Botswana’s s Tshepiso MASALELA stamped his authority on the global stage with a jaw-dropping performance in the men’s 800m at the 2025 Rabat Wanda Diamond League , storming to victory in a world-leading and meeting record time of 1:42.69.
The 21-year-old showcased maturity and confidence beyond his years as he clocked a searing opening lap of 49.99 before pulling away in the final 200m to secure back-to-back Diamond League wins. Masalela had already triumphed in Doha earlier this month.
Masalela’s performance was not just fast—it was a statement. The young star obliterated his previous personal best by nearly half a second, reinforcing his emergence as the new dominant force in the two-lap event. His front-running style and fearless kick down the stretch left the field chasing shadows, as he powered through the finish line to the roar of a stunned Moroccan crowd.
Behind him, Great Britain’s Max Burgin delivered a superb career-best performance to claim second in 1:43.34, underlining his credentials as one of Europe’s brightest middle-distance prospects.
Kenya’s Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who was making his Diamond League debut for the 2025 season, fought hard to the line but had to settle for third in 1:43.37 in a race that saw four athletes dip under 1:44.
The USA’s Brandon Miller also impressed with a personal best of 1:43.52 for fourth, followed by Namibia’s Kethobogile Haingura (1:43.82). Kenya’s Wyclife Kinyamal and Morocco’s Abderrahman el Assal were sixth and seventh respectively. The depth of the field was evident, with eleven athletes running under 1:46 on the night.
Masalela’s commanding run not only rewrote the meeting history books but also sent a clear message to the world. The 800m crown has a new contender—and he’s just getting started.
