Rudisha Delivers in Glasgow, Ayalew Leads the World Over Barriers

Published by IAAF on July 12, 2014

David Rudisha lived up to his promise at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix today when he moved to the top of the 800m world list with a commanding performance while there was also a world-leading run at the IAAF Diamond League meeting from Hiwot Ayalew in a record-breaking women’s 3000m steeplechase on Saturday (12).

Rudisha predicted at a press conference in Glasgow two days ago that he would run close to 1:42, but the cool, grey conditions and lack of race practice mitigated against him, and the world record holder had to be satisfied with 1:43.34, equalling the time his Kenyan compatriot Asbel Kiprop ran in Paris a week ago.

It may not have been as quick as he’d hoped, but Rudisha still delivered a solo sub-53 second final lap which left the 15,000 fans gasping after pacemaker Sammy Tangui had run the first 400m in 49.94.

At that point, Rudisha was leading the chase five metres back but, once in front, he immediately opened a gap, stretching his long legs round the penultimate bend before sprinting down the back straight to go through 600m in 1:16.28, a penultimate 200m of 26.34.

Rudisha kicked again around the bend and entered the straight 20 metres clear before powering down the home straight and across the line.

“I am getting back into shape and I’m happy to run a season’s best time despite the conditions not being the best for a perfect time,” said Rudisha. “I’m happy to have done what I came for.”