Such is his talent that he stands out as a giant among his peers at just 21.
The recognition, first for a Kenyan, will go a long way towards inspiring younger athletes to aim higher.
But more importantly, it exalts Rudisha, son of former Kenyan Olympian Daniel Rudisha, as a legend in his youth.
His success in breaking the world record twice in seven days made it inevitable that he be voted the best athlete this year.
He thus joins the exalted ranks of sprinter Usain Bolt, and long-distance runners like Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele and Hicham El Guerrouj.
This honour will certainly pile pressure on Rudisha to scale the other heights required of him to become an athletics legend.
He must remain focused as he eyes the bigger prize that is the World Championship in Daegu, South Korea, next year, and the London Olympics in 2012.
This feat that has eluded older Kenyan athletes can only be the envy of many. Good luck, David.
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