World 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi cruised to his third straight win at the Absa Kip Keino Classic at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
Wanyonyi timed a world lead of 1:43.57 to claim top honour, ahead of African Games 800m champion Aron Kemei who clocked a personal best of 1:44.10 in second.
Olympics silver medalist Ferguson Rotich finished third in a season’s best of 1:44.90. Speaking after the race, Wanyonyi said a world lead was the last thing on his mind.
“I didn't expect to run a world lead. I wanted to test my body and I feel good. I want to maintain this form and maybe improve ahead of the Olympics trials,” the 2021 World Under 20 800m champion said.
Wanyonyi has grown in leaps and bounds ever since he clocked a world record at the Under 20 level – 1:43.76 on his way to the global title in Nairobi.
With regards to the Absa Kip Keino Classic, the youngster began his dominance in 2022, clocking 1:45.01 in first, before repeating the feat the following year in 1:43.32.
Wanyonyi expressed delight at shining on home soil and saluted the home crowd for their vociferous support.
“I want to thank fans for turning up in large numbers to cheer us. We don't take it for granted,” he said.
Speaking at the same time, Kemei – who has qualified for the Paris Olympics – promised to kick on from his impressive performance in his second appearance at this World Continental Tour Gold event.
“I am happy to have qualified for the Olympics and improved my personal best. Now my focus is sailing through during the trials,” he said. Kemei finished seventh at last year’s edition of the same competition.
