More than 12 years ago on 9 August 2012, Kenya’s David Rudisha became the first human to ever run the 800m in under one minute and 41 seconds when his record-shattering performance became one of the headlines of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The world record has remained intact for the last twelve years and to mark the extraordinary feat, during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Rudisha donated his historic spikes to the Museum of World Athletics exactly 12 years on from the day he made history.

Before his 800m record-shattering performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games saw him clock an unprecedented time of 1:40.91, however, Rudisha had already broken 800m world record once at the ISTAF 2010 - IAAF World Challenge in Berlin. 

Then just 21 years old, Rudisha ran a time of 1:41.09 on 22 August 2010 eclipsing the standing world record of 1:41.11 that had been held by Wilson Kipketer for 13 years.

These initial world record breaking spikes can now be seen in the MOWA after Rudisha handed over his signed white spikes to World Athletics President Sebastian Coe on Friday 9 August 2024.

“There have been only four world record-holders at the distance since 1975,” said Sebastian Coe. “David is one of them, and he's obviously the fastest of them all. So, I’m really grateful that we're able to celebrate his achievements in our museum.”

The handover ceremony was held at the Stade de France on the evening of the men’s 800m semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

“I've donated my first world record spikes to the museum, and this is really something very special,” said David Rudisha. “I have been keeping them safe, most of my family members have never seen them. We treasure it because it carries a lot of memories during our time when you are running.

“It really means a lot and to donate them here, I feel very honoured. I believe that this is going to inspire the younger generation and also to tell the story of our sport.”

Having dominated the 800m in a career spanning 11 years, persistent injuries eventually forced Rudisha to step away from racing and his last competition came in 2017. 

Since then taken up ambassadorial roles at the World Championships in Budapest and World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

“My athletics career has been like a special journey. I’m really satisfied with my achievement, because I have done what any athlete would ever wish to achieve,” said Rudisha. “If you talk about the world record, I have done that three times, World Championships two times and the Olympics again twice. This really means a lot because those are the highest achievement in athletics.”