Arop took silver just one-hundredth of a second behind in a North American record.
Pre-race favourite Djamel Sedjati of Algeria claimed bronze with 1:41.50, while Bryce Hoppel was fourth in 1:41.67, a US record.
After winning his medal, Sedjati faced questions about a raid by French anti-doping officers at the Paris Olympic Village on Thursday in an investigation that sources close to the probe said focused on his coach Amar Benida.
“Nothing (important) happened. These are things that athletes can face,” Sedjati told reporters after his bronze.
Wanyonyi, 20, said the race had been “very tough”.
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