In 1966, at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, Keino dominated and won the mile and three-mile runs. Later in that year, he broke the 5000 meters world record held by Ron Clarke, clocking 13:24.2. He won gold medals for the 1500 meters and 5000 meters at the first All-African Games. On 27 August 1965, Keino created a new world record for the 3000 meters by over 6 seconds to 7:39.6 in his first attempt. They later added their son Martin to their legacy. That year Keino’s greatest victory was that he married Phyllis his wife, life partner and biggest supporter. In 1964, he was part of the Tokyo Olympics where we finished fifth in the 5000 meters. In 1962, Keino started his journey by representing Kenya in the Commonwealth games in Australia where he came 11th in the three mile race. With each step he paved the way for future athletes to show their potential and make Kenya and her people proud No one, including Keino, realized that every instance and experience of his life was leading up to his breaking through social, racial, and sports barriers.Įvery experience was going to change history and the face of Kenyan athletics. In fact, the world belief was that distance running was better suited for “sophisticated” white runners. In those days Kenya was not the powerhouse for runners like it is today. However, he did this while still working full time. I did this every day until I left school.” When Keino wasn’t at school his chores included herding the family’s goats all over the hills.After leaving school, he joined the police as a physical training instructor. I ran in my bare feet four miles to school in the morning, home for lunch, again for afternoon school, and back at the end of the day. As Keino fondly recalls “when I started primary school. Regardless of this, ”Life” started him on the path of greatness from the age of 5. However, it was only later in his adult life that Keino took up the sport. Keino’s father, a long-distance runner, introduced his son to the sport.

Tragically, Keino lost his parents when he was young. His name, Kipchoge, is a Nandi language expression for “born near the grain storage shed”.

Keino was born in Kipsamo, Nandi District, Kenya on 17 January 1940.

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