Emmanuel Wanyonyi ran the third-fastest men's 800 meters of all-time to book his spot for the Paris Olympics as Kenya's two-day Track and Field Trials concluded in Nairobi on Saturday. On Day 2, the African nation's capital produced several jaw-dropping performances.
African champion Ferdinand Omanyala clocked a world-leading 9.79 seconds in the final of the men's 100 meters. before Wanyonyi swept the crowd off their feet with a blistering time of 1 minute, 41.70 seconds in the men's 800 meters.
World Athletics' tweet on June 15 about Emmanuel Wanyonyi. /@WorldAthletics
"I feel so good, it wasn't really what I targeted, I had planned to run 1:43 or 1:42, but to manage 1:41 means my body is responding well. If our preparations go well in these remaining weeks, then our competitors should be ready, because we're coming to Paris to compete," said Wanyonyi.
Faith Kipyegon (2nd R) of Kenya runs with fellow athletes during a training session for the Paris Olympics at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Kenya, May 4, 2024. /CFP
Meanwhile, two-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon clocked 3 minutes 43.99 seconds in the final of the women's 1500 meters, the fastest time ever recorded over the distance on Kenyan soil and at high altitude. The four-time world champion now hopes for a repeat performance in Paris.
"I'm excited, and at the same time, I'm nervous," Kipyegon said. "We'll see what is possible at the finish line."