“Kip”: The Goat Herder Who Didn’t Want To Be Late

Born Kipchoge Hezekiah “Kip” Keino on 17 January 1940 in Nandi county, this long-distance runner was the first-ever recipient of the Olympic Laurel, a distinction created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This award recognises individuals for their achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sport.

1965 was the year that brought Kip into the athletics limelight. He took centre stage as he broke the standing 3,000 metre world record by over six seconds in his first attempt at the distance. Additionally, he won two gold medals in the 1,500 and 5,000 metre events at the inaugural All-Africa Games. 

Later that year he shattered the 5,000 metre world record held by Ron Clarke. During the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, Kip won both the 1 mile run and 3 mile run. He went on to dominate at the following Commonwealth Games as well, by winning gold in the 1,500 metres and bronze in the 5,000 metres.

The 1968 Olympics in Mexico City was very interesting for Kip and for Kenya. He was suffering from gallstones and, before running the 10,000 metre race, was advised not to run by the Doctor, who said he risked causing himself serious harm and even death. He defied the Doctor’s orders and ran - and collapsed while he was leading the race with only three laps remaining. 

He finished the race but was disqualified as he had stepped off the track while running. During the same Olympics, on the bus to the stadium for his 1,500 metre race, they got caught up in traffic.

Kip alighted from the bus and ran the remaining 2 miles to the Olympic stadium while carrying his equipment. He made it in time to register with 20 minutes to get ready and make it to the starting lineup for the race. 

He went ahead to win gold in the race, defeating American favourite and world record holder Jim Ryun by 20 metres. This was the largest winning margin in the history of the 1,500 metres. During the same Olympics, he won a silver medal in the 5,000 metres.

Four years later, in Munich during the 1972 Summer Olympics, he won gold in the 3,000 metres steeplechase and silver in the 1,500 metres.

After retiring from competitive athletics in 1973, Kipchoge Keino opened a home for orphaned children.  In 1999 he started the Kip Keino School, in an isolated region that lacked schools, offering more than 300 children between the ages of 6 to 13 the chance to get an education. In 2002, he opened the Kip Keino High Performance Training Centre, welcoming the most promising athletes in Kenya. 

Kip's achievements are extraordinary and his legacy is a testament to all children that they too can become world champions.