The Kalenjin Tribe

[Oppositionless]

The Kenyan tribe that has more gold medals at the Olympics than most countries 
 

The Kenyan tribe known for producing an extraordinary number of Olympic gold medalists is the **Kalenjin**. The Kalenjin have dominated distance running at the Olympics for decades, earning more gold medals than many entire countries. This success has made them one of the most successful athletic groups in the world.

Kalenjin runners are particularly renowned for their prowess in middle and long-distance events, such as the 800 meters, 1,500 meters, and marathon. Their success is often attributed to a combination of genetic factors, high-altitude training (since they live in the highlands of Kenya), and a culture that values running as a rite of passage.

Notable Kalenjin athletes include:

- **Kipchoge Keino** - One of the first Kalenjin runners to gain international fame, winning gold in the 1,500 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
- **David Rudisha** - World record holder and Olympic champion in the 800 meters.
- **Eliud Kipchoge** - Olympic marathon champion and the first person to run a marathon in under two hours (though not in an official race).

The Kalenjin's success is so profound that if they were an independent nation, they would rank highly on the all-time Olympic medal table, surpassing the totals of many countries

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