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Nothing can ill-afford to disturb Wanyonyi on the track after seeing it all despite his age
Claudio Berardelli is in awe of the Paris Olympics 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi's mindset and has lauded him as an incredible talent.
The remarks of Wanyonyi's coach come in the wake of his Paris heroics where the 20-year-old obliterated a quality field to reign supreme in the French capital. This, coupled with Wanyonyi's tough upbringing makes him a rare breed according to the tactician.
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18:29 - 29.11.2024
'I didn't let it break me' - Emmanuel Wanyonyi on how early ridicule in his career strengthened him mentally
The Paris Olympics 800m champion faced a tough upbringing but that was the catalyst as it liberated him from the jaws of poverty to his newly-acquired status
"He has a unique combination of speed and endurance. He has this ability to keep pushing when others start fading," the Italian told BBC Sport Africa.
The Italian pointed out that Wanyonyi's fearless pursuit of success sets him apart and winning is always the only thing in his mind.
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10:15 - 30.11.2024
'I didn't see myself as anything special' - Emmanuel Wanyonyi reveals self-doubt he had regarding his talent
Wanyonyi was a rare breed according to eye witnesses but the 20-year-old saw nothing unique in him
"Wanyonyi is a champion in his mind. He is fearless, probably because of his background. Even when he has difficult days you will never see him losing hope. He knows there's always a new day to try again. That's what sets him apart," he said.
Indeed the two-time diamond league champion has experienced hurdles despite his age. Growing up in extreme poverty in a small village in western Kenya, Wanyonyi's daily life was marked by hardships.
Forced out of school aged 10, he worked long hours herding cattle. Sometimes he earned less than $2 (£1.58) a month. Wanyonyi endured exploitation, switching jobs regularly after sometimes going unpaid, yet the man who would become the reigning Olympic 800m champion persisted because shelter and food were provided.
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