Emmanuel Wanyonyi to execute different strategy for 800m final after being handed bye at Olympic trials

World 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi has received a major relief after being reinstated to Saturday’s 800m final, having missed out due to an unfortunate fall in the semi-final.

World 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi has earned a major relief after being reinstated to the 800m final at the Athletics Kenya Olympics trials on Friday.

Wanyonyi had been left in uncertainty having missed a place in the final after tripping and falling during Friday’s semi-final at Nyayo Stadium.

The 19-year-old took the lead then tried to slow down his semi-final but he got overtaken in the last 300m and as he tried to catch up, he tripped and fell.

It saw him miss out on a place in the final, after finishing last, and following an appeal, he was granted a chance in Saturday’s final, where he will now seek to make amends by claiming an automatic ticket to the final

“I am in good shape and on Saturday, it will be about executing a good race. I have the desire to win and to make the team to the Olympics,” said Wanyonyi, who admitted that he will need a change of strategy on Saturday.

“I will have to think how I run in the final, I cannot use the same tactic I used today [Friday],” he added.

The 19-year-old is Kenya’s biggest hope for a medal in the men’s 800m at the Paris Olympics.

posted Friday June 14th
by Joel Omotto