Canadian runner Marco Arop looks to defend his 800m world title in Tokyo, relying on patience, race tactics, and confidence built from experience.
Rising Expectations Ahead of Tokyo
Canadian middle-distance star Marco Arop is preparing to defend his 800-metre crown at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The Edmonton native will line up at Japan National Stadium on Sept. 20, carrying the weight of national hopes and his coach’s firm belief that he can once again be world champion.
Athlete’s Belief Versus Coach’s Vision
Chris Woods, Arop’s longtime coach at Mississippi State University, describes him as one of the best 800m runners of his era. Woods insists Arop has the raw ability to repeat as champion — if the 26-year-old fully believes in his own talent. “If he saw his ability the way I do, he would 100 per cent be the world champion,” Woods said in a call ahead of the championships.
Lessons From Recent Races
Arop has endured a mixed 2025 season, highlighted by a close third-place finish at the Diamond League Final in Zürich, where Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi edged him by less than a metre. That race reinforced the importance of timing his finishing kick — a lesson Arop has taken into training as he fine-tunes his tactical approach.
The Health and Fitness Factor
After battling a minor Achilles issue earlier in the summer, Arop now says he is fully healthy and in peak form. Training stints at altitude in Switzerland and added speed work have left him fitter than ever. “Physically, my body wasn’t holding me back [in Zürich]. It was all about tactics,” Arop explained. His improved conditioning could prove decisive against the world’s top runners.
The Rivalry to Watch
The duel between Arop and Wanyonyi is expected to headline the men’s 800m. The Kenyan holds a 12–5 career advantage, but Arop has claimed key victories, including the 2023 world title and a win earlier this season in Kingston, Jamaica. Both athletes push each other to new heights, with Arop crediting the rivalry for elevating his performance.
Balancing Confidence and Execution
Despite a résumé that includes five Canadian titles and an Olympic silver medal, Arop admits his confidence sometimes fluctuates. He enters Tokyo mindful of staying composed — neither overconfident nor hesitant. “I think it’s going to be a great challenge,” he said. “I’m not shy about competition, so I’m looking forward to it.”
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