David Rudisha's record under new threat as Wanyonyi, Arop and Sedjati bear down on Brussels

David Rudisha's record under new threat as Wanyonyi, Arop and Sedjati bear down on Brussels

Festus Chuma 13:00 - 10.09.2024

Three top 800m runners target David Rudisha's record at the Brussels Diamond League, stirring excitement and anticipation for a historic race.

David Rudisha’s world record will come under threat at the Brussels Diamond League as three of the fastest 800m runners in history, Daniel Wanyonyi, Marco Arop, and Djamel Sedjati, prepare to challenge the long-standing mark.

The upcoming event has stirred significant excitement reminiscent of past performances on the Brussels track which has seen numerous records fall in recent years.

Rudisha's incredible time of 1:40.91, set at the 2012 London Olympics has stood as the pinnacle of 800m racing.

However, this record now seems more vulnerable than ever. This year, the middle-distance event has witnessed a surge of astonishing performances from these athletes each inching ever closer to the record.

Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi enters the fray tied for the second-fastest time ever in the 800m, clocking in at 1:41.11 at this year's Lausanne Diamond League.

Wanyonyi expressed his current focus, distancing himself from the mounting pressure about breaking the record.

"I do not like when people say that I am going to break the world record. I do not want to say anything about the record. Now, I think it is time to go and talk to my coach and to get ready for Brussels to run well,” he said in a recent interview.

In contrast, Canadian world champion Marco Arop, who boasts a personal best of 1:41.20 has openly shared his ambitions.

"I am heading to Brussels to break the 800m world record as well. The record is definitely going down," Arop declared in an interview with World Athletics.

His confidence stems from a recent performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics where he clocked an impressive 1:41.20 signaling his readiness for a record-breaking attempt.

Djamel Sedjati of Algeria, who holds the season’s best of 1:41.46 set in Monaco is the third major player in this high-stakes race.

Sedjati’s progression this season has been marked by strategic races and strategic pacesetting factors that will be crucial in the quest to lower the world record.

Brussels, known for its fast track and record-setting history, provides the perfect stage for this monumental challenge.

The event scheduled for September 13-14 will see these athletes compete not only for the win but also for a place in history.