David Rudisha to exploit Olympics postponement

David Rudisha during the launch of Torch of Possibilities Campaign in Nairobi on Friday, Feb 28, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

World 800m record holder David Rudisha has said he will exploit the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games as he pushes to return to fitness.

The Tokyo Games, slated from July 24 to August 9, was postponed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to summer 2021 due to the spread of coronavirus.

Rudisha, who has not raced since 2017, owing to injuries, has just returned to training and was working against the clock to be fit to defend his Olympic 800m title.

Rudisha said earlier that he is not ready yet as he is focused on losing a few kilograms after he gained weight for lack of competition.

“It is no secret his only route to Tokyo is through the trials where he had to finish in the top three, which looked unlikely because the trials were very close.

“He is not in his best shape or close to his standards. Pushing the Olympics back will benefit him,” said coach brother Colm O’Connell.

With the Olympics being pushed to 2021, Rudisha may be the man to watch as he will have enough time to shake off the cobwebs and return to fitness.

“Rudisha injuries have exposed his underbellies. He is not the icon that would be considered for a wildcard in major competitions anymore. But don’t rule him out,” O’Connell added.