Emmanuel Wanyonyi on breaking David Rudisha’s 800m world record Image source: Imago
Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi has opened up on why he is shelving plans to attempt to break David Rudisha’s legendary 800m record.
Kenyan track sensation Emmanuel Wanyonyi has opened up about why he’s shelving plans to break David Rudisha’s 800m world record.
The Olympic champion is aiming for a stellar 2025 campaign after being crowned Male Athlete of the Year at the prestigious SOYA Awards.
Despite his rising profile, Wanyonyi is in no rush to challenge Rudisha’s long-standing world record of 1:40.91, set during the 2012 London Olympics.
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Emmanuel Wanyonyi on breaking David Rudisha’s 800m record.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi on breaking David Rudisha’s 800m record.
The Olympian remains cautious about pursuing the world record, citing the physical and mental toll it would demand.
Speaking after receiving his SOYA Award, Wanyonyi emphasized that his primary focus for the season is on improving his personal best.
“People are asking whether I will attempt the world record this year, but I say that I will attempt to improve my personal best and to fight for the world crown,” Wanyonyi told Nation Sports.
“One can’t just wake up one day and decide to go for the world record. It’s not impossible, but it takes good preparation and focus,” he added.
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Wanyonyi, whose personal best stands at 1:41.11,set at the 2024 Diamond League meet in Lausanne, shed light on the challenges of chasing Rudisha’s iconic mark.
“I am not in a hurry to break the world record. If you look at what Rudisha did, he ran some good times before finally breaking the world record three times,” he said.
Wanyonyi’s 2025 Goal
The Kenyan runner has also hinted at his long-term goal of moving up to the 1500m, but only after improving his 800m personal best.
As reported by Pulse Sports, Wanyonyi has already begun testing himself in that direction.
The double victory provides much-needed momentum as he builds toward a breakthrough 2025 season.
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