The renowned Kenyan long-distance runner, Henry Rono, has passed away at the age of 72.
According to Athletics officials, Rono, who famously set four world records within 81 days, died on Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Rono was a student at Washington State University in the United States when he blazed the track with four world records in 1978 in the 3,000m, 5,000 m and 3,000m steeplechase disciplines.
“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,” Athletics Kenya said.
He “was one of the best long-distance athletes Kenya has ever produced,” two-time Olympic gold medalist and Kenya’s former Olympic committee chief Kipchoge Keino told AFP.
“It’s unfortunate he didn’t compete in the 1980 Olympic Games; he would easily have come home with at least two gold medals.”
Athletics Kenya said Rono had been hospitalised for the past 10 days.
Rono, who at one time lived in a car park in the US, returned to Kenya in 2019 after three decades, according to media reports.
“I was a baby when Henry left the country. I’m now 43,” his brother told Kenya’s The Standard newspaper at the time.