Michael Saruni (born June 18, 1995) is a Kenyan collegiate middle-distance runner. He was the former world record holder for the indoor 600 m with a time of 1:14.79, set in January 2018.[1] Representing the University of Texas in El Paso, he also set the all-time collegiate record for 800 m in April 2018, with a time of 1:43.25.[2]
.jpg) Saruni at the 2019 Millrose Games | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality |  Kenya |
| Born | June 18, 1995 Eldama Ravine, Kenya |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Track and field |
| Event(s) | 800 metres 1500 metres |
| College team | UTEP |
Michael Saruni graduated from Kabimoi High School in Baringo County - Eldama Ravine, Kenya.
In 2017 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships 800 meters final, Saruni won in 1:47, but was disqualified after bumping Piazza who cut into lane 1 in front of Saruni.[3]
In 2017 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships 800 final, champion Emmanuel Korir tripped Saruni at 600 meters.[4]
Saruni was controversially excluded from the Kenyan 2017 World Championships team by Athletics Kenya due to a misunderstanding of IAAF policies.[5]
In 2018 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships 800 meters final, Saruni won in 1:45.15.
Michael Saruni, a sophomore UTEP Miners (University of Texas El Paso), set the NCAA 800 meters record at the 2018 Desert Heat Classic in Tucson, Arizona in 1:43.25 improving NCAA 800 m record of Donavan Brazier (1:43.55 in 2016).[6]
In 2018 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships 800 meters final, Saruni placed 3rd in 1:45.31.
He qualified to represent Kenya at the 2020 Summer Olympics.[7]
In 2022, Saruni was given a provisional suspension for anti-doping rules violations.[8] He has been suspended for 4 years in 2024.[9]
Competitions edit
References edit
- ^ "Saruni Sets World Record at Albuquerque Track and Field Meet". UTEP Athletics. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
- ^ "Michael Saruni generates buzz with 800m world lead". Olympic Channel. Retrieved 2018-05-30.
- ^ "2017 NCAA M 800M Final Championship Indoor Track and Field". Too Fast Move Over YouTube. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "Men's 800m Final - UTEP's Emmanuel Korir wins, trips up teammate". Joe Battaglia MileSplit. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ Komen, Jonathan. "US-based Saruni dropped from 800m team for World Championships". Retrieved 2018-05-30.
- ^ "Michael Saruni Smahes NCAA 800m Record with 1:43.25". Watch Athletics. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "Former UTEP national champions Korir and Saruni qualify for Kenyan Olympic team; Amusan, Okagbare headed to Tokyo for Nigeria". KTSM 9 News. 2021-06-19. Retrieved 2021-06-20.
- ^ PROVISIONALLY SUSPENDED ATHLETES
- ^ "Doping Double Take: Michael Saruni Served Four-Year Ban After Failed Impersonation Scheme". 2024-02-11. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
- ^ Michael Saruni at Tilastopaja (registration required)