David Rudisha remains one of Kenya’s most cherished athletes, having set a world record that still stands today. On August 9, 2012, at the London Olympic Games, Rudisha delivered an extraordinary performance, shattering the 800m world record with a time of 1:40.91. He became the first man in history to run the 800m in under 1:41.

The two-time Olympic and world champion recently marked the 12th anniversary of this remarkable achievement by making a significant contribution to the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA).

“I’ve donated my first world record spikes to the museum, and this is something very special,” Rudisha shared. “I have been keeping them safe; most of my family members have never even seen them. We treasure them because they carry a lot of memories from when I was competing.”

“It really means a lot, and to donate them here, I feel very honored. I believe that this is going to inspire the younger generation and also tell the story of our sport,” he added.

Just hours after the men’s 800m semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Rudisha handed over the signed white spikes he wore when he first broke the world 800m record with a time of 1:41.09 in Berlin in 2010 to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.

“There have been only four world record-holders at this distance since 1975,” said Coe. “David is one of them, and he’s the fastest of them all. I’m really grateful that we can celebrate his achievements in our museum.”

The handover ceremony took place at the Stade de France before the evening session of day nine of the athletics program in Paris, where Coe thanked Rudisha for his immense contribution to the sport.

On August 22, 2010, at just 21 years old, Rudisha broke the 13-year-old world record of 1:41.11 previously held by Wilson Kipketer, cementing his place in history as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.

ALSO READ: Olympic Heroes: Beatrice Chebet ,Abraham Kibiwott earn National Police Service Promotions