EVERGREEN KIPYEGON EYES 4TH 1,500M GOLD

TOKYO - Olympic champions Faith Kipyegon (1,500m) and Hamish Kerr (high jump) headline Day 4 of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sept 16, when four finals — two track and two field - will be held.

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AFP Sport takes a look at three of the most eye-catching events:

MEN'S 800M HEATS

This has the potential to be the race of the championships. Even the 13-year-old world record of Imin 40.91sec set by Kenyan David Rudisha in one of the most iconic moments in the sport at the 2012 Olympic final in London could be under threat.

The favourite in Tokyo is Rudisha’s compatriot Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the Olympic champion.

Just 21, he has been the form runner this season, although he came close to losing in the Diamond League Finals in late August.

The former cattle herder, who is keen to set things right after taking silver at the world championships in 2023, has impressed Rudisha at the very least.

“Rudisha is my friend,” said Wanyonyi in August.

“I remember the last time I saw him he told me, ‘Now is your time to shine.’”

Having the stamp of approval from a legend is one thing, but out on the track danger lurks all around him.

Both the minor medallists from the Paris Games will have him firmly in their sights.