Enlarge image
Long distance runner Henry Rono
Photo: Sven Simon / IMAGO
Former track and field star Henry Rono is dead. The Kenyan runner, who once managed to set four world records in four different running disciplines within three months, died in a Nairobi hospital at the age of 72.
Rono's star rose in 1978 when he won the 3000 meter steeplechase and 5000 meter titles at the Commonwealth Games. In the same year he started his impressive world record series:
Within 81 days he improved the records over 300 meters,
3000 meter obstacle,
5000 meters
and 10,000 meters and was considered the upcoming long-distance superstar.
Even then, however, he was struggling with psychological difficulties that temporarily forced him to interrupt his career. It wasn't until 1981 that he made a comeback, once again setting a world record over 5000 meters in 13:06.20 minutes. He then switched to the marathon route, but was no longer able to confirm his top performances there.
Alcohol became his problem in the following years. The International Athletics Federation IAAF even had to bail him out of prison. Rono could no longer get his life under control and he temporarily lived in a homeless shelter. It was only after alcohol withdrawal that he found his way back into sport and worked as a trainer in the USA and Kenya. In 2008 he was awarded the Inspirational Award by the IAAF at a world gala.
Aha