Athletics creates unforgettable moments at the Olympic Games. One such moment occurred 12 years ago on 9 August at the London 2012 Olympic Games when Kenya’s David Rudisha set a remarkable world record in the 800m race, finishing in 1:40.91. He was the first man to run the 800m in under 1:41, and his record still stands today.
To commemorate the 12th anniversary of this historic event, Rudisha, a two-time Olympic and world champion, decided to contribute to the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA). World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised Rudisha’s achievements, stating that only four world record-holders have held the 800m record since 1975, with Rudisha being the fastest among them.
After the men’s 800m semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Rudisha presented Coe with the signed white spikes he wore when he first broke the world 800m record with a time of 1:41.09 in Berlin in 2010. Rudisha expressed his gratitude for being able to donate his iconic spikes to the museum, emphasizing the importance of preserving the history and memories of the sport.
The handover ceremony took place at the Stade de France, where Coe commended Rudisha for his exceptional contributions to athletics. Coe described Rudisha as the greatest 800m runner of all time, highlighting his record-breaking performance in London and praising his dedication to the sport.
Rudisha’s journey to breaking the world record began on 22 August 2010 in Berlin when, at just 21 years old, he shattered the previous record of 1:41.11 held by Wilson Kipketer. With a well-executed race plan and a strong finish, Rudisha clocked a time of 1:41.09, setting a new world record.
Following his record-breaking performance in Berlin, Rudisha continued to dominate the 800m event, setting another world record of 1:41.01 at the World Challenge meeting in Rieti. His outstanding achievements in 2010 earned him the title of World Athlete of the Year and solidified his reputation as a fearless competitor.
Throughout his career, Rudisha’s confidence and determination propelled him to success, culminating in multiple world records, World Championships, and Olympic victories. Despite facing challenges such as injuries, Rudisha remained dedicated to his sport, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of athletics.
As Rudisha reflects on his remarkable career, he acknowledges the significance of his accomplishments and the impact he has had on the sport. His journey from a young athlete winning the world 800m U20 title to becoming a world record-holder and Olympic champion is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.
In retirement, Rudisha continues to inspire the next generation of athletes through his ambassadorial roles at prestigious athletics events. His legacy lives on in the records he set and the memories he created on the track, forever cementing his status as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history.
