Last Sunday, Henry Rono said that he doesn’t regret anything from his past. 44 years ago, Rono, now 70, broke several world records in track. Addiction later cast a large shadow over his life.
Rono established world records in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, 5,000-meter sprint, 10,000-meter run, and three more events. However, decades later, Rono hardly notices the significance of these achievements. He is most fond of a time later in life when he enrolled at a community college and mastered English, which had escaped him for a very long time.
“Running to me was second nature,” he said. “Education was my weakness.”
Tragic events characterized Rono’s younger years. He was not able to walk until age six, due to a bicycle accident. Around that time, his father was killed in a tractor accident, which caused the family to struggle. Rono attended school intermittently for years as his mother struggled to pay the tuition. By the time he finished school at age 19, he had been interested in running because of Kipchoge Keino, who won the 1,500-meter event at the 1968 Olympics.
“Henry’s such a more complex and endearing figure than he’s usually depicted,” said Tomas Radcliffe, a professor of English at Central New Mexico Community College, who edited Rono’s self-published memoir. “His goals and motivations are pure to him. That may be the most exceptional thing about him.”
Rono was dealing with many troubles on the inside despite having a college degree and a contract with Nike. Disappointed by conflict with athletics officials, he started drinking more frequently. He handled money carelessly, just like many other Kenyan celebrities of later generations: He misplaced track of bank accounts, had money stolen from him on airplanes, and was duped into making disastrous investments. He soon found himself flying between alcohol recovery centers and the guest rooms of friends as he traveled throughout the country.
However, there were times that were brighter. He worked as a special-education teacher and coach in the 1990s after relocating to New Mexico. He coached college players and was asked to help the country produce athletes of the highest standard. Running enthusiasts Kris Houghton and Solomon Kandie referred to him as a “wise sage” who has a great respect for hills and the mental challenges of the sport.
Running, he said, opened a path: to a world beyond Kiptaragon village, and to an unexpected route back.
Source: https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1657470344211x675123863612799400/Henry%20Rono%E2%80%99s%20Long%20Road%20Back%20Home%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
Rono established world records in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, 5,000-meter sprint, 10,000-meter run, and three more events. However, decades later, Rono hardly notices the significance of these achievements. He is most fond of a time later in life when he enrolled at a community college and mastered English, which had escaped him for a very long time.
“Running to me was second nature,” he said. “Education was my weakness.”
Tragic events characterized Rono’s younger years. He was not able to walk until age six, due to a bicycle accident. Around that time, his father was killed in a tractor accident, which caused the family to struggle. Rono attended school intermittently for years as his mother struggled to pay the tuition. By the time he finished school at age 19, he had been interested in running because of Kipchoge Keino, who won the 1,500-meter event at the 1968 Olympics.
“Henry’s such a more complex and endearing figure than he’s usually depicted,” said Tomas Radcliffe, a professor of English at Central New Mexico Community College, who edited Rono’s self-published memoir. “His goals and motivations are pure to him. That may be the most exceptional thing about him.”
Rono was dealing with many troubles on the inside despite having a college degree and a contract with Nike. Disappointed by conflict with athletics officials, he started drinking more frequently. He handled money carelessly, just like many other Kenyan celebrities of later generations: He misplaced track of bank accounts, had money stolen from him on airplanes, and was duped into making disastrous investments. He soon found himself flying between alcohol recovery centers and the guest rooms of friends as he traveled throughout the country.
However, there were times that were brighter. He worked as a special-education teacher and coach in the 1990s after relocating to New Mexico. He coached college players and was asked to help the country produce athletes of the highest standard. Running enthusiasts Kris Houghton and Solomon Kandie referred to him as a “wise sage” who has a great respect for hills and the mental challenges of the sport.
Running, he said, opened a path: to a world beyond Kiptaragon village, and to an unexpected route back.
Source: https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1657470344211x675123863612799400/Henry%20Rono%E2%80%99s%20Long%20Road%20Back%20Home%20-%20The%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
