Kenya’s former world record holder, Henry Rono, passed away at the age of 72 after a brief illness, Athletics Kenya confirmed on Thursday morning in Nairobi.
Rono etched his name in history during a remarkable feat in 1978 when he shattered four world records within a span of 81 days, setting new benchmarks in the 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, and 3000m steeplechase disciplines.
Notably, he also surpassed his own record in the 5000m in 1981.
After relocating to the United States in 1986, Rono resided there for more than three decades before returning to Kenya in 2019.
This news arrives amidst ongoing mourning for Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder, who tragically lost his life in a road accident last Sunday, further adding to Kenya’s and the world’s somber sentiments.