Kenya has added another chapter to its legendary history in world athletics, and this time there has also been a significant Italian contribution.

At the Diamond League meeting in Monte Carlo, Emmanuel Wanyonyi set a new world record in the 1000 metres, clocking a time of 2'11‘83 and breaking a record that seemed destined to stand forever. The previous record, 2'11’96, had in fact been held since 1999 by another Kenyan, Noah Ngeny.

For the 23-year-old Olympic and world champion in the 800 metres, this was actually his debut over this distance. It was an extraordinary performance, built on the usual irresistible pace that has established him in recent years as one of the greatest talents in international middle-distance running. Behind him, Britain’s Jake Wightman finished in 2'12"77, the fifth-fastest time of all time.

Behind this success lies the work of Claudio Berardelli, a coach from Brescia who has chosen to live in Eldoret for many years, in the heart of the Kenyan highlands that have produced generations of champions.

Berardelli is regarded as one of the most highly respected European coaches in the world of African athletics. Having moved to Kenya to follow the progress of the great long-distance runners at close quarters, over the years he has built up a coaching structure capable of guiding dozens of athletes to the international limelight. His ‘stable’ includes a vast number of African runners who have distinguished themselves at the Olympic Games, the World Championships and in the world’s most prestigious marathons.

Although he has become famous primarily for his work with marathon runners and long-distance runners, Berardelli has recently expanded his work to include middle-distance runners as well – a decision that has now been spectacularly vindicated by Wanyonyi’s achievement.

The world record set in Monte Carlo is, in fact, a symbol of a collaboration that continues to yield exceptional results: the natural talent born on the highlands of Kenya, combined with an increasingly refined and scientific training programme.

At the end of the race, Wanyonyi expressed his full satisfaction with the new record, whilst keeping his feet firmly on the ground. When asked about a possible attempt on the 800-metre world record, held by the legendary David Rudisha, the young Kenyan preferred not to commit himself: ‘For the moment, I just want to run faster and faster and improve my personal best. Actions speak louder than words’.

An attitude that perfectly encapsulates the philosophy of Kenyan athletics: few words, a great deal of hard work. It is the same principle that has guided Claudio Berardelli for years on the red tracks of Eldoret, where every training session can become the first step towards a new world record.