Olympic Champion David Rudisha Survives a Plane Crash

Kenyan middle-distance runner David Rudisha was on Saturday involved in a plane crash in Kajiado county. 

Rudisha, a 2012 and 2016 Olympic 800m champion, and his team were reportedly returning to Nairobi after attending Maasai Olympics held at Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary when the light aircraft carrying them crash-landed at the Imbirikana area of Amboseli. The event, hosted by Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku, is aimed at promoting wildlife conservation efforts.

Confirming the incident, Athletics Kenya (AK) official Barnaba Korir said he talked to Rudisha, who was attended to and was out of danger.

"I have spoken to Rudisha on phone and he told me that he has been attended to and is out of danger," Korir told nation.

The plane registration number 5Y-BGJ is said to have developed mechanical problems before it went down in a rocky terrain.

Rudisha, who last raced internationally in July 2017, survived a car crash in August 2019 when his car collided with a passenger bus at Nyansiongo area on the Kijauri-Keroka Road.

The 33-year-old athlete was the first and only person to ever run 800m under 1:41. He also holds the world's best time in the 500 meters with a time of 57.69, and the African record for the 600 meters (1:13.10).