Emmanuel Wanyonyi Wins Gold in Thrilling 800m Final at Paris 2024
Kenyan runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi claimed gold in a spectacular men’s 800m final at the Stade de France, finishing with a time of 1:41.19. This time is the third-fastest ever recorded, just 0.28 seconds shy of David Rudisha’s world record of 1:40.91 set at London 2012.
Wanyonyi faced fierce competition, notably from Canada’s Marco Arop, who surged from the back of the pack to secure silver with a continental record of 1:41.20. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati took bronze with a time of 1:41.50.
“This race was tough,” Wanyonyi admitted. “I felt more pressure because I knew it was not easy. Sedjati is not easy (to beat), he’s a tough guy. So I needed to run very fast, that’s why I led from the start to the finishing line. It was not easy for me.”
The 800m final featured one of the strongest fields in recent memory, with Wanyonyi, the 2023 world silver medallist, competing against reigning world champion Arop and Sedjati, who entered the race as the fastest man of the year.
With enthusiastic support from the Paris crowd, Wanyonyi took the lead early and held it through to the finish line, despite a thrilling challenge from Arop.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better race,” said Arop, reflecting on his silver medal. “Still trying to take it all in. A little bit bittersweet because I wanted that gold medal so bad. I knew these guys have been running 1:41 all year. I imagined if I keep myself in it and finish strong, it’ll be incredibly fast. It’ll take me a moment for it to sink in.”
Wanyonyi’s victory continues Kenya’s dominance in the 800m, marking the fifth consecutive Olympic final win by a Kenyan athlete. Arop’s silver represents Canada’s first Olympic medal in the 800m since 1964.
