Kipchoge Keino is one of the most famous athletes in all of Kenyan sports. In 1968, Kip Keino won the gold medal in the 1,500 meters in a huge surprise to WR holder Jim Ryun. Kip raced internationally from 1959 to 1974. In 1968, Kip Keino won the 1,500 meters, ad took silver in the 5000 meters. This was with a gall bladder attack, which forced him to collapse two laps before the 10,000 meter final in 1968. In 1972, Kip Keino won the steeplechase and took second in the 1,500 meters! His battle in the 1,500 meters, against Pekka Vasala from Finland is a YouTube phenomenon. Watch Vasala and Keino battle over teh last 800 meters, run in a then unheard of 1:48, together, step after step! Keino won gold three times in the Commonwealth Games: over Mile in 1966 and 3 miles in 1966 as well. In 1970, Kip Keino won the gold over 1,500 meters and took silver in the 5,000 meters in an iconic race with Ian Stewart. I was fortunate to meet “Kip” Keino at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Mr. Keino was there to speak at the Kenyan Marathon dinner, now in its 18th year. Kip Keino graciously spoke to RunBlogRun. This is the first part of a multi part interview produced by the Shoe Addicts on this most iconic of Kenyan athletes, Kipchoge Kip Keino is currently the president of the Kenyan Olympic Committee.
