This archive report was first published on 23 November 2019.
On November 23, 2019, Kipchoge Keino was awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque for his outstanding contribution to the worldwide history and development of athletics.
At the age of 27, Keino made history at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he won the 1,500m gold medal, defeating American great Jim Ryun in the process.
Keino's victory marked a significant milestone in Kenya's athletics journey, with The New York Times describing it as the first chapter in Kenya's success story in distance running.
Keino's achievement was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport. He was awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque in Monaco, where he expressed his gratitude and happiness at being recognized for his passion.
"I am happy to be recognised for my passion. What happened then is still very vivid in my mind. I am happy that what I did then has impacted positively around the world," Keino said.
