Ankle injury sidelines reigning Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha

Kenyan runner unable to train for up to 16 weeks as he eyes next year’s Olympic Games

David Rudisha of Kenya celebrates winning gold in the 800m final at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photograph: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
David Rudisha of Kenya celebrates winning gold in the 800m final at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photograph: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Reigning Olympic 800 metres champion David Rudisha will be sidelined for up to 16 weeks after fracturing his left ankle in the grounds of his home in Kenya.

His agent Michel Boeting confirmed Rudisha, who also won gold over 800m at London 2012, underwent surgery on Thursday.

A statement read: "On Tuesday May 19, Rudisha twisted his left ankle at his rural home in Kilgoris, Narok County, Kenya.

“During a walk on the compound the 31-year-old stepped on uneven ground, and initially believed it was not a serious injury.

READ SOME MORE

"He continued with exercises that wouldn't cause further harm to his ankle but after a lack of improvement over the weekend, he underwent an examination and was diagnosed with an ankle fracture at St Luke's hospital in Eldoret.

“Rudisha, who is attempting to compete at his third Olympic Games next year, is expected to be out of training for 12 to 16 weeks and hopes to resume rehabilitation after that.”

Rudisha’s winning run at London 2012 came in a world-record time of one minute 40.91 seconds, a record which still stands.