Kenya defend Rudisha’s withdrawal
Kenyan athletics chiefs have defended world 800m record holder David
Rudisha’s decision to pull out of next month’s Commonwealth Games in
Delhi.
The 21-year-old returned home on Wednesday for the first time since
breaking the record twice last month. He ran one minute, 41.09 seconds
on 22 August to beat Wilson Kepketer’s 1997 mark and then 1:41.01 a week
later. “We feel he has done this country proud and he deserves a rest,”
said Athletics Kenya secretary David Okeyo.
Rudisha will be replaced by Abraham Kiplagat, with Richard Kiplagat
and Boaz Lalang the other Kenyan runners for the 800m. “The Games are
being held unusually late in the year when the focus has turned to next
year’s World Championships in South Korea,” Rudisha told reporters at
Nairobi’s airport. “Moreover, I feel tired after a very busy season and
I need some rest before resuming training.” Rudisha was met by a large
crowd on his arrival and added: “I feel great and happy for my people to
accord me such a welcome. It is ecstatic and makes one feel loved and
appreciated. “Now I want to rest and start early preparations for the
World Championships and Olympics.” BBC |