Michael Saruni Explained
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]
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
Representing University of Texas at El Paso |
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2016 | Conference USA Cross Country Championships | Frank Liske Park Concord, North Carolina | 6th | 8000 m | 24:16.2 |
2016 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships | LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course Terre Haute, Indiana | 228th | 10,000 m | 32:08 |
2017 | Conference USA Indoor Track and Field Championships | Birmingham Metro CrossPlex | 1st | 800 meters | 1:50.67 |
1st | Mile | 4:03.32 |
NCAA Men's Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships | College Station, Texas | 1st | 800m | DQ 1:47.48 |
11th | DMR | 9:56.03 |
Conference USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships | El Paso, Texas | 1st | 800 meters | 1:47.48 |
2nd | 1500 m | 3:46.15 |
NCAA Men's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships | Eugene, Oregon | 8th | 800m | 2:15.56 (Tripped @ 600 m) |
24th | 4x400m | 3:18.65 |
Representing Athletics Kenya |
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2017 | 2017 Athletics Kenya World Championship Trials | Nairobi, Kenya | 3rd | 800m | 1:44.61 |
IAAF World Championships in Athletics | London, United Kingdom | | 800m | DNS |
Representing University of Texas at El Paso |
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2018 | Conference USA Indoor Track and Field Championships | Birmingham Metro CrossPlex | 1st | 800 meters | 1:52.05 |
2nd | Mile | 4:10.39 |
NCAA Men's Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships | College Station, Texas | 1st | 800m | 1:45.15 |
Conference USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships | Rice University | 2nd | 800 meters | 1:49.71 |
2nd | 1500 m | 3:50.09 |
NCAA Men's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships | Eugene, Oregon | 3rd | 800m | 1:45.31 |
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Notes and References
- Web site: Saruni Sets World Record at Albuquerque Track and Field Meet. UTEP Athletics. 2018-05-30.
- Web site: Michael Saruni generates buzz with 800m world lead. Olympic Channel. 2018-05-30.
- Web site: 2017 NCAA M 800M Final Championship Indoor Track and Field . . December 28, 2018.
- Web site: Men's 800m Final - UTEP's Emmanuel Korir wins, trips up teammate . . December 28, 2018.
- Web site: US-based Saruni dropped from 800m team for World Championships. Jonathan. Komen. 2018-05-30.
- Web site: Michael Saruni Smahes NCAA 800m Record with 1:43.25 . . December 28, 2018.
- Web site: 2021-06-19. Former UTEP national champions Korir and Saruni qualify for Kenyan Olympic team; Amusan, Okagbare headed to Tokyo for Nigeria. 2021-06-20. KTSM 9 News. en-US.
- https://www.adak.or.ke/provisionally-suspended-athletes/ PROVISIONALLY SUSPENDED ATHLETES
- Web site: 2024-02-11 . Doping Double Take: Michael Saruni Served Four-Year Ban After Failed Impersonation Scheme . 2024-02-16 . en-US.