Olympics gold only option, says 800m record-holder Rudisha
Kenya's David Rudisha is seen prior to the men's 800metres final of the Gyulai Istvan Memorial - Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix at the athletic centre of Szekesfehervar, Hungary on July 18, 2016. PHOTO | ATTILA KISBENEDEK |
What you need to know:
- Olympic 800m champ Rudisha says gold medal his only option in Rio competition
Olympic champion David Rudisha has declared he is in good shape and ready to defend his 800 metres title in Rio.
The two-time World and African champion, who failed to compete in the 2013 World Championships due to injury, said Thursday that that even though he felt the pressure being the defending champion, a gold medal was the only option for Team Kenya.
“You always feel the pressure being the champion especially going to a race knowing all the competitors are out to get your medal.
“But I am also going there ready to do my best to defend my title and pick that Gold,” the world record-holder told Daily Nation Sport after a training session at Kipchoge Stadium.
The 2010 IAAF World Athlete of the Year said he was also happy with the progress in training and how his body picked well.
“The most important thing for an athlete is how they train, how the body picks and the progression through the different training processes. We are now ready based on the success in our training. I have no doubt things will go our way,” said the athlete who hails from Kilgoris, Narok County.
Rudisha will team up with 2014 World Junior champion Alfred Kipketer and up and coming Ferguson Rotich, who has been his nemesis, beating him three times this season.
Kipketer and Rotich finished first and second respectively in the national trials at Kipchoge Stadium in Eldoret earning straight selection.
Rudisha was more than happy to be selected for the Rio Olympics.
Frenchman Pierre-Ambroise Bosse, Botswana’s Nijel Amos, Polish Adam Kszczot and Bosnian Amel Tuka pose the biggest test to Rudisha.
