‘Mum had running genes’

World 800 metres champion David Rudisha on Wednesday disclosed that his running was inspired as much by his mother as his Olympian father.

Rudisha pointed out for the first time that his mother, Naomi, a former 400m hurdles runner, was equally responsible for his “inherited running genes.”

“Of course my father (1968 Olympic 4x400m relay silver medallist Daniel Rudisha) stands out after what he achieved, but there is also my mother,” the twice Africa champion said.

“I never saw both compete, but after having been told their success stories, I have no doubt both helped me. There are other peoples also, my wife, peers, athletes all who have each played a part in me getting to where I am now,” said Rudisha on Wednesday.

Over 200 people turned up to welcome Rudisha at the Peponi Gardens in Nairobi on Wednesday where he was hosted to an official reception.