Marco Arop looked set to reclaim glory on the same track where he won the 2023 world title. But Djamel Sedjati had other plans.
The Algerian produced one of the finest 800m performances ever at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26, surging past Arop in the closing stages to win the men’s 800m final in 1:41.91.
Arop led with 200 metres remaining but could not reproduce his previous triumph in Budapest. The result again highlighted the Canadian’s need to sharpen his finishing kick.
Sedjati Times His Attack Perfectly
Sedjati executed his tactical plan to perfection.
Arop pushed a rapid opening lap of 49.67, with world and Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi close behind. Sedjati remained patient and stayed within striking distance.
As Arop’s momentum began to fade on the final straight, Sedjati made his move.
With just 25 metres remaining, the Algerian surged past the leader and powered to victory in 1:41.91.
Arop held on for second in 1:42.28, while Wanyonyi finished third in 1:42.44.
Seven Athletes Break 1:43
The depth of the race was extraordinary.
All of the top seven finishers dipped under 1:43.
USA’s Brandon Miller finished fourth in 1:42.54. Italy’s Francesco Pernici followed in fifth with a national record of 1:42.67.
The victory marked a career-defining breakthrough for the 27-year-old Sedjati.
He secured his first global title after previously winning world silver medals in 2022 and 2025, along with an Olympic bronze in 2024.
Sedjati Celebrates First Global Title
Sedjati was delighted after finally converting his major championship experience into gold.
“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.”