Friends open up on 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi's little-known talent

Reigning 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi has solidified his status as one of the greatest and youngest middle-distance runners of all time.

He made history in Paris by clinching gold in his maiden appearance on the Olympic stage after clocking an incredible 1:41:58.

However, beyond his athletics achievements, what many do not know is that the youngster’s talent extends far beyond the track.

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Friends and family reveal a lesser-known side of the 800m star; a skilled singer (soloist) and dancer. Yes, you read that right.

Wanyonyi’s friend and training mate Kibet Chemengich revealed that before his rise to stardom, the two even formed a dance group in an attempt to make ends meet. At the time, tough economic conditions had forced Wanyonyi to turn to a herder to make ends meet.

It was Chemengich who advised him to start training, oblivious of the future that lay ahead.

“We have stayed with Manu (Wanyonyi) for long when he used to be a herder selling grass. One day I told him that he was meant to do great, not manual jobs, and I advised him to start training,” Chemengich recalled in an interview with NTV.

Chemengich went ahead to share fond memories of their time spent hunting in the forest and forming a dance group. He and Wanyonyi became known for their energetic dancing to fast tunes, always a hit with the locals.

“We knew we had a talent; even though we could not sing, we could dance well. We used to dance and when people were touched by our moves, they would contribute some money,” he explained.

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The duo’s performances were an integral part of their lives growing up. They spent their days hunting and their nights were filled with music and dance.

Lucy Chebet, a family friend, offered a glimpse into Wanyonyi’s charismatic personality.

“He used to take the kids in the neighbourhood to get circumcised. He is a very good soloist,” Chebet recalled, still in disbelief that the young boy she watched grow up, is now a world beater.

“When he starts singing and dancing, all the kids from the neighbourhood follow him. What made him stand out was his smile as he sang and danced,” she explained while preparing traditional vegetables.

One particular event, according to Chebet solidified Wanyonyi’s status as a local talent.

“I last saw him singing with his three friends and people were dancing. The women were cooking and eating. Then, Wanyonyi took over as the soloist, and as soon as he started singing, everybody was up dancing, even the elderly. That is when I knew he had a talent,” she said with excitement.

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According to Chebet, if anyone needed a soloist for a circumcision ceremony, they would call on Wanyonyi.

Wanyonyi is the fifth born of 12 children. He was born in Sabaot constituency, Trans Nzoia County. His modest upbringing has kept him grounded, even as his athletic career takes him to greater heights.

“God is great, I tell you,” Chebet added.

Wanyonyi began the 2024 season with a commanding victory at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, setting the tone for what would become a record-breaking year.

He shattered the 1:42 barrier at the Kenyan Olympic trials, and at the Paris Diamond League, he clocked a personal best of 1:41.58, establishing himself as the fastest man over 800m that season.

His Olympic gold in Paris was a culmination of years of dedication, as he became the third-fastest man in history over the 800m.

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Following the Olympics, Wanyonyi continued to dominate, recording an impressive 1:41.11 at the Lausanne Diamond League, inching closer to the world record held by David Rudisha (1:40.91).

The 2025 season will see him face stiff competition from world champion Marco Arop and Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, who both posted times close to Wanyonyi’s.

The upcoming rivalry promises to be intense, but if history is any indication, Wanyonyi’s blend of speed, and resilience will continue to keep him at the top of the 800m world.