Sensational 1:43.15 2010 opener for David Rudisha at 2010 Melbourne Track Classic (© Getty Images)
World 800m record holder and reigning World Athlete of the Year David Rudisha (KEN) has confirmed he is on his way Down Under where the 22-year-old Masai man will headline the Melbourne Track Classic, the first IAAF World Challenge meet of 2011.
??Following an outstanding year on the world stage in 2010 that was kick-started by appearances at the Sydney and Melbourne Track Classics, Rudisha is once again looking to commence his competitive season in Australia in a move he hopes will take him all the way to World championships glory Daegu in August.??
“I couldn’t have asked for a better year in 2010, starting with my time in Australia,” Rudisha said.??
“I hope that running in Melbourne and Sydney will again set me up for a strong season and success at the world championships in Daegu.”
The Melbourne Track Classic, set for Thursday, 3 March, kicks off the 14-meeting IAAF World Challenge. The Sydney Track Classic is slated for Saturday, 19 March.??
In 2010 Rudisha’s all-conquering run commenced with the Kenyan star setting a new personal best time over 400m (45.50) at the Sydney Track Classic in February and new Australian all-comers record of 1:43.15 over 800m at the Melbourne Track Classic the following month.??
Across a superb year Rudisha was undefeated over 800m, twice breaking the World record for the distance to hold the current benchmark of 1:41.01. In addition, he took the inaugural Samsung Diamond League trophy in the event and scooped titles at the African championships and Continental Cup. The Kenyan clocked the five fastest times over 800m in the world in 2010 and on six occasions ran 1:43.00 or faster. ??
Athletics Australia for the IAAF
