Kenya's Rudisha skips Birmingham meet over injury

Rudisha at last year’s Diamond League in Glasgow

Nairobi, June 4 (IANS) Injured Olympic 800m Champion David Rudisha of Kenya will miss the Birmingham Diamond League meet to be held on Sunday.

However, the Commonwealth Games silver medallist is certain he will be back in competitive action soon as he prepares for the World Championships in Beijing in August, reports Xinhua.

"Having a test run of about 8km this evening. The good thing, I feel like my fitness is still there...just waiting for this muscle to be ready to roll up," said Rudisha on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.

With Rudisha having been confirmed to compete in New York on June 13, the world record holder is racing against time to find his fitness, having been embroiled in injury battles for the better part of the last two seasons.

"I feel better after the rest," said Rudisha who is in Germany for treatment. "I can lift the leg and feel the power coming back nicely," he said.

"I'm very disappointed not to be able to run in Birmingham this weekend. I enjoyed very much the meet last year and was looking forward to coming back. I am making good progress these last days, but it will be just a few days too soon," said the 26-year-old.

The two-lap colossus has recently been blighted by injuries and his attempt at 600m in Ostrava, Slovakia, ended up in pain as he pulled out after only 100m.

His coach Colm O'Connell said Rudisha's recovery was satisfactory, but could not give a final verdict. Rudisha is due to compete in the 800m in New York in 10 days' time.