Reigning Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir clinched Kenya's second gold medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships staged in Eugene, United States on Sunday July 24.
The 27-year-old had to work hard in the final lap of the race to claim the elusive gold medal which was last won by world record holder David Rudisha back in 2015 in London, United Kingdom. Korir, who was the favorite to win, produced a strong kick to finish the race in a personal best time of 1:43.71.
Rudisha took to social media to congratulate his compatriot for the hard earned victory.
“Congratulations @Korir800m for claiming gold in 800m for Kenya,” read his Twitter post.
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Algeria's Djamel Sedjati and Canada's Marco Krop finished second and third respectively. Sedjati clocked 1:44:14 while the latter crossed the finishing line in 1:44.28.
The Canadian was in control for most part of the race only to be defeated by Korir and Sedjati when it mattered most.
Kenya's young talent Emmanuel Wanyonyi will have to wait for his first senior world championship medal.
The under 20 world champion registered a fourth place finish, narrowly missing a podium place finish.
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Kenya now sits third in the medal log behind hosts United States and East African rivals Ethiopia. Jamaica which is ranked fourth is expected to add medals to its tally in the final day of the competition.
In 5,000m race, World Under 20 Cross Country champion Beatrice Chebet finished second behind Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay. Tsegay clocked 14:46.29 while Chebet crossed the finishing line in 14:46.75. Kenya has amassed a total of 8 medals ( 2 golds, 4 silver, and 2 bronze).
Speaking after the race, Chebet disclosed that tactics played an instrumental role in her performance.
“I did not expect to win. It was a matter of tactics. I was well positioned. I am happy to bring a medal to my country and I know they are proud of me,” Chebet was quoted by Oregonlive.
The World Athletics Championships comes to a close today. Focus will now shift to the 2022 Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place from Thursday July 28 to August 8 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Some of the Kenyan athletes including 100m national record holder Ferdinand Omanyala are already in Birmingham, preparing for the Club Games. Kenya will be seeking to improve its performance having performed dismally in Oregon.
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