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Emmanuel Wanyonyi has explained why he revels at being one of the greatest 800m runners
Former World Under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi came and took the world of athletics by storm and he is clearly not stopping any time soon.
The reigning World 800m silver medallist prides himself as one of the greatest 800m runners and just at 19, he has achieved a lot and cemented his name in the place of greats.
He has already won a gold medal in the junior category and earned himself silver in the senior. Wanyonyi is also a Diamond League Final Trophy winner and he is still going for more.
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11:36 - 11.01.2024
ATHLETICS Emmanuel Wanyonyi shares when he will attempt breaking David Rudisha’s 800m world record
World 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi has revealed when he feels will be the appropriate time to attempt David Rudisha’s 12-year world record
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However, one feature that stands out in the youngster is his tribe. Wanyonyi is a Luhya and generally, the tribe is not known to produce great runners since most Kenyan athletes are from the Kalenjin community. Wanyonyi is certainly proud to have thrown himself in the deep end and luckily succeeded in the field.
Speaking to World Athletics, the Kenyan wunderkind said: “More people who can run the 800m are Kalenjin. But I am Luhya. It is not our culture."
“I am the first one to run the 800m in my tribe. My family is six boys and six girls. I am the fifth of 12 children. I am the only one in my family who can run. I have a talent to run. I like my job!”
Wanyonyi further shared that he concluded that running was probably the only way out of poverty and he decided to invest in his talent. However, it was not an easy stride since mockery was one of the factors working against him.
The 19-year-old was forced to leave school aged 10 to become a herdsman due to the difficult times at home. As per World Athletics, things got worse when he lost his father in 2018 and his mother had to move away with several of his younger siblings.
“I knew from way back that the only thing that could save my family from this difficult life was running. That’s why I just focused all my energy on training.
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21:33 - 09.01.2024
ATHLETICS Mountain running expert Patrick Kipngeno unveils busy 2024 calendar
Widely regarded as the 'goat' of mountain running, Patrick Kipngeno has shared his calendar of events after a great start to the season at the Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run.
“After Covid, I went back to school to try to catch up. I would wake up five in the morning to train. Then I would go to breakfast and to my class. After class, you go training. Then shower. Then eat. Then sleep,” he said.
His hard work has since paid off well and he is now eyeing the Olympic Games in Paris, France, and hopefully shatter the world record this season too.
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