Kipchoge Keino

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Kipchoge ‘Kip’ Keino, is a retired Kenyan distance runner, and emerged as one of Kenya’s first successful athletes in what followed as a long line of Kenyan running dominance. His most notable achievements were his 2 Olympic gold medals (1500m + 3000mSC) and his 2 Olympic silver medalist (5000m + 1500m) he won between the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. One of Kip’s rivals was well-known American miler, Jim Ryun; Kip defeated Jim in the 1968 1500m event despite arriving last minute having to run to the stadium due to his bus being stuck in traffic. Keino was raised by his aunt, after his parents passed away when he was young. He grew up herding goats and working on his family’s farm. Although at an early age Kip ran a lot, his main sport in school was rugby.

“When I started at primary school. 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. I did this every day until I left school.”

After school Kip joined the Kenyan police force as a fitness instructor. Eventually, he realize he needed something more physically challenging and chose to peruse running more seriously. Below is insight into Kipchoge ‘Kip’ Keino’s training.