Kipchoge Keino's son speaks about his successful athletics career

How was it growing up as the son of a world-famous athlete?

I was just an ordinary child because most of the attention was on my dad. I grew up in Eldoret and we lived in a farm. It was an amazing life. I attended Hill School and later went to high school in Virginia, USA. Afterwards I joined University of Arizona on an athletics scholarship and studied design.

Did people used to compare you with your dad?

Living in the shadows of a famous father was not always easy, especially because I ran the same race as he did. There were great expectations and huge pressures to live up to the name. But I was also immersed in the sport and yearned for my own sporting success.

You have been a professional athlete and a pretty excellent pacesetter. Share this experience.

Being a professional athlete was a fantastic experience for me. It offered me the opportunity to travel all over the world and exposed me to different cultures. It also enabled me to compete at the highest levels of performance and hence I am able to adapt to any life circumstances. My goal was to be the best athlete I could be in the 1,500m race, but I always missed out on making it to the Olympics, which was my dream. But I was always called upon by top athletes to set the pace for them as I had a good sense of pace judgment. It meant a lot to me because I was the best in the business.  By the end of my career, I had helped set seven world records, some of which still stand to date.

Who are some of the most successful athletes you have set the pace for?

I have paced for Haile Gebreselassie, Kennenisa Bekele and Daniel Komen all of whom broke world records.

What other projects are you involved in?

Sports fashion, media and horticulture. But at the moment, I am excited about Ndovu X, an upcoming adventure-based obstacle event series in the wild that raises awareness and funds for elephant conservation.

I am involved in a few charities through, which I give my time and resources. The latest one is the Lighting Manyattas Initiative where we raise money to light manyattas with solar lamps.

You recently turned 40. What’s it like?

Life definitely gets better. The challenge for me is to utilise my experiences wisely, which I believe I am doing.  My perspective of life has changed after turning 40. I no longer feel like my entire life is ahead of me, so I am more appreciative of each day and I am much certain of where I am and where I want to go.

If you could trade places with two people today, who would they be, and why?

Sir Richard Branson because he does it all and enjoys life to the fullest. Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear because he gets to drive all the amazing cars and travels to all the exotic locations.

Now that the globe-trotting and pace setting is behind you, what is next?

Yes, that chapter of my life is now done. I’m happy to be in Kenya trying to maximise on the numerous opportunities available in sports business. I see myself in the next five years being involved in leadership, particularly in sports marketing and the business world. I also intend to be in the forefront of tapping into the burgeoning demand of premium sports events in Kenya and in the continent.

A man of your looks and stature must have a woman by his side. Is this the case?

Ha-ha…. I won’t discuss that but I have two lovely boys — Kigen and Kilel — whom I raise.

How do you like to unwind?

I sometimes watch sports like athletics, rugby and whenever Arsenal is playing. I like to hang out with my mates over a good single malt whiskey and listen to Afro House music. My idea of a great time is hosting friends and family in my garden for a barbecue where laughter and great conversations abound.

Who have been the greatest anchors of your life?

My mother, my mentor the late Fred Hardy and my friend Paul Tergat. Each has influenced me in their own special way.

What keeps you grounded?

Recognising that we are just but a speck in this world and the responsibility I have to my sons.