Why 800m ace Emmanuel Wanyonyi might not compete at African Games

800 metre World Silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi has divulged that he might not represent Kenya at the upcoming African Games.

The 19-year-old made the revelations after winning the 2km loop race at the 2024 Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour held in Eldoret on Saturday, February 3. 

Wanyonyi comfortably won the race in 5:41.20 after being in the driving seat from the start with Victor Kipkirui and Edwin Kiptoo settling for second and third positions after clocking 5:42.10 and 5:45.90 respectively. 

Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 348 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot 

When asked whether he will feature at the African games during the post-race press conference, Wanyonyi stated that he was not certain.

“I cannot say I will feature at the African Games because my body has not picked up well. I have to go and train so that I can make that decision. But I do not think I will go to the African Games,” commented the 2023 Diamond League winner. 

The 13th edition of the African Games is scheduled to run between Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Accra, Ghana. 

The Kip Keino Classic 800m defending champion also explained the main reason why he decided to run at the Sirikwa Classic. 

ALSO READ: Omanyala smashes meeting record, sets new 60m NR in first international test

“I came to compete at the Sirikwa Cross Country because of the build-up to the Olympic Games. I am preparing for the Olympic Games, so I came to gauge how my body is at the moment and find out where I have to concentrate on my training.

Cross country is good for runners like us. It is very useful for the buildup of running 800m. When you run cross country three times, you become better for the track and field season,” he commented. 

Wanyonyi added that since it will be his first time taking part in the Olympic Games, he has to prepare himself adequately. 

The 2023 Prefontaine Classic winner ended by stating that his coach will decide whether he will run Diamond League races this year.

However, he acknowledged that Diamond League races usually give athletes more experience to run the 800m race. 

ALSO READ: Arsenal vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Prediction