Reigning Olympic 800m champion, Emmanuel Wanyonyi and one of the most electrifying talents in middle-distance running, is set to make his 2025 Diamond League debut this weekend at Rabat.
The Kenyan born,steps onto the track in Rabat with momentum following a solid outing at the Kingston Grand Slam in Jamaica. But the soft-spoken Kenyan isn’t getting caught up in the hype.
“I’m ready to defend my title,” he told reporters at the pre-race press conference. “No need to talk a lot—I’ll show it on the track.”
The former World U20 champion has already established himself as a global force, and with a blazing personal best of 1:41.11, set in 2024, he enters Rabat as the fastest man in the field. Yet Emmanuel Wanyonyi isn’t dwelling on records or expectations.
“This is my first Diamond League of the season. I don’t expect to run very fast, but I will keep trying. I need to stay focused and keep grinding.”
Emmanuel Wanyonyi Focus on 800m
This year, Emmanuel Wanyonyi has chosen to focus solely on the 800m in word championship at Tokyo,Japan . He confirmed he will not be doubling in the 1500m. “In Tokyo, I want to run the 800m. What happened in Paris last year changed my life,” he added, referencing his breakthrough performance that catapulted him into the global spotlight.
The men’s 800m lineup in Rabat is among the most competitive of the season. Wanyonyi will square off against Doha Diamond League winner Tshepiso Masalela, his fellow Botswanan Kethobogile Haingura. A two-time Commonwealth champion Wycliffe Kinyamal, rising Kenyan star Aaron Cheminingwa, and British Olympic finalist Max Burgin wiil also feature.
Despite the stacked field, Wanyonyi remains grounded, with his eyes firmly set on the big picture. Domination and consistency en route to the World Championships later this year.
“Comparing myself to Rudisha is not important right now,” he said. “I just need to run my race and keep improving.”
In Rabat, the mission is clear—and for Emmanuel Wanyonyi, it begins not with words, but with performance.
