Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya has secured gold in the men’s 800m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, clocking the third-fastest time ever in the event to secure his country’s fifth consecutive Olympic title in the event.
The 20-year-old crossed the finish line at the Stade de France on Saturday in 1 minute 41.19 seconds, becoming the youngest ever winner of the event in Olympic history
His time is just 0.2 seconds shy of fellow Kenyan David Rudisha’s world record set at London 2012.
Canada’s Marco Arop claimed silver with a continental record of 1:41.20, while Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati took bronze in 1:41.50.
The final boasted one of the strongest fields in recent memory, featuring Wanyonyi, the 2023 world silver medallist, alongside reigning world champion Arop and Sedjati, who entered the race as this year’s fastest man.
Sedjati, the favourite after going unbeaten all season and setting four world-leading times, made a tactical error in sitting near the back of the pack for too long.
Wanyonyi, who turned 20 nine days ago, boldly led from gun to tape. The first seven across the line were separated by about a second and a half, with fifth-placed Bryce Hoppel setting an American record.
His victory brings Kenya’s gold medal tally to three at this year’s Olympics, following Beatrice Chebet’s triumphs in the 5,000m and 10,000m events.
Arop’s silver was the Canadian’s first medal in two Olympics. The 25-year-old was born in Sudan and forced by the civil war to flee with his family when he was two years old.
Sedjati, who had been third quickest in history before Saturday, is known for his remarkable kick, but delayed his move too long and had to settle for bronze.
This marks the fifth consecutive Olympic final won by a Kenyan athlete in the men’s 800m. Arop’s silver is Canada’s first Olympic medal in the event since 1964.
