Legendary track/field athlete Henry Rono shocked the world when he set four world records in 81 days. But he couldn’t win the race of personal relationships.
Late athlete Henry Rono wife, Jennifer Jepkemboi, often remained behind the limelight. But could it be that their marriage was not good?
From Kenya’s Rift Valley To The Tracks
- Henry Rono was Kenya’s track and field athlete born on February 12, 1952, in Nandi Hills, Colony and Protectorate of Kenya.
- His mother’s name is Chemaiyo, while his father died when Henry was very young.
- From 1976 to 1979, Rono attended Washington State University in Pullman. During his All-American college career, he won six NCAA titles between track and cross country.
- Henry was mentored on the Palouse by the head coach, John Chaplin. Later, he enrolled at Washington State University and became the only third-runner in history after Gerry Lindgren and Steven Prefontaine.
- He became the third runner to win three times in the NCAA Cross Country Championship in 1976, 1977, and 1979.
A Look At Henry Rono’s Career
The year 1978 proved to be a milestone in Rono’s athletic career. He broke four world records, including the 10,000m, 5,000m, 3,000m steeplechase, and the 3000m in the history of distance running.
That year, the athlete won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Edmonton for the 5000 m and 3000 m steeplechase.
One of the athlete’s other notable efforts was a steeplechase/5000 m double in a single day during qualifying at the University of Oregon at Hayward Field in Eugene.
Henry never quit as dominant and continued to run and compete at the same level for the next four years. His country, Kenya, boycotted in 1976 and 1980, so he never competed at the Olympics.
In 1984, Rono was not competing, and after turning 55 in 2007, Rono attempted to break the 55-59 age group world masters mile record.
Later, Henry coached high school athletes and was co-owner of Rhinow Corp and Turbo Health Care Service Inc.
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Love-Hate Relationship Of Henry Rono Wife
A man can’t win two races at once, and Henry couldn’t balance his career and marriage. In his book Olympic Dream, Henry mentioned how his wife and children supported him in his sports career.
Despite being married to a celebrity, Henry Rono wife, Jennifer Jepkemboi, rarely talks about her husband. But why is that?
As per reports, Rono shared an estranged relationship with his life partner. However, the renowned athlete died on February 15, 2024. The news was made public by Jennifer.
In his book, Henry revealed that he spent so much time in the United States while leaving a wife and family back in Kenya. Therefore, his relationship with Jennifer and their children transpired much worse.
In 2019, when Henry returned home to Kenya, he sought a coaching position befitting his stature. However, he stayed outside the contact with his family.
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Henry Rono Children
Henry and his spouse shared two children together: a daughter, Maureen Jepchumba, and a son, Calvin Kipkorir. Unfortunately, their son, Nixon Kipngetich (b:1980), died in 1984 due to cancer.
The reason for the couple’s separation was that Henry focused on his career more than his family, and after their separation, they were not in touch with each other.
Henry Rono often used to miss his family and wanted his family back.
Although the athlete is no longer with us, he will always be remembered as one of the most prolific collegiate competitors.
FAQs
Q. When was Henry Rono born?
A. He was born on February 12, 1952.
Q. When did Henry Rono die?
A. He died on February 15, 2024.
Q. What sport did Henry Rono specialize in?
A. He specialized in various long-distance running events.
