Journey to redemption: Henry Rono back in Kenya after alcoholism battle

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3 жыл бұрын

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Пікірлер: 9

@rhodeskip 4 ай бұрын

He is the G. O. A. T of Kenyan distance running to me. I was hoping to meet him one day for chat. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

@felixhabibi 13 күн бұрын

From mkurugenzi abel stories

@thuraku 3 жыл бұрын

You have overcome my brother, just stay focused.

@leomurillo2478 4 ай бұрын

What terrible and sad and shocking news. I was very sad about this. He was one of the main runners of my generation. He was and always will remain as one of my running heroes. I remember so well that in 1983, he came to compete at a cross country race in New York City at Belmont racetrack. At that time the USATF (at that time it was the AAU) was bidding to have the world's cross-country championships right here in the United States and the world governing track decided that yes, the next world cross country championship will be held in the United States. At that time the AAU was working closely with the New York Road Runners club (and since the NYRR had the money and organization) they decided to work together on this where it should be held. So Fred Lebow (NYRR officials) and the officials of the AAU began to scout for a place to have the World Cross Country Championships. So they though that maybe that Van Cortland Park (Bronx) New York (the mecca of cross country in the United States) was a possibility as a course but it was not spectator friendly, no parking space, nor any athletic facilities etc. So they had a problem. But then, they thought about some of the cross-country events in Europe where they would have some of their events in the horse racetracks. So Fred Lebow thought about having it at the Meadowlands in New Jersey (horse track) which after they applied the had an approval. But they wanted to prepare for it and had an event to see how they would handle it. But they could not use the facility a year ahead to test it (Meadowlands) but they wanted to test and prepare a horse track by bringing in horse hay for the runners to jump on around the course inside and around the horse track and placing a couple artificial "hills" along the course (inside the track and outside the track). So they staged a race in which many top American runners came to race, including Eamonn Coghlan the Irish (miler) runner and also HENRY RONO! This was the years that Henry was no longer a top runner (he was beginning to show his decline) and was not invited to run in many events as a result of his drinking issues. Many other top American cross-country runners were also invited. They had 4 races, the top men and women event and the other two for the open sections. I wanted to see Henry. When I got to the racetrack, I looked for Henry (there were others there top runners) but no sight of Henry. Just before my race, wanted to go for a warmup but did not want to do it on the track, I wanted to be by myself and began to concentrate on my race. So I went for a warmup outside the racetrack and who do I see getting to warm up, Henry! He looked very muscular build especially his legs, barrel chested but with a pump belly!! he looked more like a boxer. I thought of going over to talk to him but decided to leave him alone and not bother him. Then he started to run for his warmup and I followed (from behind about 20 yards) I followed him for about 3 to 4 miles, and I thought that I was racing already, and he was just warming up. He was warming up quite fast around 6 minute per mile. I went and ran in my open race section. After finishing the race, I went over to see the main event where Rono was competing. The race (his race) was incredible, he was so powerful and smooth, he made look so easy the whole way. Right from the beginning he was always at the front. The race was a 10k. They went the first mile around 4:30!! with jumps and hills and muddy horse racetrack. They passed the 5k under 14:00 minutes. Henry looked awesome with pump belly and all. He and Eamonn dropped the rest of the field around the 7 kilometers mark. But Eamonn did not let him go (which I was surprised since Eamon was a miler and maximum 5.000 meters runner-(world champion in the 5000 in 1983) Nevertheless, Rono would surge but Eamonn would not let him go and then with 300 meters to go Eamon pulled a surprise and beat Henry! I could not believe my eyes! Henry left the track quickly and Eamonn stayed for the interview with ABC sports. The success of this event, solidified for the AAU (USATF) and the New York Road Runners Club that this event could be held at the Meadowlands the next year in 1984. I left for home bewildered. I had just witnessed one of my heroes and one of the greatest athletes in distance running. Rest in Peace Henry, we will always admire and love you man.