Monday 23 August 2010

David Rudisha 'rudishas' the 800m world record home

What a weekend it has been for Kenyan athletics! Not that we are never in the spotlight but this time, breaking this or that record. David Rudisha - son of another famous Rudisha (Daniel) who in his day was a 400m specialist and Olympic bronze medallist in 1968 - made sure that the record to the men's 800m 'comes back home'. The previous world record holder though Kenyan-born, changed citizenship to become a Dane before going on to conquer the world in the distance ( ....wonder if he qualifies for dual citizenships under the new constitution dispensation...). He posted a time of 1.41:09 shaving of 0.02 secs.

His performance in the last two years has been phenomenal and it was only time before this young Kenyan athlete to cement his place in the 2-lap event. He also drew inspiration from the ladies in the names of Pamela Jelimo and Janeth Jepkosgei. They have led Kenya's onslaught in the distance in the last 3 years.  Let's see how he maintains his hold over the distance as the Commonwealth in India and later Olympic Games in 2012 shall be.

(Fact: Even with all the pedigree in athletics, it is the first time that a Kenyan athlete claims the record...). For now though, let's raise our glasses to this true Kenyan hero!


UPDATE:
In less than 6 days, a record that took more than 13 years has been bettered by you guessed it, the one and only David Rudisha...1.41:01!  It is amazing to break a record but to better oneself within such a short time, we are lost for words. Another running sensation from this beloved country of Kenya. Makes us feel so full of pride, what with all the weekend 'renewal of vows' for the nation!

7 comments:

theonlinekenyan said...

This is quite the achievement for the young Rudisha and as Kipketer put it; let us now wait for the Olympic gold. A sensational run from the Kenyan.

Unknown said...

I watched that race online and the young man was phenomenal! He will certainly go under 1:41 with such a strong second lap, just give him a couple years. Asanta sana Rudisha.

Unknown said...

I watched that race online and the young man was phenomenal! He will certainly go under 1:41 with such a strong second lap, just give him a couple years. Asanta sana Rudisha.

Unknown said...

It is a shame that Kenyan athletes have to change the country of their nationality as their adoptive countries pay them better than their own mother country. The government needs to do something about this. First there was the brain drain, now athletes drain, what next? What does the new katiba say about this? What incentive is there for young professionals to stay in Kenya? Over to you Mr. Raila Amolo Odinga, Mr. Mwai Kibaki and Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka. We are watching you.

theonlinekenyan said...

Rudisha rips the record books again!! David Rudisha reduces his WR time to 1:41:01.

Mutumia, at least with the new constitution, athletes have dual citizenship which will help solve that.

SportsKenya said...

@Mutumia, if the Minister doesn't get too busy going for the sporting events and other sideshows we are sure to have this going right. @theonlinekenyan, well that's a MAJOR one for sporting personalities from here, we hope that this shall stall the flight of our pool of sporting talent. Remember the lady swimmer who left us? What a phenomenon though Rudisha is proving to be and what a year Kenyan athletes are having! Commonwealth 2010 here we come!

Nakeel said...

Came here late but just pointing out Rudisha's dad Daniel won silver in the 4x400m relay Olympics..
I salute the champ and believe lot more is yet to come from him.