Olympic champion David Rudisha survives another wild crash

On Saturday, two-time Olympic 800m champion and world record holder David Rudisha posted on social media that he survived a plane crash in southeast Kenya. Rudisha told the media the crash was a “scary experience,” but he escaped with very minor injuries.

David Rudisha after surviving a crash landing in Amboseli pic.twitter.com/aFzB6exHAl

— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) December 11, 2022

This plane crash happened almost three years after Rudisha escaped from a devasting car wreck when his car collided with a bus near his hometown of Kilgoris, Kenya.

“Close to seven or eight minutes into the flight, the plane’s engine went quiet,” Rudisha told Kenya’s Nation. “The pilot saw some clear space where he tried to land the plane, but one of its wings hit a tree as the plane started to spin before landing on the rocky field.”

Thanking the Almighty God for the gift of life.Saturday night around 1030Hrs I survived a tragic road accident at Keroka on my way home to Kilgoris after a head on collision with a bus plying Kisii Nairobi Route. I am fine with no injuries! Thank you 🙏🏻 for your prayers. pic.twitter.com/RZdwemLwXG

— David Rudisha (@rudishadavid) August 26, 2019

Five others were on the plane when it crashed, but it was reported that they all escaped with minor injuries. “The pilot did an incredible job to keep the plane afloat and stable for long,” said Rudisha.

He won gold in the men’s 800m at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and holds the 800m world record of 1:40:91. The London 2012 800m final, where Rudisha ran the world record, is undoubtedly one of the greatest Olympic races of all time. 

Rudisha was reportedly returning from the annual Maasai Olympics at Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary. The 33-year-old has not officially retired from athletics but has not raced since late 2017.