Ben Jipcho facts for kids
Jipcho in 1972
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | 1 March 1943 Mount Elgon District, Western Province, Kenya |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 24 July 2020 (aged 77) Eldoret, Kenya |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.70 m | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 71 kg | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Athletics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | 1500-5000 m | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 1500 m – 3:33.16 (1974) 5000 m – 13:14.3 (1974) 3000 mS – 8:13.91 (1973) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Medal record
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Benjamin Wabura Jipcho (born March 1, 1943 – died July 24, 2020) was a famous track and field athlete from Kenya. He was known for his amazing running skills, especially in middle-distance races and the 3000 metres steeplechase. Jipcho won many medals for his country, showing great speed and teamwork.
Contents
Ben Jipcho: A Kenyan Running Star
Ben Jipcho was a talented runner who competed in many important races. He was born in Mount Elgon District in Kenya. He became one of Kenya's most respected athletes during the 1970s. His career showed how dedication and teamwork can lead to success.
Olympic and Commonwealth Success
Jipcho achieved great success at major international events. He won a silver medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. This was in the 3000 metres steeplechase, a race that includes hurdles and water jumps. He finished just behind his teammate, Kipchoge Keino.
In 1974, Jipcho had an incredible performance at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand. He won two gold medals:
- In the 5000 metres race
- In the 3000 metres steeplechase
He also earned a bronze medal in the 1500 metres race at the same games. This showed his versatility as a runner.
All-Africa Games Achievements
Before his Commonwealth Games success, Jipcho also shined at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos, Nigeria. He won two more gold medals there:
- For the 5000 metres
- For the 3000 metres steeplechase
These wins cemented his reputation as a top African athlete.
Teamwork and Sportsmanship
Jipcho is also remembered for his amazing teamwork at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. In the 1500 metres race, he helped his teammate Kipchoge Keino win the gold medal. Jipcho ran very fast at the start of the race. This helped Keino get a big lead over other runners, including the famous American runner Jim Ryun.
Jipcho's fast start was a team strategy. It allowed Keino to maintain his lead and win the race. This act showed Jipcho's dedication to his team and country. He later said that running to win first was more important than running for money.
Family and Legacy
Ben Jipcho came from a family of runners. His granddaughter, Esther Chemutai, is also a runner. He was also a distant uncle to the well-known siblings Linet Masai and Moses Masai, who are also successful athletes. His family continues his legacy in the world of running.
Later Life
Ben Jipcho passed away on July 24, 2020, in Eldoret, Kenya. He died from cancer. He will always be remembered as a great Kenyan athlete who inspired many.
See also
In Spanish: Benjamin Jipcho para niños
