David Rudisha opens up to coach Indian athletes, said defending Olympic gold is not easy for Neeraj

Two-time Olympic Games gold medalist in the 800m, Kenya's David Rudisha is keen to train Indian sprinters and middle-distance runners when he finds time for his illustrious career.

Also Read: Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra became the most written-about athlete in 2022 leaving behind Usain Bolt

The 34-year-old, who defended his 2012 London Olympic gold in Rio after four years, also said it is not easy to win back-to-back gold medals in the quadrennial Games, but India's javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra can achieve this feat if he continues to train the way he trained before the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Rudisha said his retirement could open up opportunities for him to coach aspiring runners. Asked if he would be keen to train Indian sprinters and middle-distance runners after calling time on his professional career, Rudisha, 34, said, "Well, after I am done with some level 1 and 2 coaching programs, yes I can have a fresh start and that (coaching) could be an option. There are no boundaries for coaches. You are like a teacher and whoever wants to learn is most welcome."

"It's a tough eight-year journey performing in consecutive Olympics. So many new athletes are coming in. My experience says it's not easy to defend (gold) and there are no guarantees, given that so many other things like physical fitness, preparation etc too play a major role. But, yes, it's still achievable." David Rudisha added.

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra: "My next target is winning gold in World Championships"

Meanwhile, three top Kenyan athletes were banned for a collective period of eight years by the AIU last December. They broke anti-doping rules, thus a growing list of runners bringing shame to the country. In fact, the country is facing the prospect of being banned by World Athletics. The dope menace has reached crisis levels.