Emmanuel Wanyonyi has admitted to being under the pump to deliver at the Olympic Games as Kenya’s hopes rest on him to deliver the Olympic gold medal that Emmanuel Korir won at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Youngster Emmanuel Wanyonyi has admitted to feeling some pressure ahead of filling the shoes of defending champion Emmanuel Korir at the Olympic Games.
The 19-year-old will be making his Olympic debut in Paris and with the absence of defending champion Korir, Wanyonyi has disclosed that he feels a lot of pressure since all eyes will be on him owing to his impressive form this season.
Wanyonyi has been impressive, clocking fast times at the Kenyan Olympic trials and the Diamond League Meeting in Paris. At the trials in Nyayo National Stadium, Wanyonyi ran the third fastest time in the history of the 800m, clocking 1:41.70 to win the final.
The world 800m silver medallist proceeded to the Diamond League Meeting in Paris, finishing second behind Djamel Sedjati who overtook him to take the third fastest time slot. Wanyonyi clocked a personal best time of 1:41.58, to become the fourth-fastest man in the history of the 800m.
“I would just say it depends on how my body would respond so I ust need your prayers that when we get to the Olympics everything goes well. Preparations have been okay and we promise to run well and when we get to the Olympics, we shall run well. There is a lot of pressure because this is my first time competing at the Olympics,” Wanyonyi said.
Reflecting on the Olympic trials, the 800m maestro noted that after being tripped in the semifinal, he learned his lesson about running from the front.
He added that he does not regret the decision to trip and fall because there was a reason behind it and it would eventually happen.
Wanyonyi disclosed that his training has been impressive and his fingers are crossed to be healthy and safe until he descends on the track for the Olympic Games.
“I was tripped during the trials and my leg was even swollen so I never wanted to repeat the mistake and learned that it’s better to run from the front and just run my own race,” Wanyonyi said.
“I know that everything happens for a reason and I thank God I managed to win the final and make the Olympic team. I feel good and I want you to expect good things from me and I pray that God keeps me safe and healthy,” he added.
He will be joined by Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal and Koitatoi Kidali in the quest for Olympic glory.
