Kiprop And Rudisha Move Down In Distance

They both want to work on their speed.

Two of Kenya’s best middle-distance runners are currently in Australia running on the outdoor track (it’s summer there). Last Saturday, Asbel Kiprop, primarily a 1500m runner, and David Rudisha, an 800m man, both took on distances shorter than usual.

The two runners were competing at the Sydney Track Classic.

Kiprop, who is a world 1500m champion, won the 800m event in 1:45.91. Surprisingly, it was his first victory in Australia in three visits.

“I’m doing this for speed, for when I run the 1500,” Kiprop said. “I really want to defend my gold medal in London. My first priority is to win the Olympic Games.”

Meanwhile, in the men’s 400m event, David Rudisha was fast, but not fast enough to catch winner John Steffensen, and took second in 45.82.

Still, Rudisha was pleased with his performance at the faster-paced event. “I’m happy to go under 46 seconds. That was my main aim,” he admitted.

Rudisha has expressed interest in competing on Kenyan 4 x 400 relay team in the London Olympics this summer.

For More: IAAF