Athletics legend David Rudisha has revealed the rise of Scottish athletes has caught the attention of Kenyan rivals.
The double Olympic champion at 800m and world record holder admitted performances from jake Wightman, Josh Kerr and Laura Muir in recent years have proven the strength of competition coming from the UK.
Rudisha was in Glasgow as International Ambassador for the World Indoor Championships and watched Kerr claim victory in the 3000m.
Kenyan Timothy Cheruiyot split Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the previous Games with Abel Kipsang fourth in Tokyo.
And Rudisha is certain there will be no underestimation of Scottish athletes after impressive medal hauls.
"Yes, people in athletics in Kenya are talking about Scottish athletes – absolutely," Rudisha told Scottish Athletics as he attended the Allan Scalley Road Relays.
"You are doing very well especially in the middle distance. There is always tough competition with British and Scottish athletes with our Kenyans – like Faith Kipyegon and Laura Muir. And Josh Kerr against our top guys.
"When you have this competition, and your athletes winning World titles, then it only makes sure that Kenyan athletes know they have to work very hard to beat you."
Rudisha's Glasgow visit came a decade on from competing in the Commonwealth Games in 2014 where he was forced to settle for a silver medal behind Nijel Amos at Hampden.
"It is ten years now since I raced here at the Commonwealth Games," reflected Rudisha. "So a while ago now but I am glad to be back and helping with the World Indoors.
"It was great to see the action and there were a lot of high level performances – there were World Records in track and in field and some fast times."
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Rudisha also stopped by the Allan Scalley Road Relays at Glasgow Green on Saturday and presented medals on behalf of Sheetleston Harriers.
On the experience, he added: "It is really very impressive to see hundreds of athletes turn out for a club road relay event,' added David.
"I think to me it shows that sport is an activity which is important to people around here. I understand this event has been on for a number of years in Scotland and it well supported.
"I am glad to be here and glad to be in Scotland for the World indoors as the International Ambassador for Glasgow 24."
David Rudisha was in Glasgow for World Indoors . . . and Scally Relays - you can watch the Scottish Athletics video HERE.
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