ATHLETICS David Rudisha's astonishing 1:40.91: A decade of glory and a record that still stands

"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." - David Rudisha.

Eleven years ago, on August 9th, 2021, under the watchful eyes of 80,000 spectators at the iconic Olympic Stadium in London, a moment of athletic brilliance unfolded that would forever be etched in the annals of track and field history.

The air was electric with anticipation, as the stage was set for the 800m final – a race that would witness the emergence of a true legend, David Rudisha. 

Little did the crowd know that they were about to witness an awe-inspiring feat that would redefine the boundaries of human achievement.

The atmosphere was hushed, almost reverent, as the runners took their positions. All eyes were on the remarkable Rudisha, the Maasai tribesman whose unassuming demeanor belied the sheer magnitude of his talent. 

The race was his canvas, and with every stride, he painted a masterpiece that left spectators and rivals alike in awe.

From the first bend to the finish line, Rudisha commanded the race with an authority that seemed almost supernatural. 

His split times read like works of fiction – 23.30 seconds for the first 200 meters, 49.28 seconds for the first lap, and an astonishing 1 minute 14.30 seconds for 600 metres. 

Astonishment rippled through the stadium as realisation dawned: Rudisha was not just chasing victory; he was pursuing a world record. 

With every rhythmic thud of his feet on the track, he inched closer to history. The crowd was held in a trance until, like a crescendo, he stormed around the final bend, igniting a roar that shook the very foundations of the arena.

The silence had been shattered, replaced by a euphoria that only witnessing greatness can evoke.

Rudisha, though, was not one for grand gestures. His victory was announced by his smile, which was a touch wider at the finish line than at the starting blocks.

"I am very happy," he humbly declared, moments after completing a victory lap alongside his compatriot and bronze medalist, Timothy Kitum. 

"I've waited for this moment for a very long time. To come here and get a world record is unbelievable. I had no doubt about winning,” he added.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a familiar twilight hue over the stadium, it was evident that this was more than just a race. 

Rudisha led the field like a speedboat towing water-skiers, pushing his competitors beyond their limits. Nijel Amos, the 18-year-old silver medalist from Botswana, was a testament to the race's ferocity – he had to be carried off on a stretcher. 

Abubaker Kaki, Rudisha's once fierce rival, had to settle for a season's best and seventh place. The narrative of rivalry had transformed into one of unattainable excellence. Rudisha had lost only one race in his last 46, solidifying his position as an indomitable force.

In the aftermath of the race, the accolades poured in. Seb Coe, a legendary middle-distance runner himself, hailed Rudisha as the outstanding 800m runner of his generation.

"On paper, the most impressive track and field athlete at these games," he asserted. 

From his first world record in 2010 to the momentous victory in 2012, his path was a testament to determination. He had transformed from a sprinter to an 800m maestro, thanks in part to Brother Colm O'Connell, the Irish coach who recognised his potential.