Delighted Wanyonyi Wins Lausanne 800m in 1:42.19

Kenya’s Olympic and world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi produced a strong finish to win the men’s 800m at the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday, clocking 1:42.19.

Wanyonyi, who had previously won his Olympic title and set his 1:41.11 personal best in Lausanne in 2024, held off Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, who finished second in 1:42.31, while American Brandon Miller took third in 1:42.55.

Reflecting on the race, Wanyonyi said the decisive moment came in the final 100 metres.

‘I had a battle, especially over the final 100 metres, but I felt very strong and I’m happy to have won the race,’ the Kenyan said.

‘My legs were beginning to tighten, but I kept pushing all the way to the finish. I love competing at this Diamond League meeting in Lausanne because this stadium is one of the best for me.’

Wanyonyi also praised the track and conditions, adding: ‘The track was very good and, although the weather was a little cool, the conditions were perfect.’

The victory is Wanyonyi’s first Diamond League 800m win of the 2026 season and comes at a venue where he has enjoyed remarkable success, having run 1:41.11 there in 2024 to move joint second on the world all-time list.