Kip Keino, an uncoached Nandi tribesman from Kenya, burst onto the world track and field scene at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. There he had a legendary showdown with Jim Ryun of the United States.
Ryun, a heavy favorite, hadn't been beaten in the 1500 meters in over three years. Then, on the day of the race, Keino got caught in traffic on the way and was forced to jog the last mile to the stadium. Still, Keino won the race by an astounding 20 meters!
Four years later at the Munich Games, after placing second in the 1500 meters, he entered the 3000-meter steeplechase and won the gold medal, setting an Olympic record.
But Keino remained humble and used his fortune to help others. Although famous enough to ride in limousines, he chose instead to drive an old four-door Nissan with a busted speedometer and no hubcaps.
Over the years, Kip and his wife, Phyllis, have taken in more than 100 orphaned and abandoned children and given them hope and love.
Keino says, "I came into this world with nothing. I will leave with nothing. While I'm here, I should be mindful of those people who need help."
-bill mccartney
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