Emmanuel Wanyonyi becomes third fastest in 800m History at Kenyan Olympic trials
Nairobi, Kenya – In a stunning display of athletic prowess, 19-year-old Kenyan runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi has secured his place in the annals of track history.
During the Kenyan Olympic Trials held on Saturday, Wanyonyi clocked an impressive 1:41.70 in the 800 meters, making him the third fastest man ever in this event.
His remarkable performance not only earned him a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics but also showcased his potential to become a future legend in middle-distance running.
Wanyonyi, who clinched a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships, expressed his determination and readiness for the upcoming Olympic Games.
“I will prepare properly for the remaining month. I will work on my speed, and in Paris, we are really going to run,” said the young athlete, brimming with confidence.
On the women’s side, Faith Kipyegon, a double world champion and world record holder in the 1500m, demonstrated her dominance by winning the 1500 meters with a time of 3:53.99.
Kipyegon, who also holds the world records for both the 1500m and the 800m, spoke about her performance and her hopes for the Olympics.
“I am even surprised. You know, I wanted to run as fast as possible and see what was possible at the finish line. People think you can’t run fast at high altitude, but I wanted to see if I could or if the weather conditions would affect me in any way. I thank God that this was not the case,” Kipyegon shared, full of optimism and gratitude.
In the same trials, Mary Moraa, the reigning world champion in the 800m, finished second and secured her place for Paris.
Her sister, Sarah Moraa, also qualified, finishing in third place, making it a memorable event for the Moraa family.
These trials have set the stage for a strong Kenyan presence in middle-distance running at the Paris Olympics, with athletes like Wanyonyi, Kipyegon, and the Moraa sisters poised to make significant impacts.
The nation’s rich history in athletics continues to thrive, promising exciting performances on the global stage.
