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Kenya's Rudisha says no letup in fight to retain gold at Beijing worlds

Xinhua, August 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

Not so many in the last three years has Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha borne the pain of losing in his speciality at a global championship.

However, lately, the tide has been against the lankly runner, and even his latest loss to Ferguson Rotich at the Kenyan trials for the Beijing world championships instigates worldwide reaction of how low he can sink, or if at all, he will redeem his career in the Chinese capital.

Rotich's win, just like has been the five losses Rudisha has suffered under Botswanan Nijel Amos, has prompted a reassessment. Only now has it sunk in what it means to have punctured Rudisha's aura of invincibility. But batteries run out of juice.

"I have to admit that in the final 50 metres, I need to improve. I control the race well and lack that killer sprint to pull away in the final straight," Rudisha said in Nairobi on Monday.

"I hope to work on it and improve ahead of the World Championships. Don't rule me out yet, I believe it is still in my reach and we have a strong team as Kenya," Rudisha added.

Ever since the emergence of Rudisha back in 2006 at the Beijing World Junior Championships, there has been several pretenders to his throne.

The first was the flowering of Amos, the second saw the blossoming of Ayanleh Souleiman (Djibouti) and the late blooming of Ethiopia's world champion Mohammed Aman.

But Rudisha, 26, has refused to let go his title without a fight in Beijing. Throw in Ferguson Rotich of Kenya and Bahamas' Amel Tuka, and several others, and there could be an explosion of colour in the 800m at the Beijing World Championships.

Rudisha conceded he has a of bigger problem rectifying his running tactics in order to have a strong finishing kick at the championships.

However, with only two weeks of training left, time is ticking away for the world record holder (1:40.91) as he puts up his final touches on his preparation.

"We can see a smile even after tough track session. I have to work seriously on my final 50 metres because it is where I lose out. But I'm happy with my progression since returning from injury," said Rudisha.

"Rudisha is coming on very well and you might be seeing a different athlete in Beijing. It was hard for him but he has accepted he may not be as fast as two seasons ago. He is moved on already and focusing on Beijing task," said Julius Kirwa, Kenyan team head coach. Endi