Emmanuel Wanyonyi on why 800m world record remained untouched at Diamond League final

The Olympic 800m gold medalist has shared insights on why the 800m world record remained unbroken by Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi has spoken after a remarkable strength to come from behind and stun his rivals to claim a second Diamond League title in Brussels on Saturday.

The 20-year-old appeared like he would miss out on the title, and even the podium, as world champion Marco Arop stormed to the lead and appeared to be cruising to victory.

However, Algerian Djamel Sedjati closed in and was on his way to overtaking before Wanyonyi appeared from nowhere to win the race in a time of 1:42.70 as Sedjati settled for second in 1:42.86 while Arop clocked 1:43.25.

In a post-race interview, Wanyonyi explained how the race went and his aspirations for the upcoming season.

"I am grateful for winning the race despite the stiff competition and windy conditions, which made it challenging to achieve a faster time. This season has been highly competitive in the 800m, and I am pleased with my performance.

"My success was brought by rigorous training, staying disciplined, following my coach's guidance, and maintaining my concentration. I also ask my fans to continue supporting me with their prayers, as my achievements have been because of their unwavering support," he said.

Wanyonyi further elaborated on why the world record remained unbroken despite the fierce competition from Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati.

"Competing in the Diamond League was a formidable experience. Although the weather wasn’t very warm today, the race proceeded smoothly. The final meters were tough, as always, but my hard work paid off, and I’m delighted with the outcome. I look forward to possibly competing in another Diamond League event next year," he added.

Many thought the three men would break David Rudisha's world record, as Daniel Wanyonyi, Marco Arop, and Djamel Sedjati are the fastest men this year.

However, several factors contributed to the record remaining intact. Wanyonyi hinted that the windy conditions in Brussels played a significant role.

The gusty winds not only affected the runners' pacing but also made it difficult to maintain the optimal speed needed to challenge the longstanding record.

Additionally, the tactical nature of the race in Brussels was a factor. With Arop leading early, the race was more about strategy and positioning rather than purely focusing on time.

Wanyonyi's ability to conserve energy and make a decisive move in the final stretch showcased his tactical prowess, even if it meant not pushing for a world record.

The surprise victory was also a testament to Wanyonyi's exceptional form in 2024.

Having broken the one minute 42 second barrier for the first time during the Athletics Kenyan Olympic trials in June and then lowering his personal best to 1:41.58 at the Paris Diamond League in July, Wanyonyi has shown consistent improvement.

His memorable Olympic gold medal performance in Paris, where he ran 1:41.19, made him the third-fastest man over the distance, further solidifying his status as a top contender.

Wanyonyi has continued to push his limits, improving his personal best to 1:41.11 at the Lausanne Diamond League, bringing him within 0.20 seconds of Rudisha's legendary world record.

Despite these impressive times, the conditions in Brussels were not conducive to breaking records and the race dynamics prioritized tactical racing over speed.

The competition in Brussels was fierce, with familiar foes like Arop, the reigning world champion, Sedjati, the Olympic bronze medallist, and Gabriel Tual, all of whom have bettered 1:42 in recent months.

The presence of two-time Commonwealth champion Wycliffe Kinyamal and world bronze medallist Ben Pattison added further depth to the field, making it a highly competitive event.