Kenya's 8oo metre Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi came out top of his heat to qualify for the semifinals of the race at the ongoing World Athletics Championships currently taking place in Tokyo Japan, Tuesday 16 September 2025.
Wanyonyi was penned in to compete in heat five of the eight race heats in the evening session and he did not disappoint, coming home in a time of 1.45.05 to come out victorious and ensure direct qualification to the semis.
The 20 year old Wanyonyi will be a firm favourite for the title of world champion, having been one of the most impressive athletes around this year in the 800 metres.
Kelvin Kimtai Loti, competing in heat two also qualified, ensuring Kenya has a second semifinalist after placing second in heat two.
Poland’s Maciej Wyderka claimed victory in heat three in 1:46.30, followed by Britain’s Ben Pattison (1:46.51) and France’s Gabriel Tual (1:46.54).
Meanwhile, Nicholas Kiplangat Kebenei also qualified despite finishing fourth in heat seven with a time of 1:44.91, just a fraction of a second behind Marino Bloudek, who secured third place in 1:44.78.
He qualified as one of the fastest losers. Ironically, he clocked a better time than Wanyonyi managed in his heat.
The semis will be held Thursday.
