Wanyonyi punches Paris Olympics ticket with 1:41 world lead

• Wanyonyi's stunning performance is the fastest since David Rudisha's record-breaking 1:40.91 at the 2012 London Olympics.

• Hot on his heels were Wycliffe Kinyamal, clocking 1:42.50, and Koitatoi Kidali, finishing third with 1:42.66.

World 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi blazed to a world-leading time of 1:41.70 at the Kenyan Olympic trials at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

Hot on his heels were Wycliffe Kinyamal (1:42.50) and Koitatoi Kidali (1:42.66).

Wanyonyi's stunning performance is the fastest time since David Rudisha's record-breaking 1:40.91 at the 2012 London Olympics.

Triumphant after overcoming a stumble in Friday's semifinal, Wanyonyi said: "Today's performance was a redemption after being tripped yesterday. My leg is still a bit swollen."

After falling on Friday, Wanyonyi's management appealed and he was cleared hot for the final.

Laban Chepkwony won the semifinal in 1:46.21.

"Everything happens for a reason. If I had been tripped today, I might have missed the Olympics," Wanyonyi reflected.

And as he prepares for his first Olympics, the pressure is real. "The Olympics will test how my body responds. There's a lot riding on this debut, he said.

Wanyonyi had already met the Olympic standard time of 1:44.70 at last year's Prefontaine Classic, where he clocked 1:42.80.

Kinyamal, buoyed by his second-place finish, is eager for the global stage.

"I'm thrilled to make the Olympics team. We're going to Paris to fight for our countr," Kinyamal said.

He aims for a podium finish.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).