This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
November 20, 2019, marked a significant day for Kenyan athletics as track legend Henry Rono returned home after a 33-year absence. The scene was reminiscent of the Biblical prodigal son, but with a twist – Rono's son Calvin and uncle David Meli were there to receive their father and brother, who struggled to recognize them.
At 37, Calvin was four years old when Rono left for the United States in 1986. Rono's uncle, David Meli, was 10 years old at the time. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where Rono arrived, looked much different from when he left.
"I feel fresh like a new-born baby," Rono said. "It has not been easy staying away for three decades, but I was mentally and physically prepared for this moment. It's a long time, but I am happy to be back home."
Rono's return home was a result of his efforts to quit drinking completely five years ago. He had been in and out of alcoholism rehabilitation centers since 1986, when he moved to the United States to revive his career. However, poor form, corrupt agents, and alcoholism worsened his situation.
"Sports management in Kenya and abroad was poor with no structures to support athletes, especially Africans," Rono said. "As a young man with a lot of money, I wasn't getting the support I needed or advice from anyone, not even the Kenya Amateur Athletics Association."
Rono blamed racism and rogue managers for his struggles. "No one wanted to manage me openly because of the racism and early discrimination in the first world countries," he said.
Despite his historic achievements, including breaking four world records in 1978, Rono's life took a turn for the worse. He was reduced to working as a security guard at the local airport in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he used to reside.
