World Under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi has reiterated his desire to storm the podium at the 2023 World Athletics Championships slated for August 19-27 in Budapest, Hungary.
After finishing fourth in last year’s event, Wanyonyi has warned his competitors to expect a vicious battle from him as he feels his body is in perfect shape.
In the build-up to Budapest, he said he has been working on his start and finish which was part of his weakness in Eugene last year therefore he will give no chances to opponents.
"My body feels great and am in perfect shape ready to compete. My objective in Budapest is to be on the podium but if things go well a gold medal will be a dream come true," said Wanyonyi who is hopeful of a Kenyan clean sweep.
“I think inexperience is what cost me a podium finish last year since it was my first outing at the senior category. Right now I have the necessary experience to take on the big boys."
He booked his flight to the Central European country after winning the national trials on June 8 at Nyayo Stadium, where he clocked 1:44.09. The 19-year-old beat Alex Ngeno (1:44.21) to second while Ferguson Rotich (1:44.71) settled for third also punching tickets to Budapest.
The trio will also have the company of reigning Diamond League 800m champion Emmanuel Korir who qualified for the event courtesy of a wild card.
"I am in my best form of racing this season despite eighth place finish in my last Diamond League meeting in Monaco. The exposure I have had competing in the Diamond League meetings has prepared me for this challenge," he said, saying he is not scared of anyone in the line-up.
“If we can work as a team, we will bring the medals. I believe it will be very difficult for anyone to beat us. I can attribute my success this season to early preparations and I also thank God I have remained injury free," he offered.
Wanyonyi heads into the contest buoyed by a streak of amazing performance since the onset of the season.
He opened his season with a win at the World Cross Country Championships in February in Australia before winning the Kipkeino Classic in May.
He would continue with his red-hot form at the Diamond League meetings securing wins at the Rabat and Paris legs.
