Kenyan middle-distance runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi delivered an exhilarating performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing the gold medal in the men’s 800 metres final on Saturday evening.
Wanyonyi clocked a personal best of 1:41.19, edging out Canada’s world champion Marco Arop, who finished just behind him with a time of 1:41.20.
The bronze medal was claimed by Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, who crossed the line at 1:41.50.
After the race, a visibly elated Wanyonyi acknowledged the immense pressure he felt leading up to the final.
He credited his victory to the inspiration he received from former 800 metres champion David Rudisha, who urged him to defend Kenya’s legacy in the event.
“This race was a lot of pressure for me,” Wanyonyi stated.
“I talked with Rudisha yesterday, and he told me, ‘You’re supposed to defend this title because Kenyans won the event last time in Tokyo.’ I thank God that I could achieve this.”
The men’s 800 metres final was one of the highlights on a thrilling final night of athletics at Stade de France.
Also shining brightly were Masai Russell and Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Russell dominated the women’s 100m hurdles, finishing ahead of Cyrene Samba-Mayela and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, while Ingebrigtsen secured his second Olympic gold in the men’s 5000m, triumphing over Ronald Kwemoi and Grant Fisher.
Wanyonyi’s victory marks a significant milestone for Kenya in middle-distance running, as he becomes the fifth consecutive Kenyan to capture the Olympic title in the 800 metres.
This streak includes past champions Wilfred Bungei (2008), David Rudisha (2012, 2016), and Emmanuel Korir (2021), reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in this prestigious event.
