David Rudisha described retaining his Olympic 800 metres title in Rio as an even greater feat than the brilliant world record he ran to take gold at London 2012
David Rudisha
Rio de Janeiro: David Rudisha described retaining his Olympic 800 metres title in Rio as an even greater feat than the brilliant world record he ran to take gold at London 2012.
Kenya’s David Rudisha celebrates after winning the 800m final in Rio on Monday. Pic/ AFP
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The Kenyan hit the front with 300m to go and stayed strong to come home in one minute 42.15 seconds, the fastest time in the world since those two unforgettable laps in London.
"It is great to win such a big competition, my second gold. It is the greatest moment of my career," he said.
"London was one of the greatest races in the history of the 800m, but coming here and defending my title is also one of the toughest competitions.
"I was the only man in that fial who was a finalist in London. Wow, it was tough, but I’m happy to have come through."
Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi took silver in 1min 42.61, with American Clayton Murphy getting bronze.
Rudisha’s 1:40.91 world record from four years ago was achieved with an awesome display of front-running, hailed by Lord Coe as his highlight of the whole Games.
Injuries have prevented the 27-year-old from reaching that level since, but the two-time world champion was still in total control.
He said ahead of the race he felt he was getting back to his best after knee problems — and it showed.
"Going through disappointment with injuries and trying to come back, it was not easy losing a lot of races," he said.
"To win here means a lot to me."
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