Ben Jipcho

Two-time Olympian, Ben Jipcho was a Kenyan middle-distance runner who competed at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games. With a reputation of being one of the foremost “rabbits’ on the track, Jipcho selflessness was best displayed in his efforts in the 1500 metres at Mexico City 1968. Despite the fact that he could have run to win the race, he ran a blistering 56-second first 400 metres as a rabbit for his teammate Kip Keino negating the finishing kick of the American favourite Jim Ryun, and capturing the gold medal, with Ryun in second. At Munich 1972, Jipcho’s steeplechase silver medal saw him follow his countryman Keino across the line.

Jipcho’s greatest results came from the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, where he won gold medals in the 3000 metres steeplechase and 5000 metres, and bronze in the 1500 metres. At the 1970 Commonwealth Games, Jipcho captured the silver medal in the 3000 metres steeplechase. During his career he set three world records in the steeplechase and won two gold medals at the 1974 All-Africa Games (3000 metres steeplechase, 5000 metres).

Discovered by Keino who brought Jipcho from the Sabaot people of Mount Elgon district to Kiganjo, they together refined their talent and their teamwork became the foundation of their success, and for Kenya, as they put their country on the world map in distance running. He later spent a few years running as a professional with the short-lived International Track Association.

Jipcho passed away at the age of 77 at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, where he had been receiving treatment.

Personal Bests: 1500 – 3:33.16 (1974); 5000 – 13:14.3 (1974); 3000S – 8:13.91 (1973).