The 800m runner goes No.3 on the world all-time rankings behind David Rudisha and Wilson Kipketer
Emmanuel Wanyonyi was fortunate to make the final at the Kenyan Olympic Trials in Nairobi after falling in his heat. But after a successful appeal he delivered a masterful performance in the final as he front-ran to victory in 1:41.70.
Only David Rudisha with 1:40.91 and Wilson Kipketer with 1:41.11 have run faster. Wanyonyi’s run, which was set at 1795m of altitude, is also the quickest since Rudisha’s world record at London 2012.
However, world 800m standards at the highest level have not progressed hugely in recent years. Seb Coe and Joaquim Cruz, for example, both ran only a fraction slower than Wanyonyi in the early 1980s.
Wyclife Kinyamal was runner-up in 1:42.50 ahead of Koitatoi Kidali in 1:42.66 as Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir faded in his heat and didn’t make the final.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi falls in his heat (Getty)
A world silver medallist last year, Wanyonyi, who is still only 19, will now go into the Olympics as 800m favourite although Djamel Sedjati of Algeria has shown dazzling form in recent Diamond League meetings too.
In the men’s 100m in Nairobi, Ferdinand Omanyala clocked another world lead and his second-fastest time of 9.79 (1.5) to win comfortably from Mark Otieno. “This year, I hope to run 9.8 in the races that matter,” he said.
Ferdinand Omanyala (Getty)
Faith Kipyegon was also in majestic form as she won the women’s 1500m in 3:53.98 from Nelly Chepchirchir (3:58.46) and Susan Ejore (4:00.22).
This added to the 5000m victory she enjoyed on the opening day of the championships where she clocked 14:46.28 ahead of Beatrice Chebet, the recent world 10,000 record-breaker clocking 14:52.55.
Faith Kipyegon (Getty)
“I wanted to run 3:55 but was surprised with the 3:53,” said Kipyegon. “I am excited to be back on track. I thank God I have been able to make the team for both the 5000m and the 1500m. I’ll go and focus now on speed and endurance ahead of Paris.”
Reynold Cheruiyot, the 2022 world under-20 champion, won the men’s 1500m in 3:35.63 ahead of Daniel Munguti (3:35.80) and Timothy Cheruiyot (3:35.90).
In the women’s 800m there was a surprise as world champion Mary Moraa was beaten by Lilian Odira in 1:59.27 to 1:59.35 with Sara Moraa, the younger sister of Mary, third in 1:59.39.
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