Kinyamal defends 800m Commonwealth Games title

• Kinyamal has become the first man to win back to back 800m titles
• He was the only Kenyan in the final
• He now targets a third crown in 2026

Wycliffe Kinyamal became the first man to successfully defend an 800m title as he sprinted to victory in a time of one minute, 47.52 seconds ahead of Australian Peter Bol.

Kinyamal said he was delighted to have ensured the crown remained in Kenya and is already looking to secure a historic hattrick at the next Games in 2026.

“It was a very tough race today but I was determined to go all the way and defend my title. I wanted to run on the front from the beginning because I knew there were strong atletes. It would have been hard to run at the back and expect a medal,” said the 26-year old.

He added; “Now, I have to go back and work harder because I want to come back in 2026 and win this title again. It is possible,” he noted.

Kenyan lone ranger in the final

Wycliffe Kinyamal competing in the 800m at the Commonwealth Games. PHOTO/Team Kenya

Kinyamal was the Kenyan lone ranger in the two lap contest and decided to control the pace from the start. At the bell, Australian Bol tried to move past him but he resisted, ensuring he had a yard of space ahead of him to ensure space for a finishing kick.

Coming home at the final bend, Kinyamal stepped up on the gas, wheeling away to victory in good pace. He seemed to tire off as he went for the line, but he had done enough to fend off Bol who took silver in 1:47.66 while Ben Pattison of England earned bronze at third in 1:48.25.