‘This Boy Is in Good Shape’: Olympic Champion Wanyonyi Admits Lutkenhaus Too Strong
Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the Olympic champion from Kenya, finished second in the men’s 800m at the Wanda Diamond League in Oslo, clocking a season’s best of 1:42.09.
Narrowly beaten by US teenager Cooper Lutkenhaus in a dramatic photo finish, Wanyonyi spoke candidly about the race and his mindset.
“This boy is in good shape. Can you believe that as an Olympic champion, you are trying to knock down a 17‑year‑old boy? I started the race in front and after 600 meters I saw him passing me, so I tried to respond. But my target today was to run my SB, to improve. The season is still early,” Wanyonyi said.
Despite the defeat, he expressed joy at competing with his family watching: “Actually, I feel so happy to run, my daughter is watching me. Even my coach told me: remember that your daughter is watching you now. Her name is Noela.”
Wanyonyi confirmed he will return home to train for his next race in Monaco, balancing preparation with time spent with his family. His words underline both the pride of a champion and the humility of an athlete aware of the rising generation challenging his crown.
