Rudisha set to light up stadium in 800m heats

World 800m record holder David Rudisha is set to light up Hampden Park Tuesday afternoon in the men’s 800m heats.

Rudisha, who won the 2011 World Championships title before breaking the World record with victory at the 2012 London Olympics Games, is ready to battle for the Commonwealth medal missing in his trophy cabinet.

“I am pleased with my progress after a comeback from a knee injury this year,” said Rudisha, who called on Kenyans to pray for him and Team Kenya for good results. “I could have won the World and Olympic titles besides breaking the world record but this one will be precious too,” said Rudisha, who will be competing in the heats today alongside Fergusson Rotich and Evans Kipkorir.

Although he regained form in the Diamond League meeting recently, Rudisha remains cautious.

“I just want Kenyans to pray for me and promise not to disappoint them as I do my best and leave the rest to God. Competing in the Diamond League and championships are two different things,” said Rudisha. “You need a lot of experience in championships since anybody can win here.”

FIRST APPEARANCE

Olympic champion and World record holder David Rudisha romped to his second victory this season, chalking a World lead time of 1:43.34 in men’s 800m race at the Glasgow Grand Prix Diamond League on July 12.

Rudisha, who was making his first appearance in the United Kingdom since breaking the 800m world record on his way to Olympic gold at London 2012, was fresh from winning the New York Diamond League on June 14 in 1:44.63. Rudisha had made his return to track after one year at Prefontaine Classic, Eugene on May 31, having recovered from a knee injury.

However, Rudisha acknowledged that they face stiff challenge from among others 2012 London Olympic Games silver medallist Nijel Amos, who has beaten him twice this season in Diamond League in Eugene and Monaco.

Maureen Jelagat will also field in women’s 400m semi-finals today after she was the only qualifier after Jacinter Shkanda fell off in the qualifiers.

Francisca Koki and Florence Wasike will battle in women’s 400m hurdles. “I didn’t perform well in 2010 Delhi after I couldn’t go past the semi-finals but I am determined to reach the final and perhaps win a medal. I just won’t care about the colour of the medal,” said Wasike.

In rugby, Kenya’s quest at the Commonwealth Games ended at the Plate semi-finals when they lost to Wales 5-28 as South Africa halted New Zealand’s dominance to win the gold medal at the Ibrox Stadium.

South Africa and New Zealand are the teams that outclassed Kenya in the pool and Main Cup quarterfinals respectively at the home of Rangers FC.