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Rudisha seeks to build stadium

Kenya’s David Lekuta Rudisha poses next to the record board after winning the men’s 800 metres final in the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 9. Rudisha, who is also the World 800m champion, is fundraising to build a stadium in Transmara. Photo/

What you need to know:

  • David Rudisha said the region lacks vital sports facilities to nurture the huge number of upcoming talent in South Rift

The 800 metres Olympic and World champion and world record holder, David Rudisha, is mobilising funds to build a stadium in his home town Transmara.

In a post on his Facebook account on Thursday, the Kilgoris-born track star said the region lacks vital sports facilities to nurture the huge number of upcoming talent in South Rift.

“Transmara is known for producing middle distance athletes, but it’s awkward that till now we don’t have a stadium, I want to be supported together we build this project,” Rudisha posted on the popular social networking site.

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His plan received massive support with some of his fans calling for immediate fundraising for it.

Bernard Bw’onsase, from the neighbouring Kisii County, wrote: “That’s true, Rudisha I come from Nyangusu and imagine we go all the way to Gusii Stadium and Kilgoris is nearer to our home, I support your idea brother.”

Another fan urged ‘King David’ to organise a race in order to raise funds for the construction of the stadium.

“Brother, I encourage you to build it please. Your people are looking upon you to take the step, so kindly ask the (County) Council to give you land then we will build it. Organise races to support the same,” James Mark Maritim wrote.

Sterling performance

The announcement comes barely a month after Chandaria Foundation promised to build a Sh10 million running track in Kilgoris home in honour of the athlete’s sterling performance.

Rudisha has broken the 800m world record twice in two years, the latest being in the London Games where he recorded one minute and 40.91 seconds in winning the Olympic title.

Kilgoris has produced some of the country’s top long distance runners, including his father, Daniel Rudisha, a former 4x400m Olympic silver medallist.

Others include 2011 World Youth 800m champion Leonard Kirwa Kosencha and national cross country star Richard Meleji.

In the headlines