David Rudisha set for UK return

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. The World record holder is the favourite to win the 800m race at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix at Hampden Park on July11-12, the first of two UK legs of the IAAF Diamond League.

What you need to know:

  • Rudisha is the favourite to win the 800m race at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix at Hampden Park on July11-12, the first of two UK legs of the IAAF Diamond League.
  • The Commonwealth Games are set for July 23 to August 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.

David Rudisha will continue with his pre-Commonwealth Games preparations when he makes his first appearance in the United Kingdom next month since his World Record breaking feat on the way to winning the 2012 Olympic Games 800m gold in London.

The World record holder is the favourite to win the 800m race at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix at Hampden Park on July11-12, the first of two UK legs of the IAAF Diamond League.

Rudisha marked his return to form with a triumph at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in New York last weekend, just a fortnight after finishing seventh in Eugene, USA.

FLOPPED ON RETURN

The 25-year-old atoned for a seventh place finish in 1:44.87 in Eugene with a victorious season best of 1:44.63 at the New York Grand Prix.

Rudisha bettered his World Record in a time of 1:40.91 during the 2012 London Olympic Games final.

“I haven’t competed in the UK since winning gold at the Olympics, so to return to the UK for the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix is something that I’m really excited about,” said the 25-year-old.

“Winning gold at the Olympics 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," he added.

“The Glasgow Grand Prix will give me the best possible preparation for the Commonwealth Games. I know the field will include not only the best athletes in the Commonwealth, but the world too. I will have to be at my best to secure another victory on the Diamond League circuit.”

The Commonwealth Games are set for July 23 to August 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.