After two intense days of competition at the Philadelphia Grand Slam Track meet, Canadian middle-distance star Marco Arop walked away with the $100,000 prize for winning the men’s short distance title — but you’d hardly know it from his calm, grounded reaction.
“I’m going to keep living my life the way I was before,” Arop said with a smile, just moments after the final race. “Hopefully, if I keep doing that, I’ll be able to get the next 100k as well.”
That relaxed outlook came after a weekend where Arop not only won the 800 meters in 1:43.38. He also posted a personal best of 3:35.38 in the 1500 meters . That was enough to edge out Great Britain’s Josh Kerr by a single point in the overall standings.
“It feels even better knowing Josh Kerr finished second,” Arop added, clearly relishing the friendly rivalry.
Arop was content with his execution, noting improved confidence and patience in his race strategy.
“I wanted to stay on the inside the whole way and then wait for a move to be made in that last lap. I thought I did just that.”
Marco Arop on 1500m
Known for his explosive finishes in the 800m, Arop admitted the 1500m is still a work in progress — but it’s helping his fitness overall.
“Every year we try to increase the volume and improve my aerobic capacity. The 1500s have just been good race efforts. It’s helping my 800 be stronger.”
He credited his coach Chris Woods for crafting a plan that’s been key to balancing both events. He hinted that future races might include even bolder tactics.
“You just can’t let them know what your next move is going to be. Maybe I’ll take the lead in the first 100 of the 1500 and make them figure it out from there,” he joked.
With one more Grand Slam meet to go in Los Angeles, Marco Arop says he’s staying grounded. That is both in mindset and lifestyle.
No lavish plans for the prize money. No dramatic proclamations. Just a cool, confident champion, building toward something bigger — one strong lap at a time.
