Kenyan athlete David Rudisha cemented his place as one of the best all-time half-mile runners in history. Rudisha who set the world record of 1.42.15 at the London Olympics in 2012 retained his 800m title in Rio.
The middle distance runner had a lot to prove after a season filled with injuries and bad form. The win puts Rudisha in the history books as only the second athlete to defend the 800m title since New Zealand’s Peter Snell in 1960 and 1964.
Kenyan teammate Alfred Kipketer who beat Rudisha in the trials led most of the first lap after starting with reckless speed. Rudisha kept his composure and hit the front with about 300 meters to go as Kipketer started fading away.
The Kenyan runner then sprinted and won in one minute, 42.93 seconds. It is the fastest time since he broke the world record.
Taoufik Makhloufi, Algeria’s 1500m champion won silver, and Clayton Murphy of the United States took home bronze.
Makhloufi set a new national record, of one minute, 42.61 seconds, and Murphy clocked his career personal best of one minute 42.93 seconds in the race.
On how he felt being only the second man to defend his title, Rudisha said, [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“”It is great to win such a big competition, my second gold. It’s so great. I am so excited. It is the greatest moment of my career.”[/perfectpullquote]
Kipketer who started strong faded away in the last 200 meters to 7th and the other Kenyan in the Race finished 5th.
After the victory, the middle distance runner dedicated his medal to his fans.
Rudisha Going For Gold in Rio (photo by Getty Images)
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I dedicate this win to all my fans all over the world and above all to my country; Kenya. To all those who woke up at 4 am to watch the race and for all your steadfast support throughout the years,”[/perfectpullquote]
he said.
Featured Photo: Rudisha After Setting World Record in London 2012(Photo from iTelegraph)
