Why David Rudisha believes his 800m world record will inevitably be broken

Why David Rudisha believes his 800m world record will inevitably be broken

Mark Kinyanjui 07:37 - 17.06.2024

Rudisha set an insane 1:40.91 world record in the 800m at the Olympic Games in 2012, but the legendary runner believes it will soon be broken.

Three-time 800m world record holder David Rudisha has shared his thoughts on why he believes his legendary 1:40.91 time, set at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, will soon be surpassed by emerging athletes. 

Rudisha's remarkable performance has stood unchallenged for 12 years, solidifying his status as the greatest middle-distance runner of all time.

Rudisha's world record-breaking run in London, where he finished the 800m race in 1:40.91, remains unmatched. Despite retiring early due to recurring injuries, Rudisha's illustrious career includes three world titles and two Olympic gold medals (2012 and 2016).

However, Rudisha foresees the record being broken soon, citing advancements in technology and the rise of exceptional talents like Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who is currently achieving impressive speeds.

“World records are special. We are looking forward to seeing how the young generation is going to take up the challenge,” Rudisha told the media during the Kenyan Olympic trials at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday. 

 “Of course, there is a lot of innovation, and it improves performances. We believe that world records are there to be broken.”

Rudisha has high hopes for Wanyonyi, who recently ran 1:41.70 at a high altitude, suggesting that he could achieve even faster times under optimal conditions.

“Wanyonyi is doing well. He did it at a high altitude, and I believe he can do even better at a lower altitude,” Rudisha added.

Rudisha is confident that Kenya will continue its dominance in the 800m at the Paris Olympics, aiming for a fifth consecutive gold medal.

 Kenyan athletes have historically excelled in this event, with Wilfred Bungei winning in 2008, Rudisha clinching the title in 2012 and 2016, and Emmanuel Korir taking gold in 2020.

“Kenya has a rich history in the 800m at the Olympics. Not many people know that the first-ever medal brought in 1968 by Kiprogut Chumo was in the 800m,” Rudisha noted.

 “We have been working hard. Most of the athletes have belief because of the history. They believe we own the 800m because from the 2008 games to the 2020 ones, we have won all those titles with different athletes.”

Rudisha's optimism is rooted in Kenya's strong tradition and continued success in middle-distance running, providing a foundation for future athletes to build upon.

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