Olympic champ Wanyonyi threatens Rudisha's record
Athletics
By
Stephen Rutto
| Aug 24, 2024
Lausanne Diamond League offered athletics big shots the stage and the opportunity to bounce back from tough face-offs at the Paris Olympics.
For other stars, the Thursday evening showdown in Lausanne, Switzerland, was a moment for more glory after shining at the Olympics show that came to a close on August 11.
Sweet victories, meeting records and stylish racing characterised the Lausanne meeting, the 11th leg of the series.
The men’s 800m showdown became the meet’s most spectacular contest even as focus shifts to Silesia, Poland tomorrow.
Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyoni once again went up against Canadian Marco Arop of Canada.
As it was during the Olympics, Wanyonyi triumphed in another blistering sprint, having been pushed to the limit by the Canadian star.
David Rudisha’s 1:40.91 800m world record from 2012 came under a major threat at the Lausanne contest after an unrelenting Wanyonyi stormed to a world leading time of 1:41.11.
The Lausanne meeting result propels Wanyonyi to the second fastest of all time, sharing the spot with legendary two-lap athlete Wilson Kipketer, the former record holder in the distance. Kipketer set the 1:41.11 time in 1997.
Wanyonyi looks to tear the rule book again in Silesia tomorrow as the race for 2024 Diamond League title gears up.
“I am so happy to have run the world lead today in Lausanne.. I really loved the crowd and I hope for the best in Silesia,” Wanyonyi told reporters after the win.
Arop followed closely with 1:41.72 while European champion, Frenchman Gabriel Tual placed third in 1:42.30.
The women's 800m was more tactical, and turned out to be another opportunity for Mary Moraa to dance again after bagging a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The world champion made her move in the final straight, and sprinted to finish line, winning the race in 1:57.91, ahead of Georgia Bell of Great Britain who finished in 1:58'.53, while her compatriot Jemma Reekie came in third in 1:58.73.
Janeth Chepngetich finished second in the women’s 3000m race which was won by Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji. Margaret Akidor finished ninth with a season best time of 8:43.81.
Reynold Cheruiyot and African champion Brian Komen finished fourth and fifth respectively in 1,500m won by Norwegian star Jakob Ingebrigtsen.