Former Kenyan athlete and former world record holder Henry Rono in dead.
Athletics Kenya confirmed his demise in a statement on Thursday, February 15, noting that he passed on at 10:30 am.
Further, the statement indicated that the former athlete was receiving treatment at Nairobi South Hospital where he had been hospitalized for the previous 10 days.
“Athletics Kenya is saddened to announce and notify the public of the demise of former Athlete Mr. Henry Rono which occurred today at 10.30am.
“He had been hospitalized at the Nairobi South Hospital for the past 10days,” the statement noted.
The Career of Henry Rono
Rono came to the limelight in his 20s in the 1970s, when he broke four world records in a period of 81 days.
His records were in the 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters and 3,000-meter steeplechase categories.
In addition, in 1976, he got shortlisted in the Montreal Olympics to participate in the 5,000 meters race but could not participate because the Kenyan government withdrew its participation in the event.
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“Rono is remembered as the former record holder for the 3000 meters steeplechase for over a decade. Rono also set the world record for the 5000 meters twice: once in 1978, then again in 1981.
“On behalf of 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 added.
Rono then got himself a new coach, John Chaplin in Washington and proceeded to break four other world records in 1978.
Henry Rono Downfall
However, Rono slid into alcoholism and could not keep track of his finances and bank accounts. He lost money on airplanes and repeatedly invested in failing projects set up by conmen.
He ended up in rehabilitation centers and started parking cars in Oregon County for work. At some point, Rono assisted people in wheelchairs at Albuquerque airport and rang church bells to earn a living.
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Rono ended up pursuing courses in writing and poetry and published a book in 2010.
In 2019, Rono appealed to the government of Kenya for help while in the United States noting that he could not afford an air ticket back home.
“I want a ticket back home, please. Yes, I would like the government to help me get back home by getting a ticket. I can’t afford living in the USA. I’m getting old. Also, being away for over 32 years is too long,” he said.
At the time, Kipchoge Keino offered to pay his ticket back home, where he spent his time training other upcoming athletes.
