Residents of Kilgoris once again erupted into celebrations following David Rudisha’s second 800m record-breaking act in a week when he blasted to 1:41.01 in Rieti, Italy.
Hundreds of locals thronged restaurants and pubs to follow their illustrious son shatter his own 1:41.09 previous best as the sleepy town came alive. All recreational joints remained packed as early as 5pm as residents took positions to witness the long-awaited event.
Anxiety gripped most joints as adrenaline-filled spectators watched Rudisha outpace his challengers to romp to his second world beating mark inside seven memorable days.
The whole town and its environs was deafened by shouts, singing and dancing when Rudisha smashed his own record. Thereafter, merrymaking followed with free drinks flowing courtesy of Rudisha’s relatives and friends.
FeverPitch caught up with Rudisha’s elder brother, Benson Rudisha, who followed the Rieti race in one of the restaurants in Kilgoris town. He confirmed a grand party awaits the new world record holder at his Taruru home in Oltanki, Kilgoris.
He added organisers, who include Maasai kinsmen were finalising arrangements for the reception ceremony immediately after IAAF Continental Cup in Split this weekend where the twice-African champion is competing for Africa.
Big Party
"Things are working well and everything is nearly set for the big party. More than 50 bulls have been eyed for slaughtering," the elder sibling stated.
Rudisha’s father and 1968 Mexico Olympics 4x400m relay silver medalist, Daniel Rudisha said following his son’s second record-breaking victory, his health status was getting better. The retired sprinter broke his right leg two years ago after sliding while grazing his cattle at the village and the pain was made worse by arthritis. Rudisha’s childhood coach, Stephen Ole Marai congratulated the athlete and said he the runner could lower his time to 1:40 sec.
"I have known David as a very determined and focused runner, who can mean to go for the impossible," said Marai. There was also a lot of excitement at Rudisha’s former Oltanki Primary School, as teachers and pupils took time o discuss the runner.
The school’s head teacher, Simon Lemayian said the school was proud of Rudisha
"We are also participating in preparations for Rudisha’s homecoming party, as we still tregard him as our son and former pupil here," said Lemayian. The school was the venue of Rudisha’s welcoming party, soon after he broke the African 800m record last year.
His time in Rieti was exactly one second faster than his winning time last year (1:42.01) on the Rieti track which was an African record at the time.
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