Emmanuel Wanyonyi Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Olympics, Records, Career

Emmanuel Wanyonyi is a Kenyan middle-distance runner specializing in the 800 meters, widely regarded as one of the fastest-rising stars in global athletics.

At just 20 years old, he clinched the 800m gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a blistering 1:41.19, the fourth-fastest time in history, and secured a silver at the 2023 World Championships.

A former World U20 champion and multiple Diamond League winner, Wanyonyi also broke the world road mile record in 2024.

Profile

• Full Name: Emmanuel Wanyonyi
• Stage Name: Emmanuel Wanyonyi
• Born: 1, August 2004
• Age: 20 years old
• Birthplace: Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, Western Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Occupation: Middle-Distance Runner
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Mr. Wanyonyi and Mrs. Wanyonyi
• Siblings: 11
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $600,000

Early Life and Education

Emmanuel Wanyonyi was born on August 1, 2004, in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, Western Kenya, to Mr. Wanyonyi, who passed away in 2018, and Mrs. Wanyonyi.

Growing up as one of twelve children, with five brothers and six sisters, he faced poverty and dropped out of primary school at age 10 to herd cattle.

Specific details about his formal education beyond primary school are not widely documented. His ethnicity is Kenyan, and his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed, though he has expressed gratitude for divine guidance in his career.

Career

Emmanuel Wanyonyi began his running career in local school races, encouraged by a teacher who recognized his speed.

In 2021, at age 17, he won the 800m gold at the World U20 Championships in Nairobi with a championship record of 1:44.86, marking his emergence as a prodigy.

His senior debut followed in 2022, where he claimed his first Diamond League victory in Lausanne, running 1:43.27. In 2023, he earned a silver medal at the World Championships in Budapest with a 1:43.71, narrowly behind Canada’s Marco Arop, and set a personal best of 1:42.80 at the Lausanne Diamond League, ranking him among the all-time fastest 800m runners.

Wanyonyi’s pinnacle achievement came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he won the 800m gold in 1:41.19, defeating a stacked field including Arop and Djamel Sedjati, and becoming the third-fastest man ever in the event, behind David Rudisha and Wilson Kipketer.

Earlier in 2024, he broke the world road mile record with a 3:54.90 at the Adidas Herzogenaurach Road Mile, surpassing Hobbs Kessler’s previous mark.

His 2024 season also included Diamond League wins in Brussels and Zurich, solidifying his dominance. Coached by Janeth Jepkosgei, a former world champion, Wanyonyi’s fluid stride and tactical racing have drawn comparisons to Rudisha.

Wanyonyi remains a leading figure in middle-distance running, training in Kenya’s Rift Valley and targeting a world record at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

His ability to compete against older, seasoned runners at a young age underscores his potential for a long-lasting legacy. Beyond the track, he supports community initiatives in Trans Nzoia, inspiring young athletes from similar backgrounds.

His journey from herding cattle to Olympic champion resonates widely, earning him endorsements and recognition as a symbol of resilience in Kenyan athletics.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @emmanuelwanyonyi
• Facebook Handle: Emmanuel Wanyonyi

Personal Life

Emmanuel Wanyonyi is single, with no publicly confirmed spouse or romantic partners, and has no children.

He remains close to his large family in Trans Nzoia, including his mother and eleven siblings, who have supported his athletic journey despite financial hardships.

Based in Iten, Kenya’s running hub, he leads a disciplined life focused on training, often at high-altitude camps. Wanyonyi enjoys connecting with fans through social media, sharing race highlights and his gratitude for community support.

Net Worth

Emmanuel Wanyonyi has an estimated net worth of approximately $600,000.

His income stems from substantial prize money from his 2024 Olympic gold, 2023 World Championship silver, and multiple Diamond League victories, including high-profile wins in 2024.

Endorsements from brands seeking to align with his rising star status, along with support from Athletics Kenya, further boost his earnings. While not as high as veteran global athletes, his net worth is growing rapidly due to his youth, Olympic success, and marketability in Kenya’s athletics-driven economy.