Rudisha is back, expect something special from him

Allow me to enjoy the bragging rights for once. I can’t help but just celebrate the return of “King” David Rudisha.

Some weeks ago when I stated clearly in this column that Rudisha was on his way back to the top, my prediction were met with a lot of scepticism.

I even received calls from the doubting Thomases who told me in no uncertain terms that I had it all wrong. This was after Rudisha placed seventh in his first race from a year-long injury in Eugene, Oregon some one and a half months ago.

Rudisha made me a very proud man after living up to my expectations last week at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix. He didn’t just win but equalled the world leading time of 1:43.34 posted by Kenyan compatriot Asbel Kiprop in Paris two weeks back.

Rudisha had predicted he would run close to 1:42 - a show of confidence that he can still run close to his world record of 1:40.91.

But despite not getting 1:42, I was still happy with the 1:43.34 and I believe very soon he will achieve his goal. More importantly, his performance in Glasgow will certainly boost his confidence going forward.

For all the criticism that he received from the public, I am happy that Rudisha didn’t let his detractors bog him down but instead he took everything in his stride, in the practical sense of the word.

Something to behold

The sight of Rudisha delivering a solo sub-53 seconds in the final lap was something to behold for the 15,000 fans in attendance at Hampden Park after pacemaker Sammy Tangui had run the first 400m in 49.94.

I could not help but marvel at the huge talent that Rudisha is as he strode to the front and immediately opened a huge gap round the penultimate bend to sprint down the home straight — covering the 600m in 1:16.28 with the final 200m in 26.34.

Rudisha’s 15th Diamond League career victory took him to the top of the current series ahead of Olympic silver medallist, Nijel Amos of Botswana.

Amos opted for the 400m race in which he finished last in 46.34 in the non-Diamond League event won by his compatriot Issac Makwala in 44.71.

I need not belabour the point that Rudisha is back at his best.

If there are still any doubting Thomases out there, just watch him at the Commonwealth Games starting next week in Glasgow, Scotland and you will know what I am talking about.

With Rudisha representing Kenya in the event alongside Ferguson Rotich and Evans Kipkorir I am ready to bet all my savings for a Kenyan gold medal in the two-lap race, courtesy of Rudisha.