Emmanuel Wanyonyi continues to cement his status as the next great Kenyan middle-distance star after a dominant display in the men’s 800m at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday night.
The 20-year-old produced a scintillating performance, coasting to victory in 1:41.44, a time that not only set a new Meeting Record (MR) but also stands as the World Lead (WL) for the season.
Final Results
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN) — 1:41.44 MR WL
- Josh Hoey (USA) — 1:42.01 PB
- Djamel Sedjati (ALG) — 1:42.20 SB
- Peter Bol (AUS) — 1:42.55 AR
- Marco Arop (CAN) — 1:42.73 SB
- Slimane Moula (ALG) — 1:42.86
- Bryce Hoppel (USA) — 1:43.51
- Tshepiso Masalela (BOT) — 1:43.82
- Mohamed Attaoui (ESP) — 1:43.99
- Gabriel Tual (FRA) — 1:44.17
- Max Burgin (GBR) — 1:47.71
Patryk Sieradzki (POL) — DNF
In what was only his second major European outing this year, Wanyonyi demonstrated maturity and composure well beyond his years. After tucking in behind the pacemaker through the opening lap, he made his move with 200 meters to go, surging to the front with his trademark long, graceful strides to the delight of the packed Stade Louis II crowd.
American Josh Hoey impressed with a late surge to claim second in a personal best of 1:42.01, while Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati clocked a season’s best 1:42.20 for third. Australia’s Peter Bol finished fourth in an Area Record time of 1:42.55, with World Champion Marco Arop settling for fifth in 1:42.73.
As the bell sounded for the final lap, Wanyonyi remained unshaken, his pace unrelenting. His flawless race execution and rising form this season signal that David Rudisha’s long-standing world record of 1:40.91 may soon face a credible challenge.