Athletics-Rudisha trusts his pace to regain 800m world title

Kenya’s David Rudisha claimed a second world 800m title with a smart tactical race in Beijing on Tuesday.

“It means a lot to me, especially after all these disappointments I had this year”.

Amos had beaten Rudisha six times in seven races prior to his surprise elimination on Sunday.

“During the last month, I had a problem with my speed, but when I solved it and got my speed back I knew that no matter if the pace in this final will be slow or fast, I can win”.

“It is hard to fight against the world record holder but I think he was possible to beat”.

This is the 26-year-old’s second gold medal at the World Championships after his win at the Daegu edition of the competition in 2011.

Hassan tried to close in the home straight but had given Dibaba too big a lead, and as she faded in the final strides Kipyegon came past to pip her for silver. “I am really proud for my people in Bosnia-Herzegovina and I know they are celebrating now”.

That was before his injury, however, and Rudisha admitted he had thought at times that he would never regain the devastating pace he displayed that evening in London.

And there was another upset in the men’s 400m hurdles final when Kenya’s Nicholas Bett smashed his personal best by nearly half a second as he came through from lane nine to take gold.