Rudisha decries ‘low level’ of 800m race
Two-time Olympic champion and world 800m record holder David Rudisha left the country on Wednesday to Doha, Qatar for the 2019 World Championships.
In his capacity as the Africa Athletics (CAA) athlete president, Rudisha will be in Doha to motivate not only Kenyan athletes but all runners from the continent.
The athlete, who has since recovered from a nagging injury that has kept him out of action for over two years, says the current crop of runners in the two-lap race are yet to hit the heights set by their predecessors.
“I think the current athletes, and not just from Kenyans but all over the world, have not reached their potential. In our time, we were averaging 1:42 and sometimes 1:41. That was quite fast considering 1:43 is what most athletes are struggling to run now,” said Rudisha.
“I know they are giving their best and that is why my assessment should not come out as an attack to the hard working athletes,” he added.
The athlete, who is hopeful of returning to the track in time for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, however, believes Kenya has a bright future in 800m.
“My target is to be ready for Tokyo where I will be hoping to make it three Olympics titles,” he said.
“I am keener on the new kid on the block Kipngetich Ngeno. Therein lies the future of the event in the country. With proper coaching, I think he can go places,” said Rudisha, in reference to Kenya’s men’s 800m team in Doha that also has Emmanuel Korir and Ferguson Rotich.
Road accident
Rudisha has had a torrid time off the track as besides the injuries, he was involved in a road accident last month, coming after his personal life was thrust back into the limelight by his estranged wife Liz Naanyu, who claimed he was ‘frustrating’ her and their children.
Meanwhile, 2007 World 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei will also head to Doha to receive her silver medal from the 2011 edition in Daegu, South Korea.
Jepkosgei, who had won bronze in 800m, was elevated to silver after Russian Mariya Savinova, who claimed gold, was stripped off her medal following a doping ban.
