years - Would seek him out if I passed through.