Rudisha breaks record

Kenya’s David Rudisha last night lit up the Olympic Games with a sensational victory in the 800m, breaking his own world record in the process. Rudisha made the most of ideal conditions, storming through the first lap in 49.28 seconds and powering to the gold medal in one 1:40.91.

That took exactly one-tenth of a second off his previous record as all eight finalists sat a season’s best, personal best or national record.

Teenager Nijel Amos of Botswana claimed silver in a national record of 1:41.73 ahead of Kenya’s Timothy Kitum.

“I had no doubt about winning but I was waiting for perfect conditions to break the record,” the 23-year-old told reporters. “I am happy. I’ve waited for this moment for a long time. To come here and get a world record is unbelievable,” he said.

British former middle distance Olympic gold medallist and London Games organiser Sebastien Coe said: “Rudisha’s run will go down in history as one of the greatest Olympic victories. I feel privileged to have witnessed it in London.”

The 23-year-old is a protege of Br. Colm O’Connell from Mallow, Cork. Now 63, the missionary arrived in Iten, Kenya in 1976 to teach geography with no background in running but has since produced over 30 global athletics champions.