800m World record holder and Olympic champion David Rudisha will not join his Kenyan teammates at the IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas on May 2nd. 

 

Rudisha is focused on repeating as World champion in Beijing, and prefers not to make a Caribbean detour away from his pre-determined schedule through August. After making two successful appearances in Australia last month, Rudisha will prep for the long season with several off-distance races, including the 600m at the Ostrava Golden Spike World Challenge on May 26th. Last year, Rudisha ran a world-leading 1:13.71 in the rarely run event. 

 

Rudisha figured to be the headliner for the Kenyan 4x800m team in the Bahamas, but even without him they should be formidable again after winning the inaugural competition in 2014. The relay team of Ferguson Rotich, Sammy Kirongo, Job Kinyor, and Alfred Kipketer ran 7:08.40 to narrowly beat Team Poland, who finished second in 7:08.69. 

 

Kenya has held the World record of 7:02.43 in the 4x800m since 2006. 

 

The Kenyan national team for the IAAF World Relays will be named on Friday.