World Championships: Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Loti and Kebenei storm into 800m semis
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 16, 2025Kenya will have three men in the semi-finals of the 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Kelvin Loti and Nicholas Kebenei all advanced on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Olympic champion Wanyonyi led the charge with a strong run in Heat 5. He controlled the pace from the start and crossed the line first in 1:45.05. Italy’s Francesco Pernici followed in 1:45.11, while Ireland’s Mark English took third in 1:45.13 to complete the automatic qualifying positions. Wanyonyi is seeking his first world title after settling for silver in Budapest two years ago.
In Heat 2, Kelvin Loti showed composure to claim second place. The Kenyan posted 1:45.35, just behind Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui, who won in 1:45.23. Defending world champion Marco Arop of Canada was third in 1:45.39. Loti’s result underlined Kenya’s strength in the event and kept him in the hunt for a first global medal.
Nicholas Kebenei faced a tougher path in the last heat. He led for much of the race but faded in the final stretch, eventually finishing fourth in 1:44.91. That time was fast enough to secure one of the non-automatic qualifying spots. The heat went to American Donovan Brazier in 1:44.66, with Algeria’s Slimane Moula and Croatia’s Marino Bloudek filling the top three.
The trio now carry Kenya’s hopes in the semi-finals, with Wanyonyi considered a leading contender for gold. He faces stiff competition from familiar rivals such as Arop and Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, who both advanced comfortably.
Kenya’s day on the track also saw disappointment for Alex Ng’eno, who missed out after placing sixth in his heat. He clocked 1:45.37 in a race won by Spain’s David Barroso in 1:44.94.
Kenya’s medal momentum grows
The progress of Wanyonyi, Loti and Kebenei comes as Kenya continues to shine in Tokyo. On Monday, Edmund Serem secured bronze in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, adding to Beatrice Chebet’s gold in the 10,000m and Peres Jepchirchir’s marathon triumph. That lifted the country’s tally to three medals, with more still in sight.
All eyes then turned to the women’s 1500m, where Faith Kipyegon once again delivered. The world record holder eased into the final and later struck gold in 3:52.15 to win the world title. She led a Kenyan 1-2 as Dorcas Ewoi claimed silver in a personal best of 3:54.92, while Nelly Chepchirchir also featured in the final.
With momentum building, Kenya’s middle-distance stars are keeping the nation in the spotlight, and the men’s 800m semi-finals promise another test of depth and persistence.