Emmanuel Wanyonyi floors Olympic and World Champions in Kingston

Olympic 800m champion, Emmanuel Wanyonyi produced unforgettable and thrilling finish when he stormed to victory in men’s 1500m race at the inaugural Kingston Grand Slam Track Meeting, on Saturday (5) at the Independence Park National Stadium, in Jamaica.

The 20 year-old who was making his international debut over the distance, outclassed the ever green Yared Nuguse, who is also the Paris Olympic 1500m bronze medallist, in the final straight to clinch the honors in a new personal best of 3:35.18 with the latter coming home closely in 3:35.36.

The reigning Olympic 1500m champion, Cole Hocker of United States found the going tougher as he was forced to settle in third place in 3:35.52.

Double World Indoor 1500m silver medallist, Neil Gourley of Scotland and the reigning World 1500m champion, Josh Kerr of Great Britain came home in fourth and fifth place in respective time of 3:35.60 and 3:35.61.

LEADING RESULTS

1500M MEN

1. Emmanuel Wanyonyi    (KEN) 3:35.18
2. Yared Nuguse                 (USA) 3:35.36
3. Cole Hocker                    (USA) 3:35.52
4. Neil Gourley                   (GBR) 3:35.60
5. Josh Kerr                         (GBR) 3:35.61