Commonwealth Games: Rudisha expected to light up Glasgow

800m World record holder David Rudisha

World 800m record holder David Rudisha is among a host of 2012 London Olympics gold medallists expected to light up the 11-day Commonwealth Games showdown down here in Glasgow, Scotland.
Rudisha, who posted a dismal show at the Monaco Diamond leg meeting on Friday night, is the talk of the city here. The Sunday Mail, the United Kingdom's most read daily, reported that Rudisha skipped most of the meetings in the global circuit to focus on the "Friendly Games".
"Kenyan David Rudisha, the Olympic 800m champion could have earned appearance fees, a £24,000 bonus at the end of the season and much more of the £280,000 available at each of the 14 Diamond League events, but has prioritised the Commonwealth Games after missing the last season with a knee injury," reported the Sunday Mail.
It said that the allure of competing in the Commonwealth Games that kicks off on Wednesday was strong for the Olympic champion to resist. But athletes from home nations have added the incentive of a competition on British soil soon after London 2012, but the Queens Games are entwined with national identity like no other event, a rare opportunity to represent Scotland or Wales, or for a small Caribbean island athlete to celebrate his talent.
At the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village, the Kenyan charges have settled down and are awaiting the action that runs from Wednesday. They are seeking to improve the fifth place in New Delhi in 2010 where Kenya won 32 medals -12 gold, 11 silver and nine bronze.
Stephen Arap Soi, the Chief de Mission, said Kenya were treated to a colourful welcome ceremony, which is a tradition of the Commonwealth Games.
"Kenyans are focused despite the unpredictable weather conditions every day. Each discipline is seriously out on a medals' hunt," said Soi.
Diamond League speedster Jairus Kipchoge Birech, swimmer Jason Dunford and Olympic javelin thrower Julius Yego were among the athletes beaming with confidence yesterday.
Birech, who won the Monaco Diamond leg meet on Friday, said they have a strong team in the water and barriers race.
"We have a strong team and we can defend our title here," Birech told Fever Pitch yesterday.
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