David Rudisha’s world record will come under threat at the Brussels Diamond League as three of the fastest 800m runners in history, Daniel Wanyonyi, Marco Arop, and Djamel Sedjati, prepare to challenge the long-standing mark.

The upcoming event has stirred significant excitement reminiscent of past performances on the Brussels track which has seen numerous records fall in recent years.

Rudisha's incredible time of 1:40.91, set at the 2012 London Olympics has stood as the pinnacle of 800m racing.

However, this record now seems more vulnerable than ever. This year, the middle-distance event has witnessed a surge of astonishing performances from these athletes each inching ever closer to the record.

Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi enters the fray tied for the second-fastest time ever in the 800m, clocking in at 1:41.11 at this year's Lausanne Diamond League.

Wanyonyi expressed his current focus, distancing himself from the mounting pressure about breaking the record.

"I do not like when people say that I am going to break the world record. I do not want to say anything about the record. Now, I think it is time to go and talk to my coach and to get ready for Brussels to run well,” he said in a recent interview.

In contrast, Canadian world champion Marco Arop, who boasts a personal best of 1:41.20 has openly shared his ambitions.

"I am heading to Brussels to break the 800m world record as well. The record is definitely going down," Arop declared in an interview with World Athletics.

His confidence stems from a recent performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics where he clocked an impressive 1:41.20 signaling his readiness for a record-breaking attempt.

Djamel Sedjati of Algeria, who holds the season’s best of 1:41.46 set in Monaco is the third major player in this high-stakes race.

Sedjati’s progression this season has been marked by strategic races and strategic pacesetting factors that will be crucial in the quest to lower the world record.

Brussels, known for its fast track and record-setting history, provides the perfect stage for this monumental challenge.

The event scheduled for September 13-14 will see these athletes compete not only for the win but also for a place in history.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s boyfriend Dickson Ndiema confirmed dead days after assault that claimed athlete's life

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei's ex-boyfriend dies following a violent incident that also led to her own tragic death.

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is mourning yet another tragic loss as her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, has passed away in a Kenyan hospital.

This comes shortly after Cheptegei herself succumbed to injuries from a brutal assault that shook the community.

Ndiema died late Monday night at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where he had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.

His death follows a few days after Cheptegei, who was also treated at the same facility for severe burns.

"The hospital confirmed that Ndiema died Monday night at the ICU where he had been admitted," reported The Star.

The tragedy unfolded when Ndiema attacked Cheptegei at her home in Trans Nzoia, Kenya, where he doused her with petrol and set her on fire.

The attack not only resulted in catastrophic injuries for Cheptegei but also left Ndiema with significant burns.

According to medical reports, Cheptegei sustained more than 80 percent burns, while Ndiema suffered over 30 percent.

Little is known about Dickson Ndiema outside his tumultuous relationship with Cheptegei.

He was not the father of Cheptegei's two daughters, and the couple had been separated for some time before the tragic incident.

A semi-private Facebook profile remains the only glimpse into Ndiema’s personal life, providing scant details beyond his connection to the prominent athlete.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for Cheptegei's funeral, which promises to be a significant event.

Her family, led by her father Mzee Joseph Cheptegei, has announced that she will be given a military burial.

"She was a member of the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) and will be laid to rest with full military honors," Mzee Cheptegei stated.

The family is working closely with both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments to ensure a fitting tribute in Bukwo, Eastern Uganda.

A postmortem is scheduled to be conducted on Wednesday to provide insights into the exact cause of Cheptegei's death.

"The hospital asked us to have the postmortem done and we accepted because it will help us to know what led to her death and also it will be part of closure for us as we mourn her death," explained Mzee Cheptegei.

Following the postmortem, Cheptegei's body will be moved from the morgue on Thursday, allowing for an overnight vigil at her home in Endebes, Trans Nzoia.

This will give residents and well-wishers a chance to pay their last respects and participate in prayer services.

The body will then be transported by road to Bukwo for another vigil on Friday, with the burial set for Saturday.

The event is expected to draw top officials from both Uganda and Kenya reflecting the stature of Cheptegei and the profound impact of her career and tragic end.

 For Mila Sport

~ DAN ~