Athletics always creates unforgettable memories at the Olympic Games. One of those treasured moments happened 12 years ago on August 9th at the London 2012 Olympic Games, when Kenya's David Rudisha delivered an astounding world record-breaking performance in the 800 metres, finishing in 1:40.91. He became the first man to run 800 metres under 1:41, a record that still stands today.
Exactly 12 years on, it was only fitting that the two-time Olympic and World Championship winner marked the anniversary by making a donation to the World Museum of Athletics (MOWA)’s growing historical collection.
“Since 1975, there have only been four world record holders over this distance,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, “David is one of them and clearly the fastest of them all, so we're really grateful that we can celebrate his achievements with our museum.”
Hours after Friday's 800m semifinal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rudisha presented Co with the autographed white cleats he wore when he first set the world record in 1 minute 41.09 seconds in Berlin in 2010.
“I donated my first world record spikes to the museum, which is really special,” he said. “I've kept them. Most of my family has never seen them. We treasure them because they hold so many memories from my running days.”
“It really means a lot and we're honored to be able to donate here. We believe this will inspire younger generations and tell the story of our sport.”
The handover ceremony took place at the Stade de France before the evening session of the ninth day of the Paris Athletics Championships, with Coe thanking Rudisha for his outstanding contribution to athletics.
“David is quite simply the greatest 800-meter runner of all time,” he said on the eve of the men's 800-meter final. “It really doesn't matter what happens in this stadium tomorrow. He's still the greatest 800-meter runner in my opinion. His performance in London was decisive, from the start to the video to the world record. There's no one better.”
David Rudisha hands Sebastian Coe the world record spikes for 1:41.09 at MOWA (© James Rose)
On Sunday afternoon, August 22, 2010, then 21-year-old Rudisha broke the previous world record of 1 minute 41.11 seconds, held 13 years earlier by Wilson Kipketer.
Rudisha headed to Berlin with his fastest time of the season. He challenged pacemaker Sammy Tangi to complete the first lap in under 49 seconds. Tangi was quicker, at 48.68 seconds. As the bell rang, Rudisha blazed a final lap to stop the clock in 1:41.09. Rudisha missed the press conference to reflect on the race.
“We (Rudisha and Tangi) had a plan and we thought, 'Why can't we try something different?'” he said.
“My run went just as planned. I finished in 48 seconds and tried to go faster on the second lap. It was tough. I was so thrilled when I crossed the line and shouted 'Wow, 1:41:09'. It was a world record.”
A week later he broke the world record again, this time in 1:41.01 at the World Challenge in Rieti. That same year he capped off a great season by winning four Diamond League events and winning the World Athlete of the Year award.
Self-confidence was Rudisha’s armor. He was a man who was not afraid to push the limits to achieve his goals and dreams. It was the same in Berlin, Rieti and London. He always knew when he could go fast.
Rudisha first made his name on the international athletics scene in 2006 when he won the 800m U20 World Championships, and went on to win the 800m over the course of his 11-year career.
He was forced to step away from competition due to lingering injuries and last competed in 2017. Since then, he has taken on the role of Goodwill ambassador at the World Championships in Budapest and the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.
“My athletics career has been a special journey and I am very happy with my achievements because I have achieved what any athlete would want to achieve,” he said. “When it comes to world records, I have achieved them three times, won the world championships twice and the Olympic Games twice. These are the highest achievements in athletics, so this really means a lot.”
Michelle Katami of the World Athletics Championships
