A 1500-meter gold medal victory at the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics saw Kipchoge Hezekiah Keino defeat the American favorite, Jim Ryun, by a 20-meter margin. This achievement remains the largest winning margin in the history of the event, marking a pivotal moment for Kenyan middle and long-distance running on the international stage.
Early Development and Transition to Athletics
Born on 17 January 1940 in Kipsamo, Nandi District, Keino was raised by an aunt following the death of his parents. His given name, Kipchoge, is a Nandi term signifying a birth near a grain storage shed. Following his formal schooling, he enlisted in the Kenya Police and participated in rugby before focusing exclusively on athletics.
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Keino debuted internationally at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth. By 1965, he broke the 3000-meter world record and the 5000-meter world record previously held by Ron Clarke. Throughout his career, he appeared in the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Summer Olympics. During the 1972 Munich Games, he secured a gold medal in the 3000-meter steeplechase and a silver in the 1500 meters. He retired from professional competition in 1973.
Administrative and Humanitarian Work
Keino served as chairman of the Kenyan Olympic Committee until 29 September 2017. Alongside his wife, Phyllis Keino, he established the Kip Keino Primary School in 1999 and the Kip Keino Secondary School in 2009 in Eldoret, Kenya, where he resides. He remains an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee and was inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame in 2012.
Recognitions and Honors
The University of Bristol awarded Keino an honorary Doctor of Law in 2007, and he later received the freedom of the city. In 2016, he became the inaugural recipient of the Olympic Laurel in Rio de Janeiro for his contributions to the Olympic movement. Additionally, an asteroid discovered in 1997, 39285 Kipkeino, was named in his honor in 2021.
Fast facts
- Born: 17 January 1940, Kipsamo, Kenya
- Olympic Medals: Two gold, two silver
- 1968 Mexico City Olympic event: 1500m gold, 5000m silver
- 1972 Munich Olympic event: 3000m steeplechase gold, 1500m silver
- IAAF Hall of Fame induction: 2012
- Olympic Laurel recipient: 2016
- Spouse: Phyllis Keino
- Asteroid namesake: 39285 Kipkeino
Questions readers ask
What humanitarian projects is Keino associated with?
He established the Kip Keino Primary School in 1999 and the Kip Keino Secondary School in 2009.
Was he involved in the Kenyan Olympic Committee?
Yes, he served as chairman of the Kenyan Olympic Committee until 29 September 2017.
Achievements
- Silver Olympic Order
- Olympic Laurel
- Competed at the 1968 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 1964 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics
