The 20-year-old Kenyan missed Rudisha’s record but dazzled Monaco, winning the 800m in 1:41.44 ahead of a stacked field.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi is inching even closer to getting to equal David Rudisha’s record as he coasted to victory in the 800m of the Monaco Diamond League classic on Friday night.
Wanyonyi, who was participating in his second major European meet of the season, produced a breathtaking performance that left the packed Stade Louis II crowd in awe.
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The 20-year-old Kenyan sensation surged to the front in the final 200 meters, pulling away with his trademark stride to cross the finish line in a remarkable 1:41.44, a mark that not only set a new Meeting Record and World Lead but also reinforced his status as Rudisha’s true heir apparent.
Through the opening lap, Wanyonyi tucked behind the pacemaker, conserving energy while eyeing the splits on the big screen.
American Josh Hoey, who eventually clocked a personal best of 1:42.01, tried to mount a late charge but could not close the gap. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati held on bravely to take third place in 1:42.20, his season’s best, while Australia’s Peter Bol set an Area Record in fourth.
But it was Wanyonyi’s poise that stood out most. As the bell rang for the final lap, he looked utterly untroubled, his long strides devouring the track as the field began to string out behind him.
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Australia’s Peter Bol, himself no stranger to big performances, smashed the Area Record with 1:42.55 to finish fourth. Canada’s Marco Arop, known for his strength in the closing stages, crossed the line fifth in 1:42.73, also a season’s best.
Algeria’s Slimane Moula battled gamely to take sixth in 1:42.86, in what was one of the deepest 800m races in history.
Behind them, the American Bryce Hoppel showed his trademark determination, finishing seventh in 1:43.51 after being boxed in early on.
Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela secured eighth in 1:43.82, just ahead of Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui, who ran a strong final 100 meters to clock 1:43.99 for ninth place.
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France’s Gabriel Tual came through for tenth in 1:44.17, followed by Great Britain’s Max Burgin, whose race unravelled in the last lap as he faded to 1:47.71.
Poland’s Patryk Sieradzki was unable to complete the race and registered a DNF.
Yet all eyes were fixed on Wanyonyi. As the bell rang for the final lap, he moved smoothly to the front, his long, graceful strides carrying him clear while the chasing pack strained to keep pace.
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The stadium rose to its feet, recognizing that they were witnessing something rare and electrifying—an athlete operating near the outer limits of human performance.
Afterward, Wanyonyi remained modest. “It was a good race, very fast,” he said. “I respect all these guys—they are all strong. We push each other to better times. The record is always in my mind, but I just focus on executing.”
World Championship in Tokyo is in the horizon and many now wonder whether Wanyonyi is about to make history.