Kipchoge Hezekiah Keino (born 17 January 1940, Nandi) is a two-time Olympic champion who helped launch Kenya’s dominance in middle- and long-distance running. He won the 1500 m gold and 5000 m silver at Mexico City 1968, then the 3000 m steeplechase gold and 1500 m silver at Munich 1972; he also captured Commonwealth titles in the 1 mile and 3 miles (1966) and the 1500 m (1970). He later served as Kenya’s National Olympic Committee chair from 1999 to 2017. After retirement Keino focused on sport and social impact in Eldoret with his wife Phyllis, establishing the Lewa Children’s Home and Kipkeino Primary (1999) and Secondary (2009) schools, work recognised when the IOC awarded him the inaugural Olympic Laurel at the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony. His philanthropy and decades of sports leadership cement his status as a foundational figure in Kenyan athletics.