French middle-distance runner Gabriel Tual is taking a calm and measured approach as he prepares to race in front of a home crowd in the men’s 800 metres at the Paris Diamond League this Friday, June 20.
Tual, 27, was a finalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and owns a personal best of 1:41.61. He has French national record he set last year in Paris. Despite the high expectations that come with competing on home soil, the confident yet grounded Tual says he’s not burdened by pressure.
“I’m not really focusing on, you know, being the fastest European in France or even in Paris,” he said. “I’m just trying to run fast and compete with those guys at that level. I will try to beat them and see where I’m at because it’s really early in the season.”
Tual opened his 2025 Diamond league campaign at the Bislett Games in Oslo earlier this month. He finished fourth in 1:43.09, a strong start that confirmed his early-season fitness. In Stockholm , he showed some improvements clocking 1:42.72.
800m Line Up
Now back in Paris, he’s looking to fine-tune his form in what will be one of the deepest 800m fields. The lineup includes Tshepiso Masalela, the world leader in 2025 with 1:43.11, Bryce Hoppel of the U.S., who placed second behind Masalela in Doha.
Also, in the mix there is Wyclife Kinyamal of Kenya, and Josh Hoey, who recently impressed with a sub-1:43 finish in Stockholm. Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui and Sweden’s Andreas Kramer are also confirmed, adding European depth to the contest.
However, for Tual, it’s not about making headlines. It’s about maintaining control, gaining feedback, and staying mentally balanced through the early part of the season.
“So I’m just chilling and trying to get some nice feelings and see where I’m at,” he added with a smile.
