Kenyan athlete Emmanuel Wanyonyi became the first man to record an under 1:42.00, following an impressive 1:41.95 run in the 800m at the 2025 Diamond League in Stockholm on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

The budding track star recorded what is officially the fastest time in the world this year in the race en route, his second successive Diamond League win of the season.

Wanyonyi, who faced a fierce challenge from Algerian Djamel Sedjati, made his middle-distance dominance a factor to pip the North African for gold.

Sedjati, who distinguished himself among the best North Africans in the race, could not cope with the blistering pace from the Kenyan despite marking an improvement to his previous time of 1:43.06.

Moraa finishes second

World Indoor Champion Josh Hoey of the United States of America sealed the podium finishers. 

Meanwhile, Mary Mora achieved a podium finish in the women’s 800 m race after being pipped at the wire in the race.

Moraa clocked 1.57.83 to finish second behind winner Georgia Hunter Bell, who inexplicably passed almost the entire field in the last 50 meters thanks to a spirited last-minute kick.

South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso wrapped up another podium finish in the podium position for Africa with a time of 1:58.00.

The Stockholm encounter panned out with Moraa and Sekgodiso taking early leads in what was seen as a battle between the African mainstays.

Hunter Bell, who started the race in lane four, nevertheless bolted from the blue to upend the proceedings, coming off a last final to beat the Kenyan Olympic bronze medalist and the World Indoor Champion, Sekgodiso, for the victory.

Tired legs

Speaking after the race, Moraa admitted to suffering tired legs towards the finale of the showdown moments before letting go of her lead.

“I was very happy with a season’s best of 1:57. I had some tiredness in my legs from the national championships and the grand slam, so I did not know what to expect,” the Kenyan stated.

“I could hear the crowd in the last 100metres, so I sensed someone was coming up behind me. I was running as fast as I could so i was unable to hold onto first place, but that is how competition goes, ”she added.