Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi confirmed his dominance in the men’s 800 metres with a sensational gold medal performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The 20-year-old stormed to victory in a championship record time of 1:41.86, narrowly holding off Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, while defending champion Marco Arop of Canada settled for bronze.
Wanyonyi’s triumph was not only about speed but also about execution of a bold strategy. From the start, he decided to control the race by taking the lead early and dictating the pace. Unlike many athletes who prefer to sit back and conserve energy, Wanyonyi trusted his front-running ability, determined not to let anyone cut his rhythm.
“By the first 100 meters, I knew I could not allow anyone to block me,” he explained after the race. He kept pushing from the front, ensuring that he maintained control over the tempo and avoided being boxed in.
The Kenyan champion revealed that his plan hinged on attacking the race in two phases — running the first 700 meters aggressively before unleashing his trademark blistering sprint in the last 100. The gamble paid off. Sedjati closed in fast during the final stretch, but Wanyonyi’s early advantage allowed him to hold on for a dramatic victory.
This victory carried a deeper meaning for Wanyonyi, who grew up idolizing 800m world record holder David Rudisha. He credits Rudisha’s words and career for inspiring his confidence and belief in himself. Having Rudisha present in the stadium made the moment even more special for the youngster. “I always remind myself of what Rudisha said: believe in yourself and run your own race,” Wanyonyi reflected.
Beyond his personal glory, Wanyonyi also took time to inspire his female compatriots, Lillian Odira, Mary Moraa, and Sarah Moraa, as they prepared for their own 800m final. He encouraged them to embrace confidence and chase medals for Kenya.
With his Tokyo triumph, Wanyonyi restored Kenya’s dominance in the 800m, a title once synonymous with Rudisha. His record-breaking performance signaled the dawn of a new era in two-lap racing, proving that Kenya’s tradition of excellence on the track is in safe hands.
