book of success Thebe Mabanga The secret of Kenya’s success in long- distance running is centred on comparative advantage. The East African road running powerhouse’s rise in middle- and long- distance competition has been carefully plotted over the past decade and a half. It has been brought about by a combination of ideal weather, intensive training and a pastoral heritage. During the Sixties, Kenya was a leader only in track events. Since the Eighties however it took over Northern Europe in the distance section, sweeping the boards at all major events. From the 800m to the marathon and cross- country, for juniors and seniors, men and women, the land of the Masai warriors has exerted unparalleled dominance. At the World Cross Country Championships from the 1986 to 1995, the Kenyan team produced all 10 male gold medallists. In the six Olympic Games between 1968 and 1996 – they boycotted 1976 and 1980 – Kenya has amassed 12 gold medals, 14 silver and eight bronze. Their highlight was the Seoul Games in 1988, where they took four gold medals, two silver and one bronze. The pattern pretty much repeats itself at events like the Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Between 1992 and 1996, Kenyan athletes set all the middle- and long-distance records. The secret of Kenya’s success is rather complex and is certainly not only because its people run long distances barefoot to school, as many people believe. In a book called Train Hard, Win Easy, Toby Tanser – who spent six months training with Kenyan athletes in 1996 – attempts to shed light on the source of this impressive streak.
The principal factor driving Kenyan success is the weather. For although Kenya is equatorial, the vast majority of its people live in conditions very similar to the former stronghold of long-distance running, Northern Europe. The altitude of the highlands contributes a lot. The thin air and low humidity make it conducive for running long distances, but this contributes a small fraction to the success – as the two adjoining countries, Tanzania and Uganda, enjoy similar weather but have not achieved similar success. A popular misconception is that Kenyan runners are exposed to harsh conditions and long-distance running from an early age. This is true for a few of Kenya’s success stories only. Indeed, places like the Rift Valley province – which produces most of Kenya’s runners – have a pastoral way of life and a walking heritage. But four of Kenya’s most athletically successful schools are boarding schools, and students do not run long distances to get there. All the schools do is place emphasis on physical exercise through formalised, daily training sessions. What the students add is a strict training and dietary regimen and a psychological advantage born of a winning heritage. Kenya’s professional training camps are characterised by austerity. They range from military training camps to simple apartments that are rented for $5 a month and have no electricity. The simplicity extends to the nutritious diet. Sometimes when travelling, the athletes make do with toast and margarine for breakfast, vegetable soup for lunch and vegetables and meat with rice or potatoes for supper. At home, the humble stars’ staple consist of ugali (stiff porridge), viasi (sweet potatoes) and githeri (maize and kidney beans.
Influential personalities have driven the Kenyan athletic revolution; among these is coach Mike Kosgei. Following an unspectacular running career in the United States, which was brought to an abrupt end by injury, he relocated to his homeland to coach.
“Before I took over, the best Kenyan athletes were not based in Kenya; they were all over the place in Europe and the US. I brought them back to Kenya,” he says in Train Hard. Since 1985, he has contributed extensively to Kenyan victories, including the cross-country sweep. Government support has played a crucial role in Kenyan athletics. But more importantly – and this is where South Africa can learn – it has been focused and realistic. The formula is to send those who stand a realistic chance of making an impact.
This was emphasised at the 1996 World Junior Championships, where the US won 12 medals with 110 athletes. Kenya brought in 19 athletes, and won 10 medals.