Olympic Champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi Clinches Diamond League 800m Victory As Marco Arop And Max Burgin Battle

David Rudisha’s revered 800m world record from the London 2012 Games is safe for now after a spirited attempt to break it at the Diamond League Final fell short, but the night still belonged to Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

The Kenyan star continued his dominant run of form by retaining his title in Zurich on Thursday, edging Britain’s Max Burgin in a thrilling photo finish.

Wanyonyi crossed the line in 1:42.37, just ahead of Burgin’s 1:42.42, while Canadian world champion Marco Arop claimed third in 1:42.57, his second-fastest performance of the season.

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It was a gripping race from start to finish, with Burgin pressing hard on Wanyonyi’s shoulder down the home straight and Arop pushing equally hard from behind.

For a moment, it looked as if Wanyonyi was tying up, his stride tightening in the final 20 metres.

But the 21-year-old summoned every ounce of strength to hold on and secure his third consecutive Diamond League crown, further enhancing his reputation as Rudisha’s heir apparent in the two-lap event.

The win marks Wanyonyi’s third straight Diamond League title, underlining a period of dominance rarely seen in middle-distance running since Rudisha’s golden era.

Behind him, Burgin impressed with the best race of his young career. The Briton showed remarkable poise and nearly toppled the Olympic champion, announcing himself as a major contender for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.

Arop, meanwhile, was left to reflect on another near miss against his Kenyan rival. Wanyonyi now holds a commanding 12–5 head-to-head record over the Canadian.

There was also promise further down the field. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati clocked 1:42.84 for fourth, while Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela was fifth in 1:43.16.

Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui (1:43.35) and America’s Bryce Hoppel (1:43.78) both ran bravely but were unable to trouble the leaders.

Josh Hoey of the United States finished eighth and missed the chance to secure a World Championships wild card.