Henry Rono's Greatest Year In Athletics

In 1978 Kenyan Henry Rono set the World’s tracks a blaze with a succession of World distance running records - 3000m 7:32.1 Oslo); 5000m 13:08.4 (Berkeley); 10,000m 27:22.47 Vienna; 3000m Steeplechase 8:05.4 (Seattle) - fulfilling one of his two dreams, to become a track champion.
Though Rono was to run another 5000m record (13:06.20 - Knarvik) in 1981, his running that summer of 1978 resembled a comet, a sudden brilliant light which quickly vanished from view. Rono was burnt out before he really began. Quickly sinking from athletics brilliance into the pit of alcoholism, Rono bravely battled to bring the second of his dreams, that of becoming a professional teacher into reality.

[@nigelparish2631]

Im 53 and rono got me hooked on athletics. Just before coe and ovett

[@MyBlessed83]

He has rested... Rip legend

[@degreeO]

He was a brilliant athlete, a gentleman and a scholar. World record holder in the 3000m, 3000m Steeplechase, 5000m, and 10000m, he outran everything but Kenya's decision to boycott Montreal 1976 and Moscow 1980. In the end, he was also undone by alcohol.

[@karismadeorioks8016]

Truly a legend🇰🇪🙌🏿💐

[@bernicemoore5182]

RIP LEGEND!

[@randyevermore9323]

Just to add a little context, he ran his steeple record during a dual meet with the University of Washington at the UW's Husky Stadium. It was a windy and rainy day (of course -- it's Seattle, after all), and the stands were nearly empty. Despite the conditions, Hank lopped a full 2.6 seconds off the previous record in what was, of course, a completely solo effort. Second place was 8:36.

[@runningbroscience1534]

Hank? Is that his nickname?

[@randyevermore9323]

@@runningbroscience1534 Well that's what some of us of that generation of runners called him (Hank for Henry is like Bob for Robert, at least in the U.S.).

[@runningbroscience1534]

@@randyevermore9323 fitting name :)

[@bfc3057]

Too many people in bars wanted to buy Henry a drink, but Henry was in too many bars.

[@warrencundy]

He was a Champion but that University made him run to many races like 1978 his great year that 4 world records he competed in over 40 races omg 40 from there on he was never the same Athlete again

[@johnstirling6597]

Surely they had a car to drive him "to" the races.🤣