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Kenya’s middle distance legend David Rudisha has landed ambassadorial duty for the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, which will be held from March 1–3.

Rudisha is one of the outstanding runners in the 800m, as he is a double Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion in that discipline.

During the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, he competed and secured a silver medal.

“I am looking forward to going back to Glasgow for this major competition on our calendar. I am really excited.

“Sport is what has made me who I am today, and anything to do with sport makes me feel very happy. I am looking forward to meeting the fans and promoting the sport,” Rudisha told World Athletics.

Back to UK soil

Rudisha’s world-record-breaking performance came in the UK when he won gold after running in 1:40.91 during the London Olympic Games in 2012.

He is returning to the UK, this time as an ambassador for the upcoming games in Scotland.

“I really feel honoured. As an athlete, anything I can do to inspire younger athletes to win medals on the world stage really makes me feel special.

“The 2014 Commonwealth Games were very special. I have beautiful memories of my experience in Glasgow. The people were very kind and supportive. I got silver in that race, but it was clear that the crowd supported and cheered for every athlete, regardless of the position they finished in,” he said.

Rudisha competed at six global championships during his career and won gold at five of them. Rudisha knows just how important it is for athletes to get off to a strong start before setting their focus on the Paris 2024 Games.

“The Olympics are at the helm of any sport. To participate in the Olympics means a lot. It’s not always easy, so I wish athletes the best as they work hard for this season and try to make their name and write their history in this sport.”

Being a legend in the 800m, Rudisha’s main focus will be on the race.

“The 800 m, of course, is my favourite. I’m also looking forward to seeing the 400m, with the times they are posting already.

“Femke Bol, running 49 seconds in the early season indoors, is really amazing. We’re looking forward to watching these athletes do their best on the world indoor stage.”

More than 700 athletes from about 130 countries will take part in the World Indoor Championships.