Almost missed year. as the men’s 800m gave us some exciting races in Brussels with a great finish
The men’s 800m quietly produced one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory as five athletes ran under 1:42, nearly closing in on David Rudisha’s world record of 1:40.91. While sprint legends battled it out in the 100m and middle-distance stars dazzled in the 1500m, the 800m flew under the radar, producing stunning performances that almost rewrote history. For athletics fans this year, the 800m’s near miss and fast finish were just as compelling as the more widely covered events, setting the stage for a potentially historic 2025.
Canadian sensation Marco Arop has emerged as one of the central figures in Rudisha’s hunt for the elusive world record. Having run 1:41 in his last three races leading up to the Diamond League Finals in Brussels, Arop was poised to make a serious run at the record. His aggressive racing style, combined with his tactical acumen, saw him take on the world’s best with confidence. Arop clocked 49.28 in the 400m in Brussels, mirroring Rudisha’s split from his world record run at the 2012 Olympics. However, Arop’s blistering early pace took its toll in the second lap and he dropped to third at the finish, with the final 200 slowing considerably as he crossed the line.
However, it wasn’t Arop who stole the show. Olympic champion Emmanuel Vagnoni produced a masterclass in tactics to win his second straight Diamond League title in 1:42.70. Known for his incredible finishing, Vanyoni patiently trailed in the early stages of the race, biding his time, before unleashing a devastating 13.2s over the final 100 meters to take the win away from Jamel Sejati.
Although Vanyoni scored another important victory, it is clear that Rudisha’s world record, which has stood for more than a decade, remains within reach. The 2024 season saw a perfect storm of competition that resulted in some of the fastest times ever recorded at the event. With few athletes consistently breaking 1:42, the men’s 800m has never seen such depth at the highest level. Arop and Vanyoni, along with the likes of Sejati and others, have redefined what’s possible in the event, hoping that Rudisha’s record could fall soon, if not this year, then perhaps in 2025.
Interestingly, despite these breathtaking performances, the 800m race received less media attention than the 100m or 1500m. The ongoing rivalry between sprint stars Noah Lyles and Keeshan Thompson, Julien Alfred and Sha Curry Richardson, along with the incredible dominance of Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Josh Carey and Cole Hawker in the middle distances dominated the headlines. However, this overshadowing of the 800m could work to the athletes’ advantage, allowing them to train and compete under less external pressure, which could ultimately help one of them break the record next year.
What also sets the 800 meters apart this year is the variety of tactics employed by the top runners. While Arop tends to push the race aggressively, Vagnoni often waits until the last 200m to make his move. This clash of racing styles has led to unpredictable and exciting finishes, with races often being decided in the last few laps. With top talent, it became clear that simply being fast is not enough to win at this level; athletes need to outperform their competition when it matters most.
The 800 meters has long been one of the sport’s toughest events, combining the speed of a sprinter with the endurance of a middle distance runner. As this season has shown, athletes push the boundaries of what is possible. The fact that five men have broken 1:42 in one year is nothing short of extraordinary, and it speaks to the quality of competition in the event. As these athletes continue to refine their training and racing strategies, the odds of running under 1:41 are getting closer and closer.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season could be even more interesting. If these athletes can stay healthy and avoid fatigue after such a long and grueling year, there is every reason to believe that the world record may finally fall. With many of the top competitors running within tenths of a second of each other, the pressure to perform in each race is immense, but it’s also what pushes athletes to new heights.
In the Olympic cycle, these athletes know that every race counts and the pressure will only increase. Be it Arop, Wanyon or a dark horse like Sedjati, the world of athletics could witness history in the men’s 800m. If 2024 was a near miss, 2025 could deliver something special as they chase Rudisha’s legendary world record.
