David Rudisha Triumphs In A Windy 800m In Lausanne

He had the race under control with a lap to go.

Photo Gallery: Lausanne Diamond League Meeting

Eight-hundred meter specialist and world-record holder David Rudisha of Kenya made a significant comeback at the Athletissima 2011 -Samsung Diamond League meeting in Lausanne on Thursday. The 22-year-old Kenyan, who had been sidelined due to an ankle injury, won the race in a relatively pedestrian 1:44.15. The strong winds and an overall lack of competition were the factors behind his slower-than-usual time.

After training partner and rabbit Sammy Tangui stepped off the track after the first lap, which was clocked in 49.48, Rudisha found himself alone in the race after he put on a massive surge that gapped the field by 20 meters.

The battle for second and third place was between Marcin Lewandowski of Poland and Amine Laalou of Morocco. The Polish runner prevailed in 1:45.01, while Laalou settled for third (1:45:11).

In other Diamond League action, Milcah Chemos won the first women’s steeplechase event staged at the Athletissima event. Her winning time was 9:19.87. Ethiopia’s Sofia Assefa came in second. Kenya’s Mercy Njoroge settled for the bronze medal in 9:20.51.

For More: IAAF