World title defence in London 2017 inspires Olympic champion

Nairobi, Dec 6 (IANS) Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha of Kenya is not resting on his laurels and has already started plans of defending his title next year at the London World Championships.

Rudisha, 28, said he has his focus on London and will not be dragged into planning for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the moment, reports Xinhua.

"I have talked and planned with my coach Bro Colm, and we settled on one race at a time. For now what is important is to get into shape and plan for the title defence at the World Championships. I want to win and hopefully race well in 2017 season," he said.

Rudisha, who returns to the country after a tour of USA and Europe, said he has started light training and will return to Australia in February 2017 to kick start his season.

"I think I have a lot in the tank and will see how far I can go. I have to be truthful, we have a lot to do with my coach after the Christmas break. We have not spoken on 2020 Olympics, but we programme and plan year by year," Rudisha said.

"To be a legend is good, but to win the Olympics three times will be a tall order. It will depend on how my body responds and if in four years I still feel good, I may go for it. I will be 33 then and it is still a good age to run on track. I will listen to the body."

Injuries curtailed Rudisha cruise after the 2012 Olympics and he only got his groove back a year ago. But that disappointment is what has propelled him to do even better and hopes 2017 will be another great year for his career.

The 800m World record holder will love to be remembered as one of the greatest track legends too.

"There is still a lot to do. Usain Bolt has won consecutive triple gold at three consecutive Olympics. At 800 metres, nobody has won three consecutive Olympic titles. So that is a great motivation," Rudisha said.

"I'm looking forward to 2020. I have a great feeling that if I stay injury-free, have good health and strong training I feel I' m still strong and good to go."

--IANS

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