Running News Daily

Photo by internationally known photographer Mark Sherman

London, August 9, 2012 — The roar of the crowd at Olympic Stadium reached a fever pitch as David Rudisha of Kenya surged down the home straight, arms wide in triumph. Moments earlier, the world had witnessed history: Rudisha not only won the men’s 800 meters but shattered the world record with a time of 1:40.91, becoming the first man to break 1:41.

What made Rudisha’s run extraordinary was the way he achieved it — leading from the gun, running every lap faster than the last, and pulling the entire field to personal bests, national records, and season bests. It was a race with no pacemakers, just pure front-running brilliance.

The image captured here by internationally acclaimed photographer Mark Sherman freezes the exact moment Rudisha crossed the finish line — the embodiment of speed, power, and grace. His outstretched arms and triumphant expression tell the story: a champion at the peak of his powers, representing Kenya with pride.

Rudisha’s London 2012 performance remains one of the greatest races in Olympic history, a masterclass in middle-distance running. More than a decade later, his world record still stands, a testament to the perfect combination of talent, strategy, and fearless execution.