Kipyegon bids for fourth 1,500m world c’ships gold, Wanyonyi in loaded 800m

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Kenyas Faith Kipyegon crosses the line to win heat 1 of the 1,500m at the World Athletics Championships.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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

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

This has the potential to be the race of the championships. Even the 13-year-old world record of 1min 40.91sec set by Kenyan David Rudisha in one of the most iconic moments in the sport in 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 in the worlds two years ago, 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 of a legend is one thing but out on the track dangers lurk all around him.

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

Canada’s Sudan-born defending champion Marco Arop took silver in the Olympic final and although he has only beaten the Kenyan once