The kenyan middle distance runner. He is the current Olympic and world record holder in the 800 metres, as well as the current World and Olympic Champion at the distance. Rudisha was the first person to run under 1:41.00 for the event,and he holds the three fastest, six of the eight fastest, and half of the twenty fastest times ever run by a male in this event.He was the event ambassador of the fifth Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.
Background
Born in Kilgoris, Trans Mara District, Rudisha went to St. Patrick's, Kimuron Secondary School in Iten, Keiyo District, which is known for nurturing several top runners including Wilson Kipketer, the previous 800 m world record holder, who had already held the record for several years before Rudisha joined the school. In April 2005 Japheth Kimutai recommended Rudisha to James Templeton, and Rudisha joined the group of runners managed by Templeton, which has at various time included Kimutai, Bernard Lagat and Augustine Choge. Initially he was a 400 metres runner, but his coach, Irishman Colm O'Connell, prompted him to try 800 m. In 2006 he became the world junior champion over that distance.
Career
Rudisha competed at the 2009 World Athletics Championships, reaching the 800 metres semifinals. In September 2009, Rudisha won the IAAF Grand Prix meeting in Rieti, Italy, posting a new African record of 1:42.01, beating the 25-year old record of 1:42.28 set by compatriot Sammy Koskei. That effort put him in fourth place on the all-time list.In the 2010 IAAF Diamond League, he took on Abubaker Kaki at the Bislett Games in June.On 9 August 2012 at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Rudisha led from start to finish to win gold in what was acclaimed "The Greatest 800 Meter Race Ever".Rudisha also became the first reigning 800m world champion to win Olympic gold at that distance.