'It Does Not Have to Be Me' - Emmanuel Wanyonyi on Why David Rudisha's Record Is Within Reach for Any Runner

Reigning world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi has once again insisted that he is not in a hurry to break David Rudisha’s world record.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi has been consistent in posting fast times, and he is currently the second-fastest 800m runner, following his impressive 1:41.11 at the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne in 2024.

The reigning Olympic 800m champion equalled Wilson Kipketer’s time that he clocked in Germany in 1997. Only David Rudisha’s world record time of 1:40.91 is faster than Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s time.

At the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, Emmanuel Wanyonyi was also impressive as he clocked 1:41.86 to win the men’s 800m final.

The former world 800m silver medallist expressed confidence that surpassing David Rudisha’s long-standing mark was achievable, but insisted that the feat was not reserved for him alone.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi acknowledged that several runners had the potential to reach that level, emphasising the importance of patience and natural progression over pressure or haste.

The Kenyan middle-distance star explained that his main focus remained on maintaining strong performances and steady improvement rather than chasing specific targets.

According to him, great achievements tend to happen naturally when the right conditions align, whereas forcing them only leads to frustration.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi further noted that he was content as long as he continued to perform well and secure victories, believing that the record would eventually fall in its own time.

“The world record is very close, and I must admit that anyone can break a world record. It doesn’t have to be me because, at the moment, anyone can break that record,” Emmanuel Wanyonyi said in an interview on NTV’s Sport On.

“I think there is time for everything; that time will just come because when you force things, it will not work. I don’t feel any pressure when it comes to the world record, as long as I have clocked a good time and won a race.

“When the time to break the world record comes, I won’t even feel like I have broken it, but when I force it, it won’t even come.”

Emmanuel Wanyonyi explained that competing while feeling overwhelmed often leads to poor performance, as excessive tension can disrupt concentration and increase the risk of mistakes.

He noted that unrealistic expectations brought about by too much stress could negatively affect an athlete’s results.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi added that maintaining only a manageable level of pressure helps a runner stay sharp and composed, allowing them to perform at their best.

“Running does not work well under pressure because if you’re pressured, you will lose focus. When you are pressured, you tend to have high expectations, which might make you lose. You just need to have a little bit of pressure,” he added.

While many eagerly await the day David Rudisha’s world record is broken, Emmanuel Wanyonyi remains grounded, prioritising steady progress and mental composure over external pressure.