Emmanuel Wanyonyi reveals secret to his Paris Olympics heroics

Newly-crowned Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi believes having a strong faith and prayers are the reason for his success in Paris.

Wanyonyi etched his name in the annals of the spectacular 800m runners after he became the youngest Kenyan to ever win an Olympic title. He clocked 1:41.19 to threaten David Rudisha’s world record time of 1:40.91. He just turned 20 and has already been tipped to break Rudisha’s world record.

While training played a part in his success, Wanyonyi believes he would not have triumphed against his rivals if he did not have strong faith.

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“The competition was okay and I want to thank God first for giving me the strength to fight and emerge as the champion because the races were very competitive and God helped us to win and return home safely,” Wanyonyi said.

“I want to thank Kenyans for their support through prayers. The prayers worked wonders and gave us the morale to go and compete. So, we were competing knowing that you were praying for us and depending on us to represent Kenya well,” he added.

“I thank everyone who prayed for us and we thank the coaches and the government for supporting us. We were treated well hence our great performance on the Olympic stage,” he said.

Kenya won 11 medals, four gold, two silver and five bronze medals.