Kenya’s David Rudisha emerged victorious in the 800m race in the ongoing Rio Olympics, as he set the stage alight once again, after impressing in the London Olympics in 2012. The Kenyan successfully defended his gold medal, won back in 2012 in London. David Rudisha, who had sustained injuries after the 2012 Olympics, insisted he knew he was in good shape for the race, “I had no doubts. The feeling in my body was good. It is the greatest moment of my career,” he said, “It’s been very difficult. I have stayed focused and positive. My coach has been great and given me hope.”
Rudisha finished the race in spectacular fashion after blowing away his rivals, in 1 minute and 42 seconds. The silver medal was taken by Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi, while American Clayton Murphy scooped the bronze medal. Even though the Kenyan didn’t clock a record finish like he did in the London Olympics, where he set the pace in an unforgettable 800m dash and set a record in 1 minute and 40 seconds, Rudisha still managed to emerge the fastest among the pack, as he overtook fellow Kenyan Alfred Kipketer who had set the pace early on, and took a commanding lead as the race entered the last stretch.
This becomes the second gold medal won by Kenyan athletes in Rio, after Jemimah Sumgong’s marathon win on Sunday, where she became the first women’s marathon winner from Kenya, achieving what had proved difficult in the past years, despite the country having great talents like Catherine Ndereba. On Monday evening, Kenya’s Hyvin Kiyeng came second in the women’s 3000m steeplechase to further boost Keny’s medal count. Bahrain’s Ruth Jebet won gold in the race, as USA’s Emma Coburn finished third. Focus shifts to other athletics events, with the most anticipated being the men’s 1500m, with Kenya being represented by Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto and Conseslus Kipruto.