World Athletics has recently nominated Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the World Under 20 gold medallist, as a Rising Star in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field.
The three significant categories under which he has been acknowledged include securing the World Championships 800m silver, clinching the Diamond League championship, and emerging as the victor in events in Rabat, Paris, and Xiamen.
In praise of his accomplishments, World Athletics expressed, “The nominations reflect some of the standout performances that the sport has witnessed this year, at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23, World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 23, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world.”
Wanyonyi boasted a personal best of 1:43:27 and clocked an impressive 1:44:53, securing a silver medal in Budapest, trailing behind Canada’s Marco Arop.
His journey in the Diamond League was equally remarkable, commencing with a victory in Rabat, Morocco, and triumphing again in Paris, France.
February marked the start of his year with a gold medal in the mixed relays at the 2023 World Cross-Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia. Additionally, he defended his Kip Keino Classic title in Nairobi in May.
The 19-year-old middle-distance runner, renowned for his impressive records, including a Championship Record of 1:43.76 at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in 2021, is currently undertaking the Kenya National Examination Council (KCSE) finals at Kosirai Secondary School in Nandi County.
Two other nominees in the same category include Roshawn Clarke from Jamaica, who secured fourth place in the World Championships 400m hurdles and set and broke the world U20 record.
The other nominee is Erriyon Knighton from the USA, who won the World Championships 200m silver medal, emerged as the US champion, and secured victories in Diamond League races in Florence and Oslo.
The 2023 Men’s Rising Star Award winner will be selected by an international panel of experts, with the announcement scheduled to be made on World Athletics’ platforms on December 11th.
