Emmanuel Wanyonyi: David Rudisha’s Record Next Target After Olympic Glory

• Emmanuel Wanyonyi is a whisker away from breaking David Rudisha's long-standing world record in the men's 800m
• Wanyonyi is now the second-fastest man in the event, with his time of 1:41:11 just a few microseconds behind Rudisha's 1:40.91
• TUKO.co.ke spoke to one of his coaches, Hillary Lelei, who disclosed the secrets of his Olympic successes and the world record target

The rise and rise of Emmanuel Wanyonyi has been something to marvel at since he came through the ranks.

Wanyonyi first captured the nation's attention during the 2021 World U20 championships. It took him three years to evolve from the best prospect in the men's 800m to an Olympic champion.

After running an impressive 1:41:70 in high altitude during the national trials, Wanyonyi followed that up with a series of impeccable performances in Paris, which culminated by beating world champion Marco Arop by a thousandth of a second.

The 20-year-old set a personal best of 1:41:19 in the Olympic final. He improved this time two weeks later at the Athletissima, clocking 1:41:11 to move joint second in the list of the fastest men ever in the 800m.

What is the men's 800m world record?

And after conquering the world, the Olympic champion is ready to break David Rudisha's longstanding record of 1:40:91.

His coach, Hillary Lelei, believes it could come as early as August 25 when he competes in the Silesia Diamond League in Poland.

"We saw these impressive performances coming. We are happy that the methods we are using in training are bearing fruit," he tells TUKO.co.ke in an exclusive sitdown.

Lelei is adamant that Wanyonyi's beautiful trajectory is a combination of the athlete's hard work and the efforts of the 2 Running Club agency.

How Emmanuel Wanyonyi became Olympic champion

"We have been working on speedwork, endurance, the strength. We put all these together, plus the food he eats. His diet is rich in proteins and carbohydrates."

The coach heaps praise on the Olympic champion, hailing his dedication to training.

"There was a time he was so tired, but he wanted to go on. He believes in what he does and puts in 100% effort. All he does is train, eat and sleep. He doesn't want other things to distract him. His discipline is top-notch, and it is just a matter of days before the record falls."

Silesia Diamond League men's 800m

In Poland, Wanyonyi will renew rivalries with Arop. Others include Gabriel Tual of France, who was third in Switzerland, and compatriots Wycliffe Kinyamal and Aaron Chemininingwa, among others.

"The time is now," concludes Lelei.

Inside Wanyonyi's training routines

TUKO.co.ke previously visited Wanyonyi's training camp in Nandi County.

The world silver medalist from Budapest is signed under the 2 Running Club owned by Claudio Berardelli.