Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the reigning Olympic 800m champion, is gearing up for his 2025 season debut this weekend. The world 800m silver medallist will kick off his season at the Athletics Kenya Cross Country Championships on Saturday, set to take place at the Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County. This event marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for Wanyonyi, who has set his sights on achieving significant milestones, including a shot at the world title at the World Championships in Tokyo.
Wanyonyi, who has made a name for himself as one of the fastest middle-distance runners, is optimistic about the season ahead. He shared that his preparations for 2025 have been going well, and he is fully focused on his goal of competing at the highest level. While the cross-country event this weekend is part of his training regimen, it also represents the start of his campaign to build up form ahead of his track season. Wanyonyi sees it as a stepping stone as he moves towards the major competitions lined up in the months ahead.
One of his primary objectives this season is to defend his title at the World Championships, set to be held in Tokyo, Japan. The Kenyan athlete’s performance last season was a testament to his elite talent, and he believes that he is well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in 2025.
Wanyonyi has also stated that although he has not yet finalized his competition calendar, he plans to feature in several Diamond League meetings throughout the season. The Diamond League series offers some of the most competitive events in athletics, and Wanyonyi will be hoping to secure more podium finishes and potentially break new personal records. His focus will be on both the 800m and 1500m races as he seeks to improve on his performances.
Despite his success on the track, Wanyonyi is not rushing into a packed competition schedule. He explained that he is still in the process of building up his fitness levels, and once his body feels fully prepared, he will decide on his races for the upcoming months. “I’m still training, but once my body feels great, I’ll be sure to compete in a number of races,” he said. His caution in approaching the season reflects his determination to ensure that his body is in peak condition, which will be crucial for him to perform at his best.
Reflecting on his impressive performance in 2024, Wanyonyi looks back at a season full of highlights. He began the year with a remarkable achievement, setting the world record for the road mile at the Adizero Road to Records event. He continued his success by winning the 800m title at the National Olympic Trials, clocking an impressive 1:41.70, securing his place at the Paris Olympic Games.
His performances at the Diamond League Meetings were nothing short of spectacular, with a second-place finish in Paris, where he set a new personal best of 1:41.58. The highlight of his year came when he won the Olympic 800m gold in a time of 1:41.19. To cap off his season, Wanyonyi ran the second-fastest time in history for the 800m, clocking 1:41.11 to win at the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne. He ended the year on a high note by winning the Diamond League final in Brussels with a time of 1:42.70.
As Wanyonyi turns his attention to the 2025 season, he is hoping to surpass even his own lofty expectations. With a clear focus on achieving the World Championships title and further excelling in Diamond League events, the coming months are set to be a defining period for this exceptional athlete. Wanyonyi’s journey will be one to follow closely as he strives to leave an indelible mark on the world of athletics.
