Kenyan Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Age 19, Becomes Youngest Ever to Win Olympic Gold in 800m, Defeating Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati at Paris 2024
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
6 minutes read. Updated 1:28PM GMT Mon, 12August, 2024
In a breathtaking display of speed and resilience, Kenyan runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi has made history by becoming the youngest athlete ever to secure the gold medal in the men’s 800 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The final, held on the penultimate evening of the Games, witnessed Wanyonyi clinch victory with a personal best time of 1:41.19, narrowly edging out Canada’s world champion Marco Arop and Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, who took the bronze.
Wanyonyi’s triumph is a significant milestone not only for his personal career but also for Kenyan athletics. This victory marks Kenya’s fifth consecutive win in the 800 meters at the Olympics, following the successes of Wilfred Bungei (2008), David Rudisha (2012, 2016), and Emmanuel Korir (2021). The young athlete’s achievement underscores Kenya’s dominance in middle-distance running.
A Historic Achievement
Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s race was nothing short of spectacular. From the start, Wanyonyi showcased his exceptional speed and strategic prowess, holding off a fierce challenge from Marco Arop, who finished a mere one-hundredth of a second behind with a time of 1:41.20. Djamel Sedjati completed the podium with a time of 1:41.50. The race was a dramatic culmination of a season filled with anticipation and pressure.
After the race, Wanyonyi expressed his deep gratitude and the immense pressure he felt leading up to the final. “This race was a lot of pressure for me for this Olympics,” Wanyonyi said in an interview. “I talked with David Rudisha yesterday, and he told me, ‘You’re supposed to defend this title because Kenyans won the event last time in Tokyo.’ So, I feel it’s a lot of pressure for me, and I thank God that I can get it.”
Inspirational Legacy
David Rudisha, a former 800 meters champion, has been a source of inspiration for Wanyonyi. Rudisha’s advice and encouragement played a crucial role in Wanyonyi’s preparation, highlighting the strong mentorship that supports Kenyan athletes.
Final Night Highlights
The excitement at Stade de France was palpable throughout the final night of athletics. Masai Russell delivered a stellar performance in the women’s 100m hurdles, finishing first ahead of Cyrene Samba-Mayela and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn. Meanwhile, Jakob Ingebrigtsen secured his second Olympic gold with a strong finish in the men’s 5000m, defeating Ronald Kwemoi and Grant Fisher.
As the 2024 Olympics come to a close, Wanyonyi’s historic win serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kenyan middle-distance running. His victory not only celebrates personal achievement but also continues Kenya’s proud tradition of excellence on the global stage.
