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David Rudisha will return to the scene of his remarkable Olympic gold medal winning run when he competes in the 800m at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games on Saturday 25 July.
London

Rudisha seeking Olympic inspiration at Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games

Rudisha not only won 2012 Olympic gold in London, but he also broke his own world record in the process, clocking 1:40.91. The Kenyan led from gun to tape at a pace which simply blew away the rest of the field. The race, which has been dubbed ‘the greatest 800m in history’, was littered with personal bests, national records and of course a new world record. Further highlighting the sheer quality of this final, Great Britain’s Andrew Osagie was last with a PB of 1:43.77; a time which would have won gold in Beijing, Athens and Sydney.

Ahead of returning to London, Rudisha said: “I can’t wait to compete at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games and go back to the Stadium which has such a special place in my heart. Winning an Olympic gold medal and setting a world record was the highlight of my career and I’ll never forget it.

“Competing here will bring back the great memories of the Olympics and I’m sure the spectators will make another fantastic atmosphere.

“I’m working hard to be in my best form and this race will be a good test for me ahead of the Kenyan Trials the following week.”

But Rudisha might not have it all his own way this time; the man who took silver behind Rudisha at the 2012 Olympics, Nijel Amos, will fancy his chances and currently leads the Diamond Race after victories in Birmingham and Lausanne.

Notably, Lausanne saw Amos overcome Rudisha in the final straight after he had worked so hard to stay in contention with 300m left to run. Rudisha is still working towards full fitness – a series of injuries have hampered his progress in recent years – but this defeat will have hurt the world record holder who will want to return to the top in London.

The Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games in London is another key race before Beijing and Rudisha vs. Amos is intriguingly set up. Interestingly, Amos has won each of his five encounters with Rudisha since London 2012, but Rudisha is getting fitter with every race and The Stadium may just give him the nostalgia-induced boost he needs.