By Deborah Rono
The Athletics community faces yet another blow as former 3000 Metres Steeple Chase Record Holder Henry Rono passed away.
The 72-year-old succumbed to an illness yesterday at 10:30 am while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi South Hospital, where he had been hospitalized for the past ten days. The retired track and field athlete specialized in long-distance races and has an impressive list of accolades.
Rono represented Kenya in the Common Wealth African Games in Edmonton Canada in 1978 where he raised the Kenyan flag high as he bagged gold in the men’s 3000m steeple chase and the 5000m. He held the 3000-meter steeplechase record for over a decade.
The former athlete shattered the glass ceiling once again in 1981 when he achieved the world record for the 5000 meters.
The pinnacle of Rono’s running career occurred in the 1978 season. Remarkably, within just 81 days, he shattered four world records: 10,000 meters (27:22.5), 5000 meters (13:08.4), 3000 meters steeplechase (8:05.4), and 3000 meters (7:32.1). This extraordinary accomplishment stands unparalleled in the history of distance running.
Rono was unquestionably an impeccable athlete. Athletics Kenya eulogized Rono on X where the athlete’s death announcement was made. “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”
His regrettable passing occurs during a period when the nation is still grieving another exceptional athlete, the world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.