The men’s 800m at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 promises fireworks as a new generation of middle-distance stars continues to push the limits of the two-lap event. With a mix of Olympic medalists, world champions, and rising talents, the stage is set for one of the most competitive showdowns in recent memory.
Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the Olympic champion, has emerged as the man to beat. At just 21, he owns the three fastest times in the world this year, including a stunning world-leading 1:41.44 in Monaco. Fresh from retaining his Diamond League title in Zurich, Wanyonyi will be brimming with confidence as he steps onto the track in Tokyo’s National Stadium on 15 September.
Arop and Sedjati Eye Redemption
Marco Arop, the Canadian powerhouse who denied Wanyonyi gold in Budapest two years ago, remains a major threat despite an inconsistent season. He has beaten Wanyonyi only once this year, at the Kingston Grand Slam in May, but with a season’s best of 1:42.22, Arop is more than capable of springing a surprise.
Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati, the Olympic bronze medalist, has raced sparingly in 2025 but clocked 1:42.20 in Monaco to sit third on the entry list. Known for his tactical sharpness, Sedjati’s presence will only intensify the rivalry.
The USA brings both experience and youthful exuberance. Donavan Brazier, the 2019 world champion, is back in form after injury setbacks, storming to victory at the US Championships in 1:42.16, his fastest-ever time. Alongside him is 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus, who stunned the athletics world with a world U18 best of 1:42.27 at the US Trials. Though inexperienced, Lutkenhaus could prove an unpredictable factor in Tokyo.
European and African Contenders
Great Britain’s Max Burgin nearly toppled Wanyonyi at the Diamond League Final and continues to rise, lowering his PB to 1:42.36 in London. Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela enjoyed a strong start to the season with Diamond League wins in Doha and Rabat, clocking 1:42.70 in the latter.
Other challengers include Spanish record-holder Mohamed Attaoui, US indoor champion Bryce Hoppel, Oceanian record-holder Peter Bol of Australia, and NACAC champion Handal Roban of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
A Record in Sight?
While David Rudisha’s legendary world record of 1:40.91 from the 2012 Olympics still stands, the depth of the field in Tokyo suggests the event could inch closer to that mark. With 11 men already dipping under 1:43 this season, the men’s 800m is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated races of the championships.
When the heats begin, all eyes will be on whether Wanyonyi can extend his dominance, or whether Arop, Sedjati, Brazier, or one of the new challengers can upset the reigning Olympic champion in Tokyo.
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