Wanyonyi dedicates Diamond League trophy to his mother
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 17.09.24. | 10:28
Simiyu had an explosive season that culminated on Saturday in Brussels, Belgium, where he beat world champion Marco Arop of Canada and Algeria's Djamel Sedjati to retain his trophy
Newly crowned 800m Diamond League champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi has dedicated his trophy to his mother, Margaret Nasimiyu, while at the same time dedicating his Paris Olympics gold medal to his Italian coach, Claudio Berardelli.
Simiyu had an explosive season that culminated on Saturday in Brussels, Belgium, where he beat world champion Marco Arop of Canada and Algeria's Djamel Sedjati to retain his trophy. Wanyonyi clocked 1:42.86, Sedjati 1:42.86, and Arop 1:43.25.
Wanyonyi praised Berardelli for playing a pivotal role in his career since they met and that he is now setting his sights on next year’s World Athletics Championships, where he hopes to upgrade the silver medal he won last year in Budapest, Hungary.
He also noted that the two-lap races were highly competitive this season, and he had to carefully plan his races to ensure he stayed at the top.
The soft-spoken athlete made these remarks after meeting the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, at the Italian Embassy on Monday. Wanyonyi and Berardelli paid the ambassador a courtesy call as part of celebrations for Italian Sports Day.
Ambassador Natali highlighted the strong sports collaboration between Italy and Kenya, emphasizing that sports diplomacy is a key element of the Italian government’s international strategy.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi was losing the 800M race then BOOOOM! 🔥🔥🔥
— @RadullLive (@radulllive) September 16, 2024
Well done#RadullKE #BrusselsDL #DLFinal pic.twitter.com/FIkeGs2OaV
He noted that this partnership benefits both countries through the sharing of talent, knowledge, and resources.
He also acknowledged the significant role Italian coaches, such as Berardelli, have played in Kenya’s athletic success, with their contributions recognized by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Wanyonyi’s coach, Berardelli, a permanent resident in Kenya, emphasized the importance of the growing sports relationship between Kenya and Italy.
He noted that Wanyonyi’s success is a prime example of the benefits of this collaboration, with the Italian technical team supporting the young athlete's rise to global prominence.
Wanyonyi expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from his coach and management, stating that his Italian connection has been a blessing to his career. He added that while it was a good season, he is already preparing mentally for the challenges of the next season.
“When I met my coach Berardelli, it was a blessing, and I have improved tremendously in my career. It was a good season, and as I head for a break, I’m already thinking of next season, which I know will also be tough,” Wanyonyi told Nation Sport.
