Marco Arop looked primed to recapture glory on the very track where he claimed the 2023 world title, leading the men’s 800m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26 with 200 metres remaining. But the Canadian was caught out by Djamel Sedjati, who emerged from the shadows entering the home straight and streaked to victory in one of the best 800m runs ever.
Arop ultimately couldn’t repeat his past triumph, highlighting that the Canadian still has work to do on his finishing kick.
Sedjati executed his tactical masterclass to perfection in the Hungarian capital. After staying patient while Arop pushed a rapid pace through the first lap in 49.67, flanked closely by world and Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the Algerian bided his time. As Arop’s momentum began to stall on the final straight, Sedjati pounced with 25 metres to go, surging past the leader to cross in 1:41.91.
The victory marks a career-defining breakthrough for the 27-year-old, securing his first global title after collecting world silvers in 2022 and 2025, alongside an Olympic bronze in 2024.
The race lived up to its heavyweight billing with blistering depth, as the top seven finishers all dipped under 1:43. Arop salvaged second in 1:42.28, while Wanyonyi claimed third in 1:42.44. USA’s Brandon Miller followed closely in fourth with 1:42.54, and Italy’s Francesco Pernici delivered a national record of 1:42.67 to take fifth.
“That was very tactical but also very fast, and I am really happy to have won this race today,” Sedjati reflected. “This is the first title for me so I’m incredibly happy and grateful to everyone who supported me.”