David Lekuta Rudisha of Kenya runs to win gold, ahead of silver medallist Taoufik Makhloufi of Algeria during the men's 800m final at the Olympic Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Kenya's David Rudisha stormed to victory in the Olympic 800 metres final on Monday, retaining title with a devastating final lap sprint.

Rudisha, the world champion and world record holder, hit top gear in the final 300 metres to become the first man since New Zealander Peter Snell in 1964 to successfully defend the Olympic 800m title.

Rudisha crossed the line in 1.42.15, several metres ahead of Algeria's Taoufik Makhloufi, while fast-finishing American Clayton Murphy grabbed bronze.