Wilson Kipketer’s 13-year-old world record in the 800 metre run was broken yesterday by Kenyan David Rudisha at the International Stadium Track and Field competition in Berlin, Germany.
Kipketer, who was born in Kenya but became a Danish citizen in 1990, ran the race in 1 minute 41.11 seconds in August 1997, breaking the 16-year record that had been held by Britain’s Sebastian Coe. On Sunday, Rushida just barely edged Kipketer’s mark, crossing the finish line in 1 minute and 41.09 seconds.
After the race, Rushida told the UK Telegraph newspaper that Kipketer had pegged him as the one who would soon break the record.
Kipketer, who was attending the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, said he ‘wasn’t surprised’ at Rushida’s performance.
‘Rudisha is the young blood, like Usain Bolt in the 100m,’ said the Kenyan-Dane. ‘Usain is 24 and David’s only 21, so they are part of the new generation of athletics stars.’
‘Now let's see if he can win a world championship or an Olympic gold medal.’
Kipketer himself never won an Olympic gold, although he owns five world championship gold medals, and still holds the world indoor record in the 1000 metres.
The Copenhagen Post
