By Athletics Kenya
As a fish to water, Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi strutted the men’s 1500m like a colossus, cruising to victory at the third leg of the Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field Weekend Meeting in Kapsabet on Saturday.
Usually, a specialist in the 800m, many could be forgiven for believing that he has competed in the three-and-a-quarter lap race with the way he blew his competitors away.
The youngster romped home to glory in 3:38.1, as Josephat Sang’ (3:44.1) and Justice Byegon (3:46.4) clinched second and third respectively.
The headline-grabber, nonetheless, was modest in his post-race comments.
“It is not easy to come here to run the time I have run today, let alone win the men’s 1500m. It’s an incredible feat for which I thank God because without him, I would not have done it,” the 2021 World Under 20 champion said.
Where will Emmanuel Wanyonyi compete next?
Next up for the 20-year-old is a sterner test at next month’s Grand Slam track event in Kingston, Jamaica.
Having dominated the men’s 1500m in Kenya, it will be interesting to see how he fares against the ‘bigger fish’ in Jamaica.
“I will be running the 1500m in Jamaica next month, and I hope it works out well as it has been today. As for the Diamond League, I have not yet confirmed whether I will be in contention,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was double delight for Kelvin Kipkorir and Mercy Chebet after they reigned supreme in the 100m and 400m.
Kipkorir stopped the timer at 10.1 to clinch the men’s 100m, leaving behind Dan Kiviasi (10.4) and Robinson Motende (10.5) in second and third position, respectively.
In the men’s 400m, he timed 46.2 to beat fellow Paris Olympian Moitalel Mpoke, who clocked 47.8 in second place.
Hillary Kiplangat came third in 48.0.
On the other hand, Chebet took top honour in the women’s 100m, clocking 12.0 in first place, ahead of Brendah Masitsa (12.3) and Brivian Nelima (12.5), in second and third, respectively.
She then went on to win the women’s 400m, timing 55.0, whereas Nelima (56.3) and Damacline Magare (57.0) took the next two podium places.
Chebet is determined to build on her good performance.
“I would say I have progressed really well in my training, and that can be seen today. I know that I need to improve on my speed, and that is what I am working on,” she said.
In the men’s 3000m steeplechase, Cornelius Kipkosgei clocked 8:52.7 to bag top honour. In second place was Hussein Rashid, who timed 8:57.9 as Wilberforce Kones (8:58.5) came third.
