Tangui scents new record in Zurich for Rudisha

By Chris musumba

Any doubts on who the king of 800m is have been answered with a World and Olympic record (1:40.91) run of David Rudisha at the London Games.

But if you thought that was how fast Rudisha could go, you may be wrong. Sammy Tangui, Rudisha’s trusted pace maker, credited for his two previous records, has let the cat out of the bag saying a 1:39 run is in the pipeline at the either Zurich Diamond League or in Rieti, Italy next month.

“I was surprised by his decision to attack the world record at the Olympics. We had not discussed about this, not even the manager James Templeton was aware of it.

“But that shows the confidence and form Rudisha enjoys at the moment. We have since discussed with the manager and we plan to lower that record to a sub one minute 40 seconds in Zurich or Rieti. I’m happy that Timothy Kitum also scooped bronze and left the Ethiopian without a medal, he has been avoiding to race in any event Rudisha is entered.

“While there was no money incentive for Rudisha in breaking the record, in Zurich and Rieti there will be $100,000 at stake should he improve on that mark,” said Tangui.

Meanwhile, Daniel Rudisha, the 1968 4x400m Relay silver medallist, said his son had earned his admiration and recognition and deserves to ascend to the throne as the king of athletics in the family.

“I waited late to see him race. He did this family proud. Everyone in Maasai, Kenya and Africa is happy. He has now graduated to the throne and now deserve to be called the greatest,” said senior Rudisha.

Former World 800m champion Billy Konchellah congratulated Rudisha on his feat.

“Breaking the world record was sensational. Rudisha is in his own class. But we will not crown him as a legend, maybe the greatest. The Olympic title was the target, the record was a bonus,” said Konchellah.

Rudisha has now broken the record three times, equaling Sebbastian Coe feat. He holds eight of the 11 fastest times.