Wanyonyi delivers masterclass victory

Wanyonyi held off a strong field that included Canada’s world champion Marco Arop, who finished second in 1:42.22, and Britain’s Max Burgin, who thrilled the home crowd with third in 1:42.36.

Minutes later, his training partner Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, just 18 years old, pulled off a stunning win in the men’s 1500m, running 3:28.82 to break the meeting record set by Hicham El Guerrouj in 2000.

Koech — who was running only his third-ever 1500m race — edged out reigning world champion Josh Kerr (3:29.37), with Portugal’s Isaac Nader placing third in 3:31.55.

The rising star from Kewapmwai village, Uasin Gishu, had announced himself in Paris with a 3:27.72 World U20 record, before confirming his form in Ostrava. He now stands firmly among the world’s best.

Both Wanyonyi and Koech train under Claudio Berardelli. The duo are expected to race the Tokyo 2025 World Championships Kenya trials at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday July 22nd