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Nairobi \u2014 The 2021 World Under 20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi says this year was a learning curve for him as he transitioned to the senior ranks.<\/p>\n
The Kapchemoiywo training camp athlete experienced mixed fortunes in his battle with the ‘big boys’, finishing a disappointing fourth at the World Championships in Oregon but also winning the men’s 800m at the Rabat Diamond League in Morocco.<\/p>\n
The youngster said he has acquired priceless lessons on how to improve himself amidst the disappointments.<\/p>\n
“Oregon was overwhelming psychologically for me. After I got slightly knocked, I became tense and retreated to the tail-end of the pack. However, now I am not worried since I am a young athlete who has a lot of time on his side to win more races. I have learnt valuable lessons, which I am applying in training and competition and are sure that they will pay off sooner or later,” Wanyonyi said.<\/p>\n
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Wanyonyi clocked 1:44.54 in the men’s 800m at Oregon to finish fourth in a race won by his fellow countryman, Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir.<\/p>\n
As the year draws to a close, the youngster has set his sights on a busy 2023, primarily with the main objective of clinching the world title in Budapest, Hungary.<\/p>\n
“The plan is to compete in the cross country series so that I am physically ready when the track and field season commences. I have to be at the World Championships and do well… that is the target,” Wanyonyi, who clocked a new under-20 world record of 1:43.76 on his way to the World Under 20 title last year, said.<\/p>\n