Athletics Australia – News – World record-holder set to head Down Under

World 800m record-holder and reigning IAAF World Athlete of the Year David Rudisha (KEN) has confirmed he is on his way Down Under, the 22-year-old Masai man to headline the list of international challengers set to contest the 2011 Australian Athletics Tour.

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 at the IAAF world titles in Daegu (KOR) 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.”

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 out the inaugural IAAF Diamond League points race 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. Late in the year both the IAAF and athletics bible Track and Field News named him their Male Athlete of the Year.

In 2011 Rudisha will compete at the Melbourne Track Classic on Thursday, March 3 and at the Sydney Track Classic on Saturday, March 19.

The son of famous one-lap runner Daniel Rudisha (KEN), who won a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the 1968 Olympic Games, Rudisha first rose to prominence by winning gold over 800m at the IAAF world junior championships in 2006.

2011 Australian Athletics Tour

Round 1: Brisbane Athletics Classic – Friday February 11, 2011
Round 2: Briggs Athletics Classic (Hobart) – Sunday February 20, 2011
Round 3: Melbourne Track Classic – Thursday March 3, 2011
Round 4: Sydney Track Classic – Saturday March 19, 2011
Australian Athletics Tour Final Perth: Thursday March 31 – Friday April 1, 2011

Athletics Australia – News –