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Middle-distance runner (800m)
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David Lekuta Rudisha (born 17 December 1988) is a retired Kenyan middle-distance runner who is widely regarded as one of the greatest 800-meter runners in the history of athletics. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016) and a two-time World Champion (2011, 2015). Rudisha holds the current world record in the 800-meter event, an iconic mark of 1:40.91, which he set during a historic performance at the 2012 London Olympics. He remains the first and only person to have run the 800-meter distance in under 1 minute and 41 seconds. Born in Kilgoris, Narok County, Kenya, Rudisha belongs to the Maasai ethnic group. His family has a deep-rooted history in athletics; his father, Daniel Rudisha, was a prominent runner who won a silver medal in the 4×400-meter relay at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His mother, Naomi, was also a competitive 400-meter hurdler. Growing up, Rudisha was inspired by his father’s achievements, often motivated by the silver medal he saw in his home. Rudisha attended St. Francis Kimuron High School in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, a region famous for producing world-class distance runners. It was there that his potential was identified by the renowned Irish coach Brother Colm O'Connell. Although Rudisha initially trained as a 400-meter sprinter, O'Connell encouraged him to transition to the 800-meter distance, a strategic move that defined his career. In 2006, at the age of 17, Rudisha demonstrated his burgeoning talent by winning the gold medal at the World Junior Championships in Beijing. His professional career ascended rapidly thereafter. In 2010, Rudisha gained international prominence by breaking the 13-year-old world record held by Wilson Kipketer. He achieved this feat multiple times that season, culminating in a world record of 1:41.01 in Rieti, Italy. That same year, he became the youngest athlete to receive the IAAF World Athlete of the Year award at age 21. His crowning achievement arrived at the 2012 London Olympics, where he dominated the 800-meter final, leading from the start and setting his standing world record of 1:40.91 in a race described by many pundits as the greatest 800-meter race ever run. Four years later, he defended his Olympic title at the 2016 Rio Games, becoming the first man in 50 years to win back-to-back Olympic 800-meter gold medals. Beyond his speed, Rudisha was celebrated for his fluid, graceful running style and his composure under pressure. Throughout his career, he faced several injury setbacks, including issues with his knee and back, yet he remained a formidable force until his retirement. Off the track, Rudisha is known for his humility and commitment to his family; he is married to Lizzy Naanyu, with whom he has children. In the years following his competitive career, he has remained involved in the athletics community, acting as an ambassador for major championships and inspiring a new generation of runners. His legacy is defined by his unparalleled dominance in the 800-meter event, having set the three fastest times in history during his peak years.
First man to run 800m under 1:41.00
Two-time Olympic and World Champion (800m)
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing.
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2007 African Junior Championships.
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2008 African Championships in Addis Ababa.
Set an African record in the 800 metres with a time of 1:42.01 at the IAAF Grand Prix meeting in Rieti in 2009.
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2010 African Championships in Nairobi.
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2010 Continental Cup in Split.
Set a new 800m world record of 1:41.09 at the ISTAF Berlin meeting in August 2010.
Lowered his own 800m world record to 1:41.01 at the IAAF World Challenge meeting in Rieti in August 2010.
Won the 800m Diamond Trophy in the 2010 Diamond League season.
Named the youngest ever IAAF World Athlete of the Year at age 21 in 2010.
Awarded Kenyan Sportsman of the Year in 2010.
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics in Daegu.
Won the 800m Diamond Trophy in the 2011 Diamond League season.
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2012 London Olympic Games, setting a world record of 1:40.91.
Named IAAF World Athlete of the Year for 2012, marking three consecutive years of receiving Track & Field News Athlete of the Year awards.
Won the silver medal in the 800 metres at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics in Beijing.
Won the gold medal in the 800 metres at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Holds the world's best time in the 500 metres (57.69) set in 2016.
Honoured as a Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) for his services to Kenyan athletics.