Can Emmanuel Wanyonyi Deliver in the 800m?
The men’s 800m heats promise to be one of the most electrifying events at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. With David Rudisha’s legendary 1:40.91 world record from the 2012 Olympics still untouched, all eyes are now on his compatriot Emmanuel Wanyonyi. At just 21, Wanyonyi has already established himself as the man to beat this season, though he came dangerously close to losing in the Diamond League finals.
“Rudisha is my friend,” Wanyonyi said last month. “I remember the last time I saw him he told me, ‘Now is your time to shine.’”
Standing in his way is Canada’s Marco Arop, the defending world champion and Olympic silver medalist, who insists he is not fazed by the Kenyan’s dominance. “It’s great competing against him because I do feel he makes me a better athlete overall,” Arop told CBC. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, the Paris bronze medalist, hopes his lighter racing schedule this season gives him an edge, while Americans Donavan Brazier and teenage sensation Cooper Lutkenhaus are also looking to shake up the field.
Can Faith Kipyegon Extend Her Legacy?
The women’s 1500m final is shaping up to be an all-Kenyan showdown between 31-year-old Faith Kipyegon and rising star Nelly Chepchirchir, 22. Kipyegon’s dominance in middle-distance running is unmatched, with three Olympic titles, four world crowns, and a world record to her name.
Chepchirchir, however, believes she has grown into a genuine contender after a strong season. “I have some experience from Budapest. This is the big difference,” she said. “Also I became much more confident after I won the Diamond League final (in Zurich last month).”
Who Will Shine in the High Jump?
Away from the track, the men’s high jump final will see Ukraine’s Oleh Doroshchuk compete with renewed confidence. After battling injuries, the 24-year-old topped qualifying and has been in excellent form, winning in Brussels and finishing runner-up at the Diamond League finals. “That (qualifying) was the first major championships when I was not nervous, so I enjoyed the competition and the atmosphere around me,” Doroshchuk said.
With New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr also in contention, and Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh already inspiring her nation in the women’s events, Tuesday’s finals promise to deliver both thrilling action and powerful stories.
By Yockshard Enyendi
