Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi produced a stunning performance at the Zurich Diamond League on Thursday night, winning the men’s 800 metres in a world-leading 1:41.76.
The Olympic and world champion held off a strong challenge from Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, who finished second in a season-best 1:41.83, while his compatriot Slimane Moula completed the podium in 1:43.52.
Wanyonyi took control of the race from the early stages and increased the pace after the bell as he attempted to create a gap between himself and the chasing pack.
The Kenyan appeared to be tiring during the final 100 metres, allowing Sedjati to close the gap. However, Wanyonyi held his nerve in the closing stages to cross the line first and secure another major Diamond League victory.
The 22-year-old’s winning time improved on the 1:42.19 he clocked when he won the 800m at the Lausanne Diamond League meeting last week.
Wanyonyi’s latest performance also strengthened his impressive form heading into the final stages of the Diamond League season. It was his second consecutive victory over 800m on the circuit.
Speaking after the race, Wanyonyi revealed that he had experienced stomach problems before the event and was initially unsure whether he would be able to perform at his best.
Despite the discomfort, the Kenyan said the atmosphere, weather and his response during the race helped him produce one of his strongest performances of the season.
The victory also brought Wanyonyi closer to his long-term ambition of challenging David Rudisha’s 800m world record of 1:40.91, although the Kenyan again fell short of the historic mark.
Wanyonyi’s victory came on a remarkable night in Zurich, where Brazil’s Alison dos Santos and American Masai Russell both set world records in the men’s 400m hurdles and women’s 100m hurdles respectively.
Kenya also enjoyed another notable result in Zurich, with Faith Cherotich winning the women’s 3000m steeplechase in 8:55.82.
Wanyonyi will now turn his attention to the remainder of the Diamond League season, with the final in Brussels scheduled for September 4–5, where he will seek to defend his title.
His Zurich victory further underlined his status as one of the world’s leading 800m runners and provided another major boost for Kenya’s athletics team.
