Olympic champion David Rudisha from Kenya managed to shrug off stiff competition from Poland's Adam Kszczot, who has been in sublime form this season, to win the 800m gold medal at the Bird's Nest in Beijing. Rudisha took gold after crossing the line in a time of 1min 45.84sec. Kszczot looked strong in the second and final lap, but could not overhaul the Kenyan, and had to settle for a silver medal with a timing of 1min 46.08sec.
However the other Kenyan, Ferguson Rotich must have been disappointed with his fourth place finish as Amel Tuka from Bosnia-Herzegovina finished ahead of Rotich to take home the bronze medal.
Rudisha has been a top performer in the 800m event and his gold medal at the 2015 World Championships just showed why, as the Kenyan had conserved his energy in the heats and the semifinals of the competition by taking it easy and just ensuring a berth in the finals. It was a tactical approach from the 800m world record holder.
Because, when it came to the 800m finals, Rudisha did not give an inch to any of the other athletes as he quickly jumped in front. Though Kszczot tried to come from behind, Rudisha used his long strides to good effect in the final 300m to keep the Polish athlete at bay.
This gold medal will mean a lot to the Rudisha, who underwent a career-threatening knee injury as a result of which he could not defend his title in the 2013 World Championships in Moscow as well.
"I am delighted about this gold medal," The Guardian quoted Rudisha as saying.
"It means a lot to me, especially after all these disappointments I have had. Last month I had a problem with my speed, but when I solved it I knew: no matter if the pace in this final was slow or fast I could win.
"This is really special for me, despite the fact I was coming from a bad injury which almost pushed me out of my career. When I had that keyhole surgery, I thought: 'Maybe, if I come back, it won't be to that top level.' But with the support I have been getting from my coach, family and friends, I think that really motivated me to come back strong."
Watch the entire 800m race here.
