Emmanuel Korir has won Kenya her first gold at the Tokyo Olympics after winning the 800m final in a time of 1:45:06 ahead of Ferguson Rotich (1:45:23) who bagged silver in a tense 800m final that saw Nigel Amos who finished 8th.
Korir who had a disappointing start to his medal quest took control of the race with Rotich unusually running from behind.
After a push and shove in the first 350m, Korir decided to take matters into his own hands, ensuring that he was not bullied by the rest of the field.
Korir had previously been axed from the 400m which is his speciality for a false start but this time round he was not to be denied in the longer race.
The 400m specialist took the stride from lane two and commanded the strong field of athletes who all wanted to succeed David Rudisha who ruled the 800m, winning gold in London 2012 and Rio in 2016.
Korir's win means that Kenya apart from winning the first gold in the Tokyo Olympics have kept the 800m crowned for four Olympics editions since Wilfred Bungei win gold in Beijing in 2008.
For Ferguson Rotich, this was his best podium finish in a global event, having won bronze in the World Athletics Championships in Doha 2019.
Earlier in the day Kenya bagged a bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase through Hyvin Kiyeng while Faith Kipyegon won her semi-final heat to book a slot in the 1500m final to take place on Friday afternoon.
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