Why Wanyonyi is the man to watch at 2024 Olympics - David Rudisha

By Tony Kipkorir

800m world record holder David Lekuta Rudisha has heaped a lot of praise to fast-rising 800m runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi ahead of the eagerly awaited 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Speaking during the national athletics forum organized by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) in Nairobi, Rudisha backed Wanyonyi to do wonders at the games since he has gained experience.

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“I am looking forward to see young guys especially Wanyonyi who did very well in the previous world championships by winning silver. He will be the one to watch because he will be more experienced.

And of course, the ladies, Moraa will try her best to give Kenya an 800m Olympic gold medal,” commented the St. Francis Kimuron Secondary School alumni.

Rudisha, whose career was cut short due to injuries, also described the Olympics as a special event to him.

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“Olympics is the biggest sports in the world. It gives me a lot of special memories because that is where I made history in London 2012 when I won the 800m, breaking the world record.

It is a special event, so it will remain in my story for the rest of my life because that is where I hit the top of everything in my career” added the two-time world champion.

At the 2012 London games, Rudisha became the first person to run the 800m race in under 1:41.00 when he produced a breath-taking performance to lower his previous record of 1:41.09 to 1:40.91.

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He also advised the upcoming runners to work hard since that is the only way they will succeed in the competitive athletics field.

The 34-year-old ended by promising to continue motivating the young athletes so that they can continue with the legacy they left.

Some of the other veteran sportspersons who graced the forum include Shujaa legend Humphrey Kayange, Malkia Strikers star Edith Wisah and the reigning 100m African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala.

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Omanyala urged the upcoming athletes to believe in themselves and fight for their dreams because no one will carry it for them.

The Paris Olympics is scheduled to be held between Friday, July 24 and Sunday, August 11.