Kenya’s 800m sensation Emmanuel Wanyonyi has acknowledged experiencing pressure as he anticipates the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France, scheduled for later this year. Despite being just 19 years old, Wanyonyi boasts an impressive resume as a senior world medallist, world U20 champion, world record holder, and recipient of the World Athletics award. With high hopes for further achievements, he looks forward to competing at the Olympic Games slated for July to August.
“The Olympics this year, it’s a lot of pressure for me. Everyone trains for the Olympics, so I expect this year’s Olympics to be very tough for me. I need to train, I need to commit,” Wanyonyi told World Athletics.
At his training base, the teenager brushes shoulders with some top stars, who will also be heading to Paris for the global showdown.
“My training mates, like Benson Kipruto and Evans Chebet (multiple major marathon winners), they told me: ‘Everything is possible’. If you believe and you are training well, if you are disciplined – everything is possible,” he continued.
Wanyonyi acknowledges how competitive team Kenya is and has also shared his personal target in Paris.
“I like my job. Kenya is very competitive. Of course, in 800m, it is very competitive for me. But I like competition. I like to compete. So, I need to focus on my training; getting on the team for the track at the Olympics is very tough.
“I need to train well; I need to focus and improve my time and my personal best,” he concluded.
In 2023, Wanyonyi enjoyed a remarkable season, clinching the men’s Rising Star award at the World Athletics Awards. Additionally, he claimed victory as a Diamond League champion and contributed to Kenya’s triumph in the world cross country mixed relay team event.
