Perhaps more than anything else, Kenya is re-known all over the world for its track and field athletes. Since the 1960s, Kenya has produced more world class athletes, more world record holders and more Olympic
Medallists in long distance running than any other country. Kenya's history in Track and field goes back to 1951 when the Kenya Amateur Athletics Association was formed. Soon it became apparent that Kenya had a reservoir of talent which if tapped could produce several world
Class runners.
At the Rome Olympics of 1964, Wilson Kiprugut Chuma became the first Kenyan ever to win an Olympic medal when he won a bronze in the 800 meters. At the Mexico Olympics of 1968, Naphatali temu became Kenya’s first ever Olympic gold medallist when he won the 10,000m. But it was Kipchoge Keino's heroic achievement that was most memorable. Keino was at the time suffering from gallstones and participated in the Olympics against his doctor’s advice. He finished second in the 5000m and in the 10,000m he collapsed with only a few laps to go. He thus opted out of the 1500m final, which was to be run the following day, only to change his mind a few minutes before the race began. He then jogged from his hotel room and arrived just in time to start the race. He won the race in style finishing 20 meters ahead of the field. Kip Keino is the only Kenyan sportsman ever to appear on the Cover of world famous sports magazine, "Sports Illustrated" (December 21 1987).
Kip Keino celebrates victory at Mexico 68.
Kipchoge Keino and Ben Jipcho finished first and second in the steeplechase. Perhaps the most remarkable feat ever achieved by a Kenyan was Henry Rono's 5 records in 50 days achieved in 1978 when he set a world record in every track event from the 800m to the 10,000m. As luck would have it, Ronoh was unable to parlay his talents at the Olympics, as Kenya did not participate in either the 76 or the 80 Olympics. This long layoff affected Kenya negatively come the 84 Olympics, Kenya achieved only 2 track medals : Julius Korir's gold in the 3000m steeplechase and Charles Musyoki's bronze in the 10,000m.
In 1986, John Ngugi started a legacy by winning the first of his 5 Men’s Cross country championships At the 4th All Africa games in 1987, Kenya showed its track prowess by winning every men’s long distance event. At the world championships of 1987, Billy Konchellah defied asthma and tuberculosis to win the gold medal in one of the most heroic performances ever. Douglas Wakihuri emerged from obscurity to win the marathon , while Paul Kipkoech beat a strong field to win the 10,000 meters.
At the Seoul Olympics of 1988, Kenya's track team won four gold medals in what was Kenya's most memorable performance. John Nugget finished nearly 100 meters ahead of the field in 5000 meters. Julius kariuki and Peter koech finished first and second in the steeplechase, Peter Rono won the 1500m in spectacular fashion, while in the 800 meters, Nixon Kiprotich and Paul Ereng gave a clinic in teamwork to ensure that Ereng won the gold medal. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Kenya completed a clean sweep of the steeplechase , led by Mathew Birir.
Susan Sirma became the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic medal when she won a bronze in the 1500 meters. Samson kitur became the first Kenyan to win an medal in a sprint event when he finished third in the 400 meters. William Tanui and Nixon Kiprotich finished first and second in the 800 meters. Sally Barsosio became the first Kenyan woman to win a world title when she won the 10,000 meters at the World championships of 1997.
The 96 Olympics in Atlanta was a relative let down for Kenya, with only one gold medal by Moses Tanui who led to other Kenyans to a clean sweep. Pauline Konga won a silver medal in the women’s 5000 meters. Besides dominating the track, Kenyan athletes notably John Ngugi and Paul Tergat have dominated the world cross country championships, winning the team title consecutively for more than a decade. Athletes such as Moses Tanui, Ibrahim Hussein and Cosmas Ndeti have stamped their names on prestigious marathons all over the globe such as the New York marathon and the London Marathon. Kenyan athletes have also dominated big money road races all over the globe , leading to resentments by other athletes and sponsors who tried to bar Kenyans from competing in such races.
Elijah Lagat is among the latest Kenyan track sensations having won the Boston marathon in 2000.
Catherine Ndereba surprised many when she won Boston 2000.
Noah Ngeny and Joseph Lagat literally ambushed wordl record holder, Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco to win the 1500 metres.