A time of 1:40.91 remains the benchmark in the 800 metres, established by David Rudisha during the 2012 London Olympic Games. As the inaugural athlete to complete the distance in under 1:41, he redefined the limits of middle-distance running while securing his status as the only person to hold the three fastest times in the event history.
Early Development and Transition
Born in Kilgoris, Kenya, in 1988, David Lekuta Rudisha attended Kimuron Secondary School in Iten. Under the guidance of Irish coach Colm O'Connell, he initially focused on the 400 metres. O'Connell subsequently encouraged a shift to the 800 metres. By 2005, he joined a training group managed by James Templeton, alongside athletes such as Japheth Kimutai. Rudisha secured his first major success in 2006 by winning the world junior title in the 800 metres.
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Rudisha entered the senior circuit with significant momentum. In 2009, he reached the semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships before setting an African record of 1:42.01 in Rieti, Italy. The following year, he broke Wilson Kipketer’s world record twice, first at the ISTAF Berlin meeting with a time of 1:41.09, and later lowering it to 1:41.01 in Rieti. By November 2010, at age 21, he was named the IAAF World Athlete of the Year.
Olympic Achievement and Records
The 2012 London Olympics saw Rudisha produce a historic performance. He led the 800-metre final from start to finish, recording a world record time of 1:40.91 without the aid of pacemakers. This victory marked the first time a reigning world champion claimed Olympic gold in the event. He continued his success by winning the 2015 World Championships and defended his Olympic title at the 2016 Rio Games.
Post-Competitive Endeavours
Outside of competition, Rudisha has engaged in public and administrative roles. In May 2022, he declared his intent to run as an independent candidate for the Kilgoris Constituency in the Kenyan elections. By March 2024, he served as a World Athletics ambassador for the World Athletics Indoor Championships held in Glasgow, Scotland.
Fast facts
- Born: 17 December 1988, Kilgoris, Kenya
- Olympic Medals: Two gold (2012, 2016)
- World Championship Titles: Two (2011, 2015)
- World Record 800 metres: 1:40.91
- Diamond League Trophies: Two (2010, 2011)
- IAAF World Athlete of the Year: 2010
Questions readers ask
What is David Rudisha's best time in the 800 metres?
His personal best and world record time is 1:40.91, set at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
How many world records did he hold?
Rudisha held the three fastest times ever in the 800 metres, each representing a world record at the time they were set.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- 2011 World Championships in Athletics – men's 800 metres
- 2015 World Championships in Athletics – men's 800 metres
