At just 21 years old, Emmanuel Wanyonyi is already a World and Olympic champion and has put himself on course to be one of, if not the best, athletes in the 800m.
Wanyonyi was crowned the 800m world champion after a strong final kick pushed him to victory in the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan, in September 2025.
The young runner burst onto the scene in 2024, but despite his fast rise, he has maintained professionalism and clean competition, representing Kenya with honour and pride.
Aside from his exploits in the Tokyo championships, Wanyonyi also recorded wins in the Monaco Diamond League in July and the London Athletics Meet in September, setting a world-leading time and meet record, respectively.
He has demonstrated his abilities in the 1500m and Road Mile, winning both competitions in the Kingston Slam competition in Jamaica back in April.
His extraordinary form throughout the year culminated in the prestigious recognition of being crowned the 2025 World Athletics Male Track Athlete of the Year in December, a testament to his rapid ascent and dominance in his discipline.
Beyond the track, Wanyonyi has been a source of inspiration to young people from rural areas. He often encourages discipline, hard work, and focus, using his journey as proof that success comes through persistence.