• Emmanuel Wanyonyi continued where he ended last year, delivering a remarkable display in his initial international contest.
• The 800-meter Olympic titleholder participated in the inaugural Major Track competition of the year held in Kingston, Jamaica, where they were among the competitors.
• He became the first champion alongside athletes like Gabby Thoma and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, thereby securing substantial monetary rewards.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi made a powerful declaration of his ambitions to competitors through an impressive performance in his initial international event this year.

Wanyonyi was one of the prominent headline stars featured at the first Grand Slam Track event, which kicked off in Kingston.

The 800-meter Olympic champion participated alongside other luminaries from Paris such as Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as Michael Johnson’s initiative materialized in Kingston, Jamaica.

Wanyonyi, as sport.bangjo.co.id.co.ke reported exclusively in February, he was signed on as one of the contenders in the men's sprint category.

How Emmanuel Wanyonyi fared at the Grand Slam Track event in Kingston

He found himself alongside his long-time rival Marco Arop, with their competition well-documented over time. Prior to this, the Canadian had claimed the world title from Wanyonyi in Budapest during 2023; subsequently, the Kenyan reclaimed honor by securing the Olympic gold medal in Paris just last year.

The men's sprint category, similar to all other divisions, consists of four main competitors who will participate in each slam competition. These key athletes include Arop along with the United States pair Yared Nuguse and Cole Hocker, as well as Great Britain’s Josh Kerr.

The eight participated in both the 800 meters and 1500 meters events. In an unexpected turn of events, Wanyonyi managed to defeat the favorites in the 1500 meters during their specialty event on Friday evening. This young athlete, just 20 years old, surged ahead at the finish line to improve his personal record down to 3 minutes and 35.18 seconds.

The outcome was remarkable considering he had previously participated in the 1500m just one time. He managed to outperform experienced and skilled competitors in this distance. Hocker holds the title of Olympic champion, Kerr is the current world champion and silver medalist from Paris, whereas Nuguse claimed the bronze medal during that competition.

Wanyonyi stated, 'I demonstrated that I am capable of competing against some of the top rivals.'

Marco Arop defeats Wanyonyi in the 800 meters race.

Following his victory among the 1500m racers earlier, Wanyonyi was anticipated to have an effortless time when he reverted to his preferred event on Sunday evening. However, he appeared to feel the impact of that previous 1500m race, ultimately securing only the second position behind Arop.

Even though he didn't secure victory, Wanyonyi was named the overall champion in the men's short race in Kingston, amassing 20 points—five ahead of Arop who finished in second place.

Arop stated, 'I believe the Grand Slam is genuinely impressive. When you bring together the cream of the crop, outstanding performances inevitably follow. Even this early in the season, we're witnessing remarkable displays. I'm very enthusiastic about what’s to come at the subsequent Slam.'

How much did Emmanuel Wanyonyi receive from Grand Slam Track?

For his heroics, the 2-running-club athlete is set to smile all the way to the bank. Grand Slam Track made a lot of headlines for its lucrative prize money as Johnson attempts to change the game.

All slam winners received $100,000, making Wanyonyi around 13 million Kenyan shillings wealthier.

Who were the other winners at the Grand Slam Track in Kingston?

Women - Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (Sprint Events), Gabby Thomas (Middle-Distance Runs), Danielle Williams (100m Hurdles), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (400m Hurdles), DirIBE WelTEJI (Short Track), EJGAYEHU Taye (Endurance Running).

Men - Kenny Bednarek specializes in Short Sprints, Matthew-Hudson Smith focuses on Long Sprints, Sasha Zhoya excels at Short Hurdles, Alison dos Santos dominates in Long Hurdles, and Grant Fisher competes in Long Distance events.

Similar to Wanyonyi, each laureate took home $100,000.

When is the upcoming Grand Slam race scheduled?

As a contender, Wanyonyi is anticipated to participate in at least two grand slam events annually. However, it remains unclear which ones they will choose.

Following the events in Kingston, the scene shifts to Miami’s Ansin Sports Complex on May 2nd. Then, Philadelphia takes center stage towards the end of May. Finally, Los Angeles will host the concluding part in June.

Mary Moraa concludes with an 8th place finish in Kingston

sport.bangjo.co.id.co.ke Additionally highlighted was Mary Moraa's difficult beginning at the Major Athletics Event.

The world champion in the 800 meters event came in last place in her preferred race and subsequently pulled out of the following competition.

The 'Nyamira Express' was among the main competitors signed up for the race. In her category, Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji emerged victorious.