Olympic champion and 800m world record holder David Rudisha (KEN) has confirmed that he will be at the 40th edition of Athletissima on 9 July, which will also be the 9th IAAF Diamond League meeting this year.
One year after being crowned World champion in Daegu, Rudisha ran a memorable race at the Olympic final in London when he took the lead right after the start and kept it until the end to run a race all by himself in which he set a stunning new world record (1:41.91). This was certainly one of the highlights of the 2012 Games. After 2007, 2010 and 2011, it will be his 4th appearance in Lausanne. Having won the event each time in an impressive way, he will for sure have the same goal in mind this time around. He will face opposition from reigning World champion Mohammed Aman (ETH), the first athlete to defeat Rudisha in years, and Pierre-Ambroise Bosse, the French 800m national record holder and new 1000m U23 European record holder. This promises an exciting one.
The confirmation of Rudisha's participation is fantastic news for the organisers: by having Bolt and Lavillenie (already confirmed), and now Rudisha, Athletissima will host 3 of the 4 world record holders men who are still competing on the track. This is unheard of and will be a unique opportunity for the spectators to see these three athletes compete on the same night.
In the women's events, the 100m hurdles Olympic champion Sally Pearson (AUS) will seek a second victory after that of 2011. In the high jump, the double World champion Blanka Vlasic (CRO) will be the main attraction.
Several Swiss women will also compete. Among them, Léa Sprunger, who will run the 400m hurdles, a new event for her, and try to qualify for the World championships this summer. Last but not least, we can now confirm that there will be an 800m event, with the new European indoor champion, Selina Büchel in the line-up. In order for both these athletes to be able to compete at their best level, a field tailored for them will be set up.
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Athletissima
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