Emmanuel Wanyonyi vows to 'surprise' his fans at the World Championships

ATHLETICS Emmanuel Wanyonyi vows to 'surprise' his fans at the World Championships

Abigael Wafula 05:58 - 31.07.2023

During last year’s event, the 18-year-old finished fourth in the men’s 800m final.

Former World Under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi will be making his return to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary with the hope of going one place better.

During last year’s event, the 18-year-old finished fourth in the men’s 800m final and he cited inexperience as the major undoing to him being locked out of a podium finish. However, having participated in a number of Diamond League Meetings, he now feels ready to roar again.

"Last year I was defeated because I lacked experience and it was also my first World Championships in the senior category.

"This year, I have gained more experience in the event and I am hoping to surprise my fans this time around. I’m expecting a surprise in Budapest…I can’t say what I want to achieve at the moment.

"I’m praying that God gives me the good health and strength to train well and when the D-day comes, something beautiful will happen,” Wanyonyi said.

He has been in impeccable form since the season started and was unbeaten until the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco where he finished eighth.

He opened his season at the World Cross-country Championships in Bathurst, Australia where he finished first in the mixed relay team.

He then competed at the Kip Keino Classic in May where he also reigned supreme in the men’s 800m. After the continental showpiece, Wanyonyi started his Diamond League Campaign at the Meeting in Rabat, Morocco where he also won.

He then proceeded to the Diamond League Meeting in Paris, France and also dominated. During the World Championships National Trials, Wanyonyi was also in a class of his own as he destroyed a strong field to carry the day.

He now heads to the World Championships as a medal prospect and will team up with Kipng’etich Ngeno, Ferguson Rotich, and defending champion Emmanuel Korir.