Canadian middle-distance star Marco Arop has revealed he’s eyeing a potential double at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Speaking on a recent episode of Spill the Ice Tee on Grand Slam Track, the reigning world 800m champion shared his mindset heading into what could be a historic Olympic cycle.
“I’m taking it one day at a time,” he said. “But I’m definitely open to the idea of doubling in both the 800 and 1500.”
It’s a prospect that reflects Arop’s growing interest in the longer event.
“I’m enjoying the 15 more and more,” he added. “Even though I’m not winning right now, I’m loving the challenge.”
Fast forward to 2025, and Arop is at the peak of his powers. He’s swept the men’s 800m at every stop of this year’s Grand Slam Track series. But the 26-year-old insists that for him, it’s never just about medals or fast times.
“It’s about building something meaningful,” Arop said. “Leaving a legacy and enjoying the process.”
That mindset has carried him far, from a kid with no Olympic dreams to one of the fastest 800m runners in history.
“I didn’t even know the Olympics was possible for me,” he said. “I was just taking things day by day. Honestly, I’d just tell myself to keep having fun.”
The 2028 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, will be held in Los Angeles from July 14 to 30. The Paralympics will follow in August.
Super Marco Arop
By the time the Games arrive, Arop is expected to be among Canada’s top medal contenders. His resume already includes a world title in the 800m from Budapest 2023, where he made history as the first Canadian to win global gold in the event. He also took bronze the year before in Eugene.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Arop delivered one of the performances of his career, running a personal best of 1:41.20 to take silver. That time ranks him fourth on the all-time 800m list, behind only Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Wilson Kipketer, and world record holder David Rudisha. It also stands as the Canadian and North, Central American and Caribbean record.
In addition, Arop holds the North American record in the 1000m at 2:13.13. He previously won gold at the 2019 Pan American Games and represented Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
