Emmanuel Wanyonyi: From chasing hares to Olympic champion

Training under the guidance of Italian coach Claudio Berardelli in Kapsabet, Nandi County, Wanyonyi continues to chase greater milestones. After winning silver at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, his focus is now on clinching a world title at this year’s showpiece in Tokyo.

“My career is just kicking off,” the 20-year-old says with quiet confidence.

Wanyonyi attributes his success to a strong support system, including family, coaches, teammates, and his local community. “I wouldn’t have done it alone,” he acknowledges.

Coach Claudio, who has mentored him since his early days, admires his discipline and mental toughness.

“I didn’t immediately see him as the next Olympic champion, but his physiology and eagerness to win stood out,” he recalls.

At the heart of Wanyonyi’s story are his aunt, Agnes Wepukhulu, and her husband, Pastor Andrew Mibei.

During a challenging phase in his life, they stepped in to provide a nurturing environment. “He went through a lot, but we decided to bring him home and take him back to school,” Mibei explains.

Born and raised in Kapretwa Village, Trans Nzoia County, Wanyonyi’s early life was a struggle. As a child, he often joined friends in chasing wild hares, unknowingly discovering his speed. “That’s how I realised I could run,” he says with a smile.

“While I was in Standard One at Kapretwa Primary School, I used to see my sister Sarah running but she got married while still young and that is how her running career ended,” recalls Wanyonyi.

Life took a difficult turn when he dropped out of school in Standard Three to do manual jobs. He took on small tasks to support his family, who faced economic hardships. “At one time, I decided to work because I didn’t want to see my parents suffering,” he shares.

Encouraged by his aunt and uncle, Wanyonyi returned to school, determined to build a better future. “He agreed to go back to school despite having skipped some classes. Now, we’re proud to see him conquering the world,” says Wepukhulu.

Wanyonyi’s breakthrough came in 2021 when he won the 800m race at the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi.

Despite being his first international competition, he clocked an impressive 1:43, competing like a seasoned athlete. Claudio admits to being surprised.

“I didn’t expect him to run that fast, but he handled it like a senior athlete,” he says.

In 2022, Wanyonyi finished fourth at the World Championships in Oregon, USA.

A year later, he narrowly missed gold at the Budapest World Championships, securing a silver medal.

Reflecting on the season, he says. A pivotal moment came during the 2024 Olympic trials at Nyayo National Stadium, where Wanyonyi fell during the semifinals.

Far from being disheartened, the incident spurred him to push harder. “That fall made him push harder,” says Claudio. “It triggered faster times, and he ran 1:41.70, earning a slot in Team Kenya.”

Wanyonyi broke further barriers at the Paris Diamond League, clocking a remarkable 1:41.19. “The fall taught me to compete from the front, and I applied that tactic all the way to the Olympics,” he says.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wanyonyi executed his strategy with precision.

“My plan was to get to the finals and run from the front. It worked, and I won,” he recalls.

The victory not only cemented his legacy but also brought immense pride to Kenya. He blazed to victory in one minute 41.19 seconds, making him the third fastest man ever over the distance.

Wanyonyi’s achievements have had a profound impact on his family, transforming their lives.

His mother, Margaret Nasimiyu, describes him as a “miracle child” who has lifted their family out of poverty.

“He built us a modern house with everything, including a TV so I can watch his races,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.

Nasimiyu recalls her son’s sacrifices during their most challenging times. “He took up manual jobs to support us when we had nothing. Now, he’s changed our lives forever.”

Wepukhulu highlights how Wanyonyi’s success has inspired others in their village.

“He had shown signs of becoming a great man and we are so happy seeing him competing. Young men now train with him, and they all stay at our home,” she says proudly.

She didn’t know that Wanyonyi would one day drive a vehicle. Thanks to his talent, he has been able to pay school fees for Wephukulu’s three children.

Pastor Mibei is equally overjoyed. “Seeing him conquer the world makes us proud. He’s shown that anything is possible.”

As Wanyonyi looks ahead to upcoming competitions, he remains humble and focused. “I know it’s easy to get to the top but hard to stay there.”

His family and coach continue to pray for his continued success and support his efforts to achieve greatness.

Coach Claudio sees endless potential in Wanyonyi. “With the right preparation, he can dominate for years to come,” he says confidently.