Kinyamal, Wanyonyi storm Olympics 800m semis

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya’s Wycliffe Kinyamal and Emmanuel Wanyonyi are through to the 2024 Paris Olympics Games men 800m semi-finals, after registering near perfect results during Heats on Wednesday afternoon.

Wanyonyi won in Heat 3, in a time of 1:44.64 ahead of Italy’s Catalin Tecuceanu who clocked 1:44.80, and Andreas Kramer of Sweden, who crossed the finish line in a time of 1:44.93.

"I'm in good health and full of energy, so it's one step at a time,” said Wanyonyi after the two-lap race. Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal later secured his slot in the semis courtesy of a third-place finish in Heat 5, after being timed at 1:45.86.

Great Britain's Ben Pattison finished first in a time of 1:45.56, while South African Edmund du Plessis emerged second in 1:45.73. Another Kenyan, Koitatoi Kidali will however have to step up his gear in repechage on Thursday, after he clocked 1:45.84 to finish fifth in Heat 2.

The semis are set for Friday, before ushering in the final on Saturday. Meanwhile, three Kenyans scrapped through to the 5000m final, after hard-fought results in the semis.

They are Jacob Krop, Edwin Kurgat and Ronald Kwemoi. Krop and Kurgat finished fourth and fifth respectively in Heat 1, as Kwemoi put up a spirited fight to finish 6th in Heat 2.

The final for the 12-and-a-half lap race is scheduled for Saturday. At 8.35pm today, Wiseman Were Mukhobe will be in action during the men's 400m Hurdles semis.

Later on, at 10.43pm, three Kenyans will be in contention for medals during the 3000m men steeplechase final. The trio are Amos Serem, Simon Koech and Abraham Kibiwott.

Kenya has managed four medals so far; one gold, one silver and two bronze. Beatrice Chebet won gold in the women 5000m, Faith Kipyegon won silver in the race, Mary Moraa settled for bronze in 800m while Faith Cherotich managed another bronze in the women 3000m steeplechase.