World champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi could hardly believe it as he powered to gold in the men’s 800m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The 20-year-old Kenyan star led from the gun, controlling the pace with confidence before unleashing an explosive homestretch sprint that left the packed stadium on its feet. Wanyonyi crossed the line just shy of the world record, underlining his growing dominance in the two-lap event.
Wanyoinyi timed 1:41.86 to clinch gold. He crossed the line ahead of Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, who took silver, while Canada’s Marco Arop claimed bronze. 
Adding to the occasion was the presence of 800m world record holder David Rudisha 1.40.91 he won in 2012 London Olympics, who watched proudly from the stands, alongside World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, himself a middle-distance legend.
Wanyonyi’s victory cements his status as the future of the 800m and adds another glittering chapter to Kenya’s rich history in middle-distance running.