- Emmanuel Wanyonyi has stated that he needs to improve his finishing speed and power in order to stand a chance of shining at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025.
- Wanyonyi made the candid assessment after running a world lead time of 1:41.95 in the Stockholm Diamond League 2025 that took place on Sunday, June 15.
- Wanyonyi is one of the favorites to win the 800m gold medal at the 2025 World Championships.
In an excellent tactical execution, Kenyan runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi clinched the 800m title at the Stockholm Diamond League 2025 in a sensational fashion.
Wanyonyi, who won a golden medal for Kenya at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, stormed to victory in Stockholm in a world lead time of 1:41.95.
Yet amidst the excitement of his remarkable display in the race that was held at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday, June 15, Wanyonyi offered an honest evaluation of his performance.
Besides being delighted with the monstrous win, the talented runner also highlighted some of the areas that he needs to improve ahead of the upcoming races, particularly the Tokyo World Athletics Championships 2025.
As stated by Wanyonyi, he was not comfortable with his finishing speed, something that he will focus on going forward.
“My body was not responding in a great way, but I tried to push. I have realized that I have a lot of mileage but I need to improve on my speed work and finishing power.
I was very happy to run under 1:42 just a few days after winning in Oslo. My main target now is to get ready and make the final in the 2025 World Championships, and then we will see what happens,” he commented.
Wanyonyi’s revelations paint a clear picture of a runner who is aware of his body as well as weaknesses and strengths.
Should the Kosirai Secondary School alumni improve his finishing speed, he is likely to smash the current 800m world record of 1:40.91 that was set by his compatriot David Rudisha at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
In addition, he will increase his chances of winning a gold medal at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships that is set to be staged in Japan from September 13 to September 21.
After the Stockholm heroics, Wanyonyi is expected to return to Wanda Diamond League action on July 11 in Monaco.
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