December 12, (THEWILL) – David Rudisha, a two-time Olympic gold medalist has survived a terrifying plane accident in his native Loitoktok, in Kajiado county, Kenya.
Before the aircraft 5Y-BGJ crashed landed at the Ilchalai area in Mbirikani, due to what is believed to have been a mechanical issue, reports state that he had honoured the fifth edition of the Maasai Olympics, held at Mbirikani.
Rudisha boarded the aircraft with three other passengers, one of whom was reportedly injured and taken to Makueni hospital for more evaluation.
Over the weekend, pictures started to go viral on social media purporting to show the Kenyan running legend posing among a small plane’s wreckage with the upside-down jet laying on its roof in the background.
Big Life Foundation, one of the sponsors of the Maasai Olympics, confirmed in a statement that Rudisha was safe. It read: “Shortly after take off from an airstrip where the Maasai Olympics were being held today, a light aircraft carrying David Rudisha, the 800m world record holder, and some people connected to today’s event was forced to make an emergency landing… Rudisha, who is the patron of the Maasai Olympics, suffered no significant physical injuries.”
After winning back-to-back Gold medals at the Olympics in 2012 and 2016 in London and Rio de Janeiro, the 800m World Record holder is one of the most accomplished African athletes in history. The 33-year-old is experiencing a near-death situation for the second time; the first occurred three years ago when he managed to escape a tragic vehicle accident unharmed.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
