World 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi and two time Commonwealth Games 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal stormed into the 800m semifinals at the Paris Olympic Games.
The experience Kinyamal finished third in heat Five in 1:45.86 while Wanyonyi won Heat Three in 1:44.64.
“This medal has been ours for the longest time,” said Kinyamal.
After controlling a better part of the race, Kinyamal, the Commonwealth champion, added: “It was a great race and I thank God that I am in the semis.
“Competition is high but I loved running in front thus controlling the pace and testing my reaction,” said Wanyonyi.
“We are under a little pressure but whatever comes our way, we will tackle it head on. But, first… go past the semis.”
However, it was a bad outing for compatriot Kidali Koitatoi who failed to make it.
“I am happy with my performance. I expected better but I have a problem with my leg from last week. I don’t know what it really is,” he said.
He was fifth in fifth in Heat Two after timing 1:45.84.