Wanyonyi reveals stomach upset before Zurich win
Winner Emmanuel Wanyonyi celebrates after competing in the men's 800m during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting, at the Letzigrund Stadium, in Zurich on August 27, 2026. (Photo by Stefan Wermuth / AFP)
Audio By Vocalize
Wanyonyi clocked 1minute 41.76seconds to win the Zurich Diamond League 800m, narrowly holding off Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati by just seven hundredths of a second.
"Before I started the race, I felt a bit my stomach was not good. But I managed to run well. Let me say that I think now my body is coming up," said Wanyonyi.
The victory keeps Wanyonyi’s pursuit of David Rudisha’s iconic 800m world record of 1:40.91 alive.
Wanyonyi arrived in Zurich with significant momentum after breaking the world record over 1000m in Monaco in July, before winning the 800m at the Lausanne Diamond League last week.
He now turns his focus to the circuit’s finale in Brussels next weekend, where he will bid for a third consecutive Diamond League Trophy before heading to Budapest for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship from September 11 to 13.
Wanyonyi reiterated that he was not under pressure to lower the long-standing record set by Kenyan compatriot Rudisha in 2012.
“I think I want to stay focused because at the initial, this is... this has shown me that I'm still there. I'm still moving. I'm still capable to win the World Ultimate and the Diamond League trophy in Brussels. But, let me think first about Brussels, then Ultimate."
Join the Discussion
Share your perspective with the Citizen Digital community.
No comments yet
This discussion is waiting for your voice. Be the first to share your thoughts!