Emmanuel Wanyonyi is on another level, says 800m record holder Rudisha
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 17.06.24. | 16:17
Wanyonyi, ran the third-fastest time in 800m last week during the Olympic Games trials at Nyayo Stadium
800m record holder David Rudisha is beaming with pride after witnessing Emmanuel Wanyonyi's electrifying performance at the Athletics Kenya (AK) Olympic trials held at the Nyayo National Stadium from Friday 14 to Saturday 15.
Wanyonyi, a world silver medalist over the distance, went out hard against a stacked field to run the fastest time ever recorded in Africa.
He scorched the track with a blistering 1:41.70, not only securing his Olympic berth but also propelling himself into the history books as the third-fastest runner ever in the distance.
Wanyonyi's time is the fastest ever recorded since Rudisha's world record-breaking run of 1:40.91 at the 2012 London Olympics.
The youngster qualified for the final via an appeal after being tripped in the semis to finish last.
After winning the appeal, he made sure no mistakes were made, running from the front as promised after his tumble on Friday.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport on the sidelines, Rudisha expressed pleasure with how the young athletes have been faring.
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Being an Olympic year, he remains confident that Kenya would register impressive results in the discipline.
“It is good to see this generation taking sports in that direction. Witnessing him running 1:41 here at home is very special. That record, and becoming the third fastest athlete in 800m is not easy. He is now on a different level,” he offered.
While athletes have broken records in different races, Rudisha offered that the 800m was a particularly challenging one owing to the short distance and limited time.
“800m is one of the races they say is very unforgiving. If you make any slight mistake, you will not be able to correct it because you do not have the time. You need to be focused, and if you are in good form, you can go ahead and run your race,” he revealed.
Wanyonyi's time definitely signaled a sign of good things to come in Paris but, Rudisha insists that the youngster should remain focused as he is the athlete to watch and beat.
"While we celebrate Wanyonyi's achievement, we must remember that the Olympics are a different beast altogether. The focus now should shift towards sharpening race tactics and ensuring peak physical conditioning for the Olympics " he advised.
He further advised the budding athletes to be passionate about the sport and strive to achieve greatness.
“Running is all about passion. If you admire something, then you will have the drive to push and try to achieve it. Athletics is one of the sports that young people can freely engage in, and we believe that there is always a room for everyone. Just focus, have a target, set goals, and work towards achieving them,” he advised.
Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal settled for second place in 1:42.50 to book the other automatic slot in the Games.
Kaitatoi Kidali clocked 1:42.66 to put himself in a prime position for selection to Team Kenya ahead of Africa silver medalist Alex Ngeno.
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