Calm Emmanuel Wanyonyi promises medal haul in World Cross-country championships

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ATHLETICS Calm Emmanuel Wanyonyi promises medal haul in World Cross-country championships

Abigael Wafula • 16:02 - 15.02.2023

In the mixed relay, Wanyonyi will be in the company of compatriots Beatrice Chepkoech and Brenda Chebet. The final startlists will be out on Friday.

Former World Under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi is under no pressure ahead of his debut at the World Cross-country championships in Bathurst, Australia on Saturday.

He has ruled the track with remarkable results like winning the 2022 Kip Keino Classic competition and placing fourth in his first senior outing at the 2022 World Championships among other honours.

Wanyonyi, who will be participating in the mixed relay, said he knows they will run well and hopefully finish in the podium bracket.

He added that their preparations at the Kigari Teacher's Training College in Embu went on well and he hopes they'll be able to display a great show.

"I don't feel any pressure because I know we will run well. We shall improve the medal haul," Wanyonyi said.

The 19-year-old said he is aware of the stiff competition but noted that the team is psyched up and they believe they will perform well.

He revealed that competing in the cross-country is an added advantage for him before switching to the track.

"I will use the cross-country as a build-up for the track season. It keeps me busy in training," he said.

When Wanyonyi jets back from Australia, he revealed that he might try out the 1500m distance or stick to his specialty (800m).

His main target going forward is to qualify for the August World Championships in Budapest and also run 1:42.00. His personal best time in the 800m currently stands at 1:43.76.

"When I come back, I want to train well and work on my speed and mileage...this will help me achieve the qualifying time for the World Championships. I also want to compete in at least two Diamond League meetings," he said.