A silver medal in the 800 metres at the 2020 Summer Olympics stands as the primary career milestone for Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich. Born on 30 November 1989 in Kericho, the Kenyan middle-distance runner emerged as a competitive force in athletics relatively late, first demonstrating significant international potential during the 2013 season when he was twenty-three years old.
Early Career and 2013 Breakthrough
Rotich gained notice during 2013 after remaining unranked the previous year. He opened his campaign with a victory at the Meeting Grand Prix IAAF de Dakar, clocking a personal best of 1:45.40. Following a performance at Golden Spike Ostrava, he recorded a time of 1:44.38 at the Kenyan trials in July. This result earned him a position on the national team for the 2013 World Championships in Athletics, though he faced disqualification in the semi-final for a lane violation. He finished the season strong on the IAAF Diamond League circuit, placing third at both the Weltklasse Zürich and the Memorial Van Damme, where his time of 1:43.22 ranked him third globally.
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In 2014, Rotich commenced the IAAF Diamond League season with a third-place finish in Doha. He subsequently joined the Kenyan 4×800 metres relay team alongside Sammy Kibet Kirongo, Job Koech Kinyor, and Alfred Kipketer for the inaugural 2014 IAAF World Relays. Running the lead leg, he contributed to the team securing the gold medal. During the 2015 Athletics Kenya World Championship Trials, he defeated David Rudisha by nearly half a second to secure his entry into that year's World Championships.
Olympic Participation
Rotich continued his engagement in elite global events throughout the decade, appearing in both the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Summer Olympics in the 800 metres event. His performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics resulted in a silver medal, finishing the final behind fellow Kenyan athlete Emmanuel Korir. Throughout his career, he has achieved a personal best time of 1:42.54 for the 800 metres distance.
Fast facts
- Born: 30 November 1989, Kericho, Kenya
- Sport: Athletics
- Specialty: 800 metres
- Personal best: 1:42.54
- 2020 Summer Olympics result: Silver medal
- 2014 IAAF World Relays result: Gold medal (4×800 metres relay)
Questions readers ask
What is Ferguson Rotich's best time in the 800 metres?
His personal best for the 800 metres is 1:42.54 minutes.
Did Ferguson Rotich win a medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics?
Yes, he won the silver medal in the 800 metres.
