Wanyonyi seeks to make history again
By Vincent Voiyoh, July 7, 2023It will be a blood and sweat affair at the Nyayo National Stadium today and tomorrow during the Athletics Kenya trials as top crème athletes scramble for tickets to represent Kenya at the World Athletics Championships set for Budapest, Hungary just 42 days away.
Youngster Emmanuel Wanyonyi who has attracted the attention of President William Ruto for his exploits in the Wanda Diamond League meetings this season, is hopeful of getting a maiden ticket to carry Kenya’s flag at the World Championships for the first time.
The 18-year-old Wanyonyi has shown the potential for a podium finish in Budapest having given a spectacular show in Rabat and Paris meetings where he emerged victorious in men’s 800m, clocking a personal best of 1:43.27 in the France capital on June 9.
He says he is looking forward to replicating his epic performance at the iconic Kasarani Stadium two years ago when he majestically won a gold medal in the World under-20 Championships on home soil.
“I have prepared well for the trials, my body is okay and ready for the battle. I will be grateful if I get a ticket to the World Championships. I am fully focused on racing in 800m. I have training at Namgoi in Kapsabet and so far everything is okay. The main objective is to make to the team and then we will reflect on how to compete for a podium finish in Budapest.”
Double World and Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon have been lined up to compete in today’s women’s 5,000m final, a clear indication that she is likely to compete in two disciplines, that is her trademark 1,500m and now 5,000m.
Head coach Julius Kirwa says, should the record-breaking Kipyegon be able to compete in the two events, then she will be providing solutions to the team in areas where a ‘weakness’ had been identified.
In search of the 5,000m glory, superb Kipyegon will be facing a star-studded lineup that includes 5000m World silver medalist and World Cross Country champion Beatrice Chebet as well as former world 3,000m steeple chase queen Beatrice Chepkoech.
2023 World Cross Country Champion and Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo will be a major highlight in today’s premier event as African fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala is expected to ease to victory in the men’s 100m semi-final.
Athletics Kenya’s Executive Committee member and Head of Youth Development Barnaba Korir says all the athletes who are set to participate in the Team Kenya selection trials are solely invited by the local federation due to global anti-doping regulations.