Rudisha: Sports Science will help young athletes break my record

Kenya’s legendary two-time Olympic 800m champion, David Rudisha, believes young athletes are edging closer to breaking his world record, thanks to advances in sports science and improved footwear.

Rudisha set the 800m world record at 1:40.91 minutes, at the London 2012 Olympics, becoming the first man to run under 1:41. Over a decade later, the record still stands.

"Technology in training has improved. They are using some of the best spikes now, unlike what we had before. This shift is helping them perform better, and it will be exciting to see them reach those limits," says Rudisha.

Even with advancements in shoe technology and electronic pacing systems, Rudisha remains the only man to have finished the 800m in under 1:41. Does he think the record could be broken soon?

"A world record is special. Seeing my record fall would be a unique moment for me. Watching it happen live would be an incredible feeling," Rudisha added.

One standout contender is Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Kenya’s 2024 Olympic champion. At just 20, Wanyonyi has already secured an Olympic gold, a Diamond League title, a world championship silver, and a U20 world title. Rudisha sees him as a strong candidate to break the historic record.

Wanyonyi came close at last year’s Lausanne Diamond League after the Paris Olympics, running 1:41.11—just 0.20 seconds shy of Rudisha’s record.

"I wish them well. They are closing in on the world record. Wanyonyi is now the second-fastest 800m runner in history. If he keeps pushing and does the right training, it's possible he could come even closer or break the record," said Rudisha.

Rudisha's illustrious career includes three world titles and two Olympic gold medals (2012 and 2016).