Emmanuel Wanyonyi reflects on 2025 success and future plans
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 12.12.25. | 13:00
On preparations for the new season, Wanyonyi emphasised that he trusts his coach to shape his programme.
Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi closed out a sensational 2025 season as both the World and Diamond League 800 metres champion, reaffirming his position as the leading two lap runner on the planet.
The 21 year old produced four of the six fastest times of the year, including a world leading 1:41.44 in Monaco and a championship record of 1:41.86 to win gold at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
As he reflected on a remarkable season, Wanyonyi also shared his thoughts on what lies ahead in 2026.
Wanyonyi said the honour meant a great deal to him, especially coming just two years after winning the Rising Star award.
He expressed that moment by saying, “I am so happy and excited. I remember in 2023 I came here and I won the Rising Star of the year.
Today I am here again. I want to thank World Athletics for this journey. Second I want to thank my fans a lot for the love they give to me. I do not have much to say because I am so happy.”
Reflecting on his world title in Tokyo, Wanyonyi explained that he approached the final with a determined mindset and a strong desire to secure the gold medal.
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“I did not take this race for granted. I wanted to do everything to secure the gold. I expected the race to be really competitive and very fast, but I wanted to make sure to just win this gold.”
He added that the race demanded maximum effort from the gun to the finish.
“The race was fast and hard. I prepared myself mentally for it. I wanted to run a fast race, that is why I went to the lead. I knew lactic acid was going to hit me. I ran a really fast first lap and it was a hard finish as well. That is why I had a surprised face after the finish. Everybody was strong.”
When discussing his consistency in the 800 metres, Wanyonyi acknowledged how demanding the event can be.
“It is not easy to be consistent, to win the 800 metres, because it is so competitive. This means that my future is bright in the 800 metres. If you want to run 800 metres very fast, you need to be focused and to be a strong athlete, because the 800 metres is not easy to win continuously.”
He also spoke about the motivation he received from David Rudisha during the Tokyo championships.
“David told me, I am here to see you win this medal. Try to win.I do not have anything planned in terms of breaking the world record. My plan is to make my body fit. I want to train well. Right now I want to sit down and discuss with my coach about next season.”
Looking ahead, Wanyonyi kept his ambitions for 2026 mostly private. He said, “In 2026 I want to run the 800 metres. For now I cannot share with you my plans because that is my secret.”
On preparations for the new season, Wanyonyi emphasised that he trusts his coach to shape his programme.
“That is why I have a coach. These are questions for my coach. I am the athlete, I want to follow my coach. For now I am starting to go on some long runs and build up.”
Away from the track, Wanyonyi shared that he prefers a simple routine during his downtime.
“I like to go on some holidays, but I do not want to travel too much. After the World Championships in Tokyo, I went home to see my mum for two or three weeks and then I went back to my camp.”
Source: World Athletics
