Rudisha almost breaks Internet as Kenyans salute the king

Rudisha almost breaks Internet as Kenyans salute the king

Moments after his epic Olympics victory social media bowed down to the king of 800m, David Rudisha as the Internet almost broke in his homeland to toast his achievement.

Millions of Kenyans set alarm clocks or asked their friends or family to call them when the appointed hour came at 4:25am EAT time (+3GMT) while others stayed up all night in eager anticipation of the country’s second gold at Rio 2016.

Moments after running 1:42.15 for the top medal, Rudisha acknowledged his compatriots in kind, dedicating his second Olympics gold medal to them through a Facebook post.

“I dedicate this win to all my fans all over the world and above all to my country; Kenya. To all those who woke up at 4am to watch the race and for all your steadfast support throughout the years. ‪#‎TeamRudisha ‪#‎TeamKenya,” the two-time world champion and record holder.

Within a few minutes over 800 fans had responded to the post and the numbers went up as dawn set over a celebrating nation as his pictures flooded the Internet.

“Our Alarms were set to make us awake. We braved the chilly morning to cheer you not on the track but on our televisions… Just for you to make us happy and proud!” Isaac Martinson replied.

“Congratulations on another magnificent Olympic Gold Medal run, David, and on your gracious interview. Delighted to stay awake to see it. Well run, well deserved win.” Another posted.

“You are awesome. Thanks for keeping Kenya on top. Congratulations. Watched you do it n it was a crowning moment for me. I almost decided that Olympics imeisha (its over) but then I still have to watch Asbel Kiprop. He’s also my favourite. But wewe ndio nambari moja (you are number one)!!!” Eleanor Rutana screamed.

“Ojore (warrior) you did made us proud. I was scared when the Algerian guy tried your steps but finally you made it. Ashe oleng (thank you),” Kibet Kipkosgei wrote on his Facebook wall using Rudisha’s local Masai dialect to communicate to the High Moran.

“I just woke up at the precise stroke of time to watch this race and what a blessing to start my day! Congratulations Rudisha. So proud of you.” Fred Musau went on.

Thanks to the heavy downpour in Rio that caused track and field programme to be delayed for one and half hours, Kenyans took the opportunity to wake their friends who were still snoozing to witness history.

Micro blogging site temporarily went down with huge volume of traffic following Rudisha's victory.
Micro blogging site Twitter temporarily went down with huge volume of traffic following Rudisha’s victory.

Immediately Rudisha won, thousands rushed to twitter to send their patriotic messages and lovely tweets for the King causing micro blogging site to crash temporarily, albeit in Kenya’s end as the king and his compatriot Alfred Kipketer who went for a crazy opening 400m in 49 seconds trending within minutes.

As is customary for such occasion, ‘digital’ President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the first to tweet his congratulations before his spouse, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta re-tweeted and added;  “Standing Ovation @rudishadavid, you are a great soldier. Absolute class. Patience, hard work & focus, is your #OlympicGamesGold. #Rio2016.”

World Javelin Champion Julius Yego who is preparing to compete on Wednesday in Rio also joined other Kenyans in praises.

“Congrats @David Rudisha for the gold and successful defending of your Olympic title.” The world Champion wrote.

Here are some of the tweets from the early birds who turned to their keyboards to explode in the glow of Rudisha’s glory.

“#DavidRudisha defends his title..#KingRudisha #Athletics #KEN #Olympics. ” Citizen Tv Sports Anchor Bernard Ndong said.

 “Nyairera will follow the steps of #DavidRudisha in 800M women.Take this tweet to the bank.Do you agree with me?Am a village coach.” Said Cyrus Chege who is hopeful the World 800m Junior Champion Margate Nyairera will emulate Rudisha’s performance.

 “And we are a proud nation. This is where u’ll see Patriots and it’s everyone.. There’s no tribe with these kinda things #DavidRudisha.” Diana Mwangi expressed her patriotism.

 “Get a King that can do both. Protect the Land and Gold. #DavidRudisha #Rio2016” Philip Mwangi advised.

Tags:

facebook social media olympics Twitter athletics gold Rio 2016 Rudisha

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