© Mozzart Sport
© Mozzart Sport

Wanyonyi promising fireworks in 800m final after reinstatement

Reading Time: 1min | Fri. 14.06.24. | 13:22

He is chasing his first Olympic Games where he is one of the favourites

World 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi will race in the final at the ongoing Athletics Kenya Paris Olympics trials despite finishing last in his heat. 

Wanyonyi, who was in the lead until 300m to go, had tried to slow down the race but was overtaken as the athletes took the final bend on the homestretch, with Laban Chepkwony taking charge. 

In the final dash, the Diamond League champion, unfortunately tripped and as he stumbled to the ground, his hopes of qualifying for the final dwindled. He finished last in 1:51.76. 

"I was hit from behind but I have appealed to be included in the final," Wanyonyi said after the race. His appeal was heard and approved, giving him alongside Collins Kipruto, the other athlete involved in the incident who finished in 1:48.03. 

Wanyonyi is promising fireworks in the final where he takes on semi final one winner Alex Ngeno and second placed Nicholas Kebenei. The second semi was won by Chepkwony in 1:46.21 with Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal second in 1:46.70. 

Aaron Kemei, winner of the third semi in 1:47.20 and  Kelvin Kibet, second in 1:47.35 will also be in contention.

"It is a loaded final but I am ready. It was unfortunate what happened today but I will not let that slow me down. I will be chasing the win," Wanyonyi added. 


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Athletics KenyaEmmanuel WanyonyiParis 2024 Olympic Games

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