WU20: Kibet, Wanyonyi through to the 800m semis

The peerless duo of Noah Kibet and Emmanuel Wanyonyi have sailed to the World Athletics U20 Championships 800m semi-finals after coasting to victory in Round One staged at the Kasarani Stadium. 

Running on heat one, Kibet made a huge statement of intent after leading from gun to the line to comfortably book a place in the semis.

The athlete who won the Olympics pretrials at Nyayo Stadium timed 1:46.70 ahead of Jakub Davidik of the Czech Republic who timed 1:47.84 and Hektgem Chenitef of Algeria who qualified at a personal best of 1:49.19.

Kibet admitted that he raced under pressure in a bid to cool the rage from Kenyans after the Ethiopians won the 3000m race on day one of the event as well as the unfortunate disqualification of the 4x400m mixed relay for line infringement. 

"I ran under pressure since Kenyans are not happy after yesterday's races and I had to give it to them. I also had some fast runners in my heat and that gave me sleepless nights. Everyone has trained for this but I had to give it my all and make my training the best. I am used to running from the front and I decided to do the same here,"

"I was testing my body because I know the races get tougher and I felt okay. In the semi and final, I hope I wake up healthy and leave everything on the track for a medal. I am my own cheerleader and I am riding on that vibe all the way to the final," said Kibet who first started out as a 10,000m but doubled down to 800m. 

"I have run against Ferguson Rotich and he inspires me to go for what I want. Seeing him on the biggest platforms and winning gives me the energy to keep going," added the Ndura Athletics Club runner.

Similarly, Wanyonyi who commanded heat three from lead to the end clocked 1:46.51 to win the race ahead of Yanis Meziane of France who was second on 1:47.28. Daniel Wolde of Ethiopia was third after timing 1:48.20.

Wanyonyi revealed that he had a word with Kibet before the race where he advised him to lead from the front, a tact that worked to fruition. 

"Kibet advised me not to run from behind as I am used to doing. This being a championship, it is very easy to get locked out in the middle of the pack so I chose to front-run sewing as it had worked for Noah,"

"Going into the semi, we are very inspired to book tickets to the final and make our country proud. That 1-2 is coming. We have drawn inspiration from the Olympics duo of Emmanuel Korir and Ferguson Rotich and we want to replicate their feat," said Wanyonyi

With the majority of athletes in the championships clocking personal bests due to the competitive nature of it, the burly athlete said he was focused on delivering a medal for the country rather than bettering his time. 

"For now, lowering my PB is not much of a priority as getting a medal. But given how we are running here, I see a possibility of getting down to 1.44 or 1.43," he added.