Time crucial for Rudisha on debut at Prefontaine Classic

Olympic and World 800 metres champion David Rudisha will debut at the Nike Prefontaine Classic race, the fourth stop in the IAAF Diamond league meeting in Eugene, Oregon, Saturday.

Rudisha could not beat the weather last Saturday in New York when he won in one of the slowest times, over the two-lap distance, in 1:45 in the last three years, reports Xinhua.

"Of course that proves that I am just human and we all suffer in bad weather. But I hope to run faster in Eugene," he said.

Timothy Kitum (1:42.53), the Olympic bronze medallist and third in New York and Anthony Chemut, as well as Leonard Kosencha and Abraham Rotich, will be the other Kenyans running in Eugene.

Rudisha is no stranger to racing the best in the world, having shattered the 1:41 barrier in London Olympics.

But competing at the 39th Prefontaine Classic June 1 will be his first chance to display his talent at the historic field. The Kenyan superstar recognises the significance of the event.

"I have heard about the great crowd at Eugene. Bernard Lagat tells me it's where they have a special interest in middle distances. So I am excited to go and run there for the first time. I hope to run well and give the crowd something to enjoy," said the 24-year-old Rudisha, who now owns six of the eight fastest times in history, including his world record 1:40.91 set while winning the Olympic gold in London.

Rudisha will fight against Olympic silver medallist Nijel Amos of Botswana and Ethiopian Mohammed Aman, the world indoor champion.