Former Olympic champion Wilfred Bungei has expressed confidence that Emmanuel Wanyonyi has what it takes to break David Rudisha’s long-standing 800m world record. Bungei, who won gold in the 800m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, believes Wanyonyi’s racing style and endurance give him an edge over his closest rival, Canadian Marco Arop.
Wanyonyi’s front-running ability sets him apart, allowing him to dictate the pace and control races from start to finish. This strategy, according to Bungei, makes him a strong candidate to challenge the record set by Rudisha at the 2012 London Olympics, where he clocked an astonishing 1:40.91 in what is considered one of the greatest performances in athletics history.
Even though Arop possesses a height advantage, Wanyonyi’s consistent performance and ability to maintain his lead under pressure make him a formidable competitor. His victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics demonstrated his potential, as he led from the start to claim gold in a time of 1:41.19, making him the third-fastest man ever over 800 metres.
Wanyonyi’s performance in Paris was particularly impressive given the competition. Arop, the reigning world champion, momentarily overtook him off the final turn, but Wanyonyi displayed remarkable composure to regain the lead in the closing strides. Arop finished in 1:41.20, setting a North American record, but it was Wanyonyi’s resilience and tactical awareness that secured his victory.
Following his Olympic triumph, Wanyonyi continued to improve. At the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, he further lowered his personal best to 1:41.11, bringing him within just 0.20 seconds of Rudisha’s world record. This progression has fueled anticipation that he might soon achieve what has seemed impossible for over a decade.
The current generation of 800m runners is pushing the event to new levels, with athletes like Arop, Djamel Sedjati, and Gabriel Tual regularly running times in the 1:41 range. The competition among these top runners is intensifying, making the prospect of the world record falling increasingly likely. Bungei believes that if they push each other in the right race conditions, the elusive sub-1:40 barrier could be within reach.
Wanyonyi’s mentality also plays a significant role in his success. His confidence, perseverance, and willingness to embrace tough races set him apart. He has repeatedly demonstrated that he thrives under pressure, whether in championship settings or high-stakes Diamond League meets. His belief in his ability to break Rudisha’s record has only grown stronger with each race.
With the 2025 season ahead, Wanyonyi will need to be at his best to build on his remarkable 2024 achievements. The challenge will be to maintain peak form, strategically choose races, and capitalize on moments where conditions align for record-breaking performances. If he continues on his current trajectory, the long-standing record may finally fall, cementing his place among the greatest middle-distance runners in history.
