Kipchoge Keino Art Print, Mexico City 1968, Vintage Black and White Athletics Wall Art

Three finals in eight days, on a gallbladder infection. Kipchoge Keino arrived in Mexico City ill and was told by doctors not to compete.

In the 10,000 metres he collapsed with two laps left and was disqualified for stepping off the track, then got up and finished anyway. In the 5,000 he took the silver. Then came the 1500, against Jim Ryun, the world record holder and the clear favourite.

Keino went to the front early, at altitude, which is the one thing no runner is supposed to do, and won by roughly twenty metres in an Olympic record that stood for sixteen years. He was in pain for all three races.

Stories worth passing on, not just remembering.