Kenya’s Wycliffe Kinyamal delivered a resilient performance in the men’s 800m final at the Doha Diamond League, securing a season-best time in a race filled with high-caliber competition. The two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist finished third in 1:43.37, just behind American Bryce Hoppel and Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela, who surged to victory in a world-leading 1:43.11.
Kinyamal showed his class and experience by running a tactically sound race. From the gun, he kept himself tucked within the lead pack, demonstrating sharp positioning and pacing. At the bell marking the final 400 meters, the Kenyan made his move, accelerating powerfully around the final bend. Despite his late surge, he couldn’t quite reel in Masalela and Hoppel, who managed to maintain their lead through a tense sprint to the finish.
Reflecting on the race, Kinyamal acknowledged the quality of competition and shared that he was now shifting focus toward further training and preparation for upcoming championships. “The competition was good, I really enjoyed it. I am going back to my country to prepare myself very well, then I will decide which competition I will go to next,” he said.
Kinyamal also noted that his early-season training had been solid and that his eyes are now firmly set on achieving a faster time as the season progresses. He mentioned targeting the World Championships as a major goal and a stage where he hopes to make an even greater impact.
Masalela’s stunning performance was one of the highlights of the evening. The Botswanan, who has been rapidly rising through the ranks, confirmed his status as a top contender with a confident and aggressive run that saw him fend off a strong field to clinch a personal and world-best time. His final push over the last 100 meters, where he managed to hold off Hoppel’s charge, showcased both speed and mental fortitude.
Kenya’s presence in the race was further bolstered by the performance of Aaron Cheminingwa. The 21-year-old, still new to the international scene, ran a commendable race to finish eighth in 1:45.21. Though not in podium contention, his ability to hold his ground in such an elite lineup points to a promising future. Cheminingwa’s maturity under pressure and steady improvement offer Kenya another rising talent in the middle-distance category.
Among the other notable performances, Algeria’s Slimane Moula narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in 1:43.55. Host nation favorite Ibrahim Abass Choutri thrilled the local crowd with a lifetime best of 1:44.08, securing fifth place. Sweden’s Andreas Kramer followed in sixth at 1:44.84, just ahead of Morocco’s Abdelati El Guesse, who clocked 1:45.02.
Kenya’s third entrant, Laban Kipkorir Chepkowny, had a tough outing and struggled in the latter stages of the race, ultimately finishing at the back of the pack with a time of 1:47.00.
As the track season intensifies with the African Championships and the World Championships on the horizon, Kinyamal’s performance serves as a timely reminder of his consistency and potential. With renewed focus and continued improvement, he remains a central figure in Kenya’s Olympic middle-distance campaign.
