Canada’s Marco Arop races in Zürich Thursday, aiming for his first Diamond League Trophy before defending his 800m world title in Tokyo.
Canadian Star Chasing Breakthrough Victory
Marco Arop, Canada’s 800-metre record holder and reigning world champion, will compete Thursday at the Diamond League Final in Zürich. The 26-year-old from Edmonton is aiming to capture his first Diamond League Trophy after four previous podium finishes.
Event Details and Race Timing
The men’s 800-metre final is set for Thursday at 3:20 p.m. ET at Zürich’s Letzigrund Stadium. Only the top seven athletes qualified automatically, but Arop advanced after organizers declined to use their national wild card option for a Swiss runner.
Why This Race Matters
For Arop, victory in Zürich would mark a career milestone ahead of his world title defence at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (Sept. 13–21). His biggest rival remains Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the reigning Olympic champion and current world No. 1.
Season Challenges and Standings
Arop entered the Diamond League Final ranked eighth after finishing fifth at last week’s meet in Lausanne. His season-best time of 1:42.22 from London places him among the fastest in the field. Still, he faces stiff competition from Wanyonyi, American Josh Hoey, and Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati.
Recent Performances and Preparation
Despite a late start to the professional circuit this year, Arop claimed his fifth Canadian national title and produced strong runs in Europe. His coach, Chris Woods, says the focus remains on tactical preparation: “Our plan is to continue training and peak at the right time.”
Looking at Canada’s Medal Hopes
Shot putter Sarah Mitton, defending Diamond League champion, will also represent Canada in Zürich. Past Canadian winners include Dylan Armstrong, Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, and Andre De Grasse. Arop now looks to join that elite list with a long-awaited trophy.
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