Henry Rono broke four world records in a little over 81 days, solidifying his place in Kenyan long-distance running history.
Legendary Kenyan athlete Henry Rono, who in 1978 set four world records in a record-breaking 81 days, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.
The sport’s governing organization, Athletics Kenya (AK), released a statement stating that Rono, a long-distance running specialist, passed away at Nairobi South Hospital following a ten-day stay.
“On behalf of the Athletics Kenya Executive Committee and athletics fraternity, we wish to convey our sincere heartfelt condolence to his family, friends and the entire athletics fraternity during this trying moment,” AK stated in a statement.
The performances that Rono is most remembered for during the 1970s and 1980s broke records.
In just 81 days, he broke four world marks, winning the 10,000-, 5,000-, and two separate 3,000-meter races with remarkable timings.
For more than ten years, he was the world record holder in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and twice in the 5,000-meter event.
At the 1978 Commonwealth Games, Rono also took home gold in the 3,000- and 5,000-meter steeplechase events.
Regarding the circumstances behind the experienced athlete’s death, AK did not disclose any information.
Rono passed just a few days after Kelvin Kiptum, another legendary athlete from Kenya. Kiptum, a 24-year-old marathon runner, passed away in an accident on February 11.
