Two-time Olympic 800m gold medalist David Rudisha of Kenya is all set to coach Indian sprinters and middle distance runners after his illustrious career comes to an end. Rudisha, a two-time world champion in the 800m event, repeated her performance in Rio four years after winning gold at the London Olympics. He said it is not easy to win medals consecutively in these four-yearly Games, but India’s javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra can achieve this feat.
For this, however, he will need the same kind of training and practice that he used to do before the 2020 Tokyo Games. Rudisha said that he has reached the “end of his professional career” and may start his career as a coach after saying goodbye to the game.
When asked if he would be interested in coaching Indian sprinters and middle distance runners after his professional career is over, he said, “Look I have completed level one and level two coaching programs. I have to make a fresh start and that (coaching) can be an option. There is no limit to coach. You are like a teacher and anyone who wants to learn is welcome.
Rudisha is here as the brand ambassador for the Apollo Tires New Delhi Marathon to be held on Sunday. He is one of the few track athletes to have won two consecutive gold medals at the Olympics. He believes that it is not easy to win an Olympic medal in two consecutive events. Asked whether Neeraj would be able to defend his Tokyo title.
Rudisha said, “It has been a difficult journey of eight years to perform in consecutive Olympics. So many new athletes are coming. My experience says that it is not easy to defend (gold) and there is no guarantee, given that many other things like physical fitness, preparation etc also play a major role. But, yes, it can be achieved.
