Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich delivered standout performances at the Oslo Diamond League on Thursday night, each claiming victory in their respective events and reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in middle- and long-distance running.

Wanyonyi, continued his ascent in the 800m, winning the men’s race with a time of 1:42.77. The reigning Olympic champion displayed his trademark composure and speed, holding off a competitive field that included Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui and Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati.

Wanyonyi’s win in Oslo marks his eighth Diamond League victory, further solidifying his reputation as the man to beat in the two-lap event.

Though he narrowly missed David Rudisha’s stadium record of 1:42.04, Wanyonyi’s performance was a season’s best and underscores his consistency at the elite level.

“Today, my body felt a little tired as I have come from Kenya so the travel has been long but I am happy with my performance against a strong field,” Wanyonyi said after the race.

In the women’s 3000m steeplechase, 20-year-old Faith Cherotich produced a world-leading and meeting record time of 9:02.60, breaking a six-year-old record previously held by Norah Jeruto.

Cherotich’s victory came after a dramatic duel with Olympic champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain, in what has become one of the most compelling rivalries on the track this season.

Cherotich seized control early, maintaining her lead despite Yavi’s late surge, and ultimately secured her second Diamond League win over Yavi this year. Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani finished third in 9:06.84.

Both Wanyonyi and Cherotich’s performances signal strong form ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, with each athlete now firmly established among the world’s best in their disciplines. 

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