Canada’s Marco Arop clinched a place in the Diamond League Final after a gritty 800m run in rainy Lausanne, setting the stage for Zurich and Tokyo.
Marco Arop Books Diamond League Final Berth in Zurich
Canadian runner keeps season goal alive
Marco Arop, Edmonton’s 26-year-old middle-distance star, locked in his place at the Diamond League Final in Zurich on August 28 after finishing fifth in the 800m at Lausanne’s Athletissima meet on August 20, 2025. Despite fading in the last 100 metres, Arop’s four points lifted him into the eighth and final qualifying spot.
Race drama in heavy rain
The 800m showdown unfolded at Stade Olympique de la Pontaise under steady rainfall. Arop surged past Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Britain’s Max Burgin with 200 metres left but was overtaken late, clocking 1:43.91. American Josh Hoey stormed to his first Diamond League victory in 1:42.82, followed by Wanyonyi and Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui.
Strategic race despite setback
Arop, the reigning world champion, later revealed that the performance was part of his broader plan. “I wanted to get off the start line hard, let the leaders take the rain, and then make my move with 100 to go,” he said. The Canadian emphasized the race felt like “being a kid again, playing in the rain.”
Season highlights leading up to Zurich
Earlier this summer, Arop posted a season-best 1:42.22 in London before capturing his fourth consecutive Canadian title. His consistent form demonstrates readiness ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (Sept. 13–21).
Rivals to watch in Zurich
Zurich’s final will feature a stacked field including Wanyonyi, Hoey, Attaoui, Burgin, Tshepiso Masalela, Bryce Hoppel, and Djamel Sedjati. For Arop, the event is both a chance to defend his reputation and a key stepping stone before Tokyo.
Canadian presence beyond Arop
Alongside Arop, Canadian shot put champion Sarah Mitton has also qualified for the Final. She will compete against U.S. star Chase Jackson and Dutch standout Jessica Schilder in Brussels later this week before heading to Zurich.
Eyes on Zurich, focus on Tokyo
For Arop, simply reaching his fifth career Diamond League Final keeps his championship goals intact. With Zurich serving as a test, the Canadian will look to sharpen his form before facing the world’s best in Tokyo next month.
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