Wanyonyi still chasing first 2026 800m Diamond League victory after missing London podium

Reigning Olympic and world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s search for his first Diamond League 800m victory of the season continued after he finished fourth at the London Diamond League on Saturday, 18 July.

Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news

The middle-distance star crossed the line in 1:43.30 in a high-quality men’s 800m race, narrowly missing out on a podium finish despite another competitive display.

Kenyan sprinter reveals minimum amount required to fund athlete's season

American Brandon Miller produced the performance of his career to win the race in a personal best 1:42.19. Ireland’s Mark English also set a personal best of 1:42.97 to claim second place, while home favourite Max Burgin thrilled the British crowd by taking third in 1:43.30.

Wanyonyi, renowned for his devastating finishing kick, was unable to produce his trademark late surge as the fast-paced contest unfolded, settling for fourth in one of the strongest fields assembled this season.

The result comes barely a week after the 20-year-old delivered one of the standout performances of the athletics season at the Monaco Diamond League.

Wanyonyi stormed to victory in the men’s 1000m, clocking a sensational world record time of 2:11.83 to etch his name into the history books.

Odira rallies behind Kipyegon after challenging start to season

Despite the setback in London, Wanyonyi has enjoyed a remarkable 2026 campaign, demonstrating his range beyond his specialist 800m event.

He began his season by winning the men’s 1500m at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, stopping the clock at 3:34.11 before returning to the Diamond League circuit.

The Kenyan then finished second in the men’s 800m at the Rabat Diamond League in 1:43.56 and followed it up with another runner-up finish in Oslo, where he improved to 1:42.09.