Rudisha eyes glory at Glasgow Grand Prix
PHOTO | ERIC FEFERBERG | FILE David Lekuta Rudisha competes in the men's 800m final during the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 9, 2012, in London.
What you need to know:
- Rudisha will be making his first appearance in the United Kingdom since breaking the 800m world record on his way to the Olympic gold at London 2012.
- Rudisha said victory in Glasgow Grand Prix will give him his best possible preparation for the Commonwealth Games due July 23 to August 3 at the same venue.
Olympic champion David Rudisha is set to illuminate Hampden Park during the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix Diamond League on Friday and Saturday.
Rudisha will be making his first appearance in the United Kingdom since breaking the 800m world record on his way to the Olympic gold at London 2012.
The 25-year-old is fresh from winning the New York Diamond League on June 14 in 1:44.63 just after making his return after one year at Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on May 31 where he finished seventh.
(READ: Rudisha bounces back in New York)
“I haven’t competed in the UK since winning gold at the Olympics. I'm excited about my return here for the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix," added the World 800m record-holder.
“Winning gold at the Olympic Games and being the first ever athlete to go below the 1:41 barrier is my biggest achievement to date. Having only just returned to track action, my victory at the New York Diamond League has given me a lot of confidence and something which I will take with me to Hampden Park."
PREPARATIONS FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Rudisha said victory in Glasgow Grand Prix will give him his best possible preparation for the Commonwealth Games due July 23 to August 3 at the same venue.
“I know I will have to be at best to secure another victory on the Diamond League circuit because the field will comprise of the best athletes in the world at the moment,” said Rudisha.
Paris winner Edwin Soi, who is also the Beijing Olympics bronze medallist, and the 2012 London Olympic bronze medallist Thomas Longosiwa are among other Kenyans set to take full advantage of the absence of Olympic and World champion Mo Farah in the men’s 5,000m.
The race has Series leader Yenew Alamirew of Ethiopia who winner in Shanghai (13:04.83-Meet Record) and Oslo (13:01.57-World Lead).
