Emmanuel Wanyonyi reveals Marco Arop's weakness that he capitalised on to beat him this season

Emmanuel Wanyonyi reveals Marco Arop's weakness that he capitalised on to beat him this season

Abigael Wafula 05:21 - 11.10.2024

Emmanuel Wanyonyi has attributed his recent victories over Marco Arop to exploiting the Canadian's weakness which he learned from their 2023 World Championships race.

Reigning Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi has explained Marco Arop’s weakness that cost him victories this season.

Learning Arop’s weakness was a blessing for Emmanuel Wanyonyi who managed to capitalise on that and managed to show up when it mattered. In an interview with Sports Passion, Wanyonyi explained that at last year's World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, he was unable to claim the title due to inexperience.

He shared that he despite being in the form of his life, Arop beat him on the line since the Canadian 800m running ace had lots of experience. However, from the race, Emmanuel Wanyonyi was able to gain valuable lessons and managed to learn one of Arop’s weaknesses.

The world 800m silver medallist pointed out that going into this season, he would maximise on that and make a statement, which he sure did.

“Do you know last year in Budapest, I was in shape but Arop beat me because of experience. He started from the back and then came to the front in the last 300m,” Wanyonyi shared.

“In these recent races, I realised that when I started running from the front with Arop, he could not maintain that momentum until the end of the race. So, I decided to run my race and go one-way and that’s how I managed to triumph in several races.”

Wanyonyi and Arop have clashed in several races, including the Paris Olympic Games and Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels, where the former claimed statement wins in astonishing times.

At the Olympic Games, Arop was forced to finish second in a close race with Wanyonyi taking the win in a time of 1:41.19. After the Olympics, Emmanuel Wanyonyi continued the winning streak to the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne, crossing the finish line in 1:41.11 ahead of Arop.

Marco Arop managed to claim a win over Wanyonyi at the Diamond League Meeting in Silesia. However, at the Diamond League Meeting final in Lausanne, Wanyonyi also emerged as champion to end his season on a high.