Canada’s Marco Arop returns to Ottawa aiming for an 800m win at the national track championships before defending his world title in Tokyo this September.
Arop Returns to Nationals in Peak Form
Olympic silver medallist Marco Arop is set to compete at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in Ottawa, running from July 30 to August 3. The 26-year-old Edmonton native, widely regarded as Canada’s top middle-distance runner, is chasing another national 800-metre title as he prepares to defend his world championship crown in Tokyo this September.
Ottawa Hosts Crucial Championship Week
This week’s competition, held at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, is a key event for Athletics Canada as it finalizes its roster for the 2025 World Championships in Japan. The meet will showcase Canada’s elite athletes, including sprinter Andre De Grasse, shot putter Sarah Mitton, and hammer throwers Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg. Arop’s 800m final is scheduled for Saturday, a highlight among several marquee events.
Motivation Fueled by Momentum
Arop enters the meet after a strong season, having won all three of his early 800m Grand Prix races and recently clocking a season-best time of 1:42.22 at the Diamond League meet in London. Although he placed second there, the high-caliber competition provided valuable experience ahead of Tokyo. “I’m confident that I’m in the best shape of my life,” Arop said in a pre-race interview.
Training Changes Deliver Results
Arop attributes his sharp form to a revised training approach. The athlete introduced altitude training and increased his endurance work during the off-season. These changes, he says, have helped him stay consistent across varying race conditions. His personal best of 1:41.20, set in Paris last year, remains the Canadian record and the fourth-fastest time in history.
From Setbacks to Confidence
Despite minor injuries and setbacks in the buildup to the Tokyo Olympics, Arop says the experience taught him to perform under pressure. “Whether I’m healthy or not, I know how to bring the best out of myself,” he noted. With his birthday coinciding with the world final in Tokyo, the defending champion hopes to celebrate with another gold.
Stacked Field Adds to Stakes
The national championships are not only a testing ground for Arop but also a major draw for Canadian athletics fans. Friday will feature the men’s 100m final and women’s shot put, while Sunday will see the men’s 200m wrap up the meet. With international competition looming, Ottawa becomes the stage for Canada’s best to prove they’re ready for the world.
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