Emmanuel Korir stuns big names to seal London ticket
Emmanuel Korir (left) dashes to the finish line ahead of Kipyegon Bett (073) during the 800m final during the Kenyan trials for World Championships on June 24, 2017 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Nyairera returned 1:59.68 to qualify alongside 2013 World 800m champion Eunice Sum and Emily Cherotich, who clocked 2:00.3 and 2:00.18.
- The trio gets the node for the World Championships.
United States-based Emmanuel Korir caused a major upset, beating established athletes to win the men's 800m and qualify for his maiden World Championships due August 4-13 in London.
As expected, Olympic 800m bronze medallist Margaret Nyairera also eased through to the World Championships, winning her event with ease.
Korir clocked 1:43.86, beating World Under-20 800m champion Kipyegon Bett and Michael Saruni in 1:44.04 and 1:44.61.
The 2016 Diamond League Series winner Ferguson Rotich finished fourth in 1:44.86.
However, it's Korir, Bett, Rotich and World and Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha who get to represent Kenya at the World Championships.
"I am so delighted to make my debut for Kenya after I missed the Africa Championships and Rio Olympics last year," said Korir, who is based in Texas, USA.
Nyairera returned 1:59.68 to qualify alongside 2013 World 800m champion Eunice Sum and Emily Cherotich, who clocked 2:00.3 and 2:00.18. The trio gets the node for the World Championships.
