Olympic Dream
Encyclopedia
Olympic Dream is the autobiography of track-and-field legend Henry Rono
, who completed the book in 2007.
The book documents Rono's childhood in Kenya
, his running career at Washington State University
, and his meteoric climb to fame after breaking four world records in 81 days. Rono's first-person account also details his longtime struggle with alcoholism
, the 1976 and 1980 Olympic
boycotts, and his pursuit of his dream to become a teacher.
Notable sections include Rono's 1982 victory over Alberto Salazar
and Rono's arrest in 1986, when he was falsely accused of robbing six New Jersey banks.
Henry Rono
Henry Rono is a Kenyan former athlete.-Biography:Rono was born in Nandi Hills, Kenya, into the Nandi tribe. He started running while at primary school. Starting in 1976 he attended the Washington State University, along with his compatriot Samson Kimobwa, who broke the 10,000 meter world record in...
, who completed the book in 2007.
The book documents Rono's childhood in Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, his running career at Washington State University
Washington State University
Washington State University is a public research university based in Pullman, Washington, in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1890, WSU is the state's original and largest land-grant university...
, and his meteoric climb to fame after breaking four world records in 81 days. Rono's first-person account also details his longtime struggle with alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing...
, the 1976 and 1980 Olympic
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
boycotts, and his pursuit of his dream to become a teacher.
Notable sections include Rono's 1982 victory over Alberto Salazar
Alberto Salazar
Alberto Salazar is an American marathon runner of the 1980s. Born in Cuba, Salazar emigrated to the United States with his family. They ultimately moved to Wayland, Massachusetts, where Salazar competed in track and field in high school...
and Rono's arrest in 1986, when he was falsely accused of robbing six New Jersey banks.