Kenya’s dominance and fine showing in the London Diamond League continued after 18-year-old Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech stunned Briton Josh Kerr to win the 1500m race.

Koech powered to an impressive time of 3:28.82, the feat setting a new meet record by the teenager who left the London field stunned with his show of determination and grit.

The Kenyan beat the British record holder in the outdoor race, Kerr, who came in second with a season’s best of 3:29.37.

Jake Wightman was placed fourth in a season’s best of 3:31.58.

Budding profile

The fast-rising athlete’s new achievement is testament to his budding profile in the middle-distance races.

The feat not only earned him a new meet record but also ranks as second-best to Ronald Kwemoi’s world U20 best.

Prior to his latest success, Koech shattered the World U20 Record in the men’s 1500m with a stunning 3:27.72, finishing second at the Paris Diamond League leg on June 20.

His fine run came moments after another Olympic champion, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, extended his indomitable status in the 800 m, setting a new meeting record of 1:42.00 at the London Diamond League race on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

 Unlike the other races, where Wanyonyi coasted to victory, the Olympic champions dug deep to beat Canada’s Marco Arop and Max Burgin.

 The Kenyan who never knows when he is beaten showed tremendous resilience, keeping company with the leading pack before edging past Burgin.

 He followed up with a fine kick at the home stretch to pip Arop for the win.

Wanyonyi now shifts focus to the Athletics Kenya trials for the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships.

The trials are scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Alongside Wanyonyi, top Kenyan athletes such as Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ngetich, and Ferdinand Omanyala are expected to feature in the high-stakes trials that will determine Kenya’s squad for Tokyo.

Wanyonyi’s London triumph adds to his Monaco Diamond League win earlier this month, solidifying his momentum ahead of Tokyo, where he hopes to clinch the global 800m title for the first time in his career.