Emmanuel Wanyonyi shares complexities of his race, talks Rudisha’s record

Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s remarkable performance in the 800m has placed him on the brink of history, with his sights set on David Rudisha’s world record.

The youngster clocked an astonishing 1:41.11 at the Lausanne Diamond League meet in Switzerland, a time that not only equaled Wilson Kipketer’s record but also elevated Wanyonyi to second on the all-time list.

He is now just 0.08 seconds shy of Rudisha’s legendary mark of 1:40.91, set during the 2012 London Olympics.

Despite the weight of expectations, Wanyonyi insists he feels no pressure to break the 13-year-old record.

“I do not have any pressure to run the world record, but maybe it might come. My target is to run my personal best time again. The world record might come, but I know I need to work hard to achieve it because it’s not easy,” he said during an interview with CGTN.

Wanyonyi emphasized the importance of strategy and experience in the 800m, noting that the event demands more than just physical readiness.

“The 800m requires experience and a sharp brain. You can be in great shape, but if you lack the experience and tactics, then you’ll suffer in this event,” he said.

Looking ahead, Wanyonyi’s primary focus is the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

“My target for 2025 is the World Championships, but I know I have to prepare for it well. I’ll carefully choose the meetings and first start with the cross country, then a few Athletics Kenya meetings before the Diamond Leagues, and finally to Tokyo for the championships,” he explained.

Reflecting on his best moments, Wanyonyi highlighted a standout 2024 that included competing at the Paris Olympics, setting a personal best at the Lausanne Diamond League, and winning the Diamond League trophy in Brussels.

“This year, first were the Olympic Games in Paris, then when I clocked my personal best at Lausanne Diamond League, then the third one was winning my trophy at the Diamond League final in Brussels,” he shared.

Wanyonyi’s progression has been steady, marked by lessons learned in both triumph and defeat.

“My first World Championship, I thanked God to have reached the final since that was a great indication of my progress. In Budapest, I was in great shape, but I got beaten because of a lack of tactics. But at the Olympics, I channeled all my experience,” he concluded.