Arop motivated to come back after finishing third in Diamond League final

Sudan-born Canadian, Marco Arop says he feels motivated to come back to the track next year after ending his season with a third-place finish in the 800m event at the Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium.

Arop (1:43.25) led going to the last 100m before he was first overtaken by Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati before Paris 2024 Olympic champion, Emmnauel Wanyonyi practically came from nowhere, after looking tired and out of reckoning, raced past the Canadian and Sedjati to win in 1:42.70

After the race, Arop revealed his mission was to win but acknowledged he was running against a very strong field, with four in the lineup who have broken 1:42 prior to the event in Brussels.

‘We came through in 49 seconds low. I think we went out a bit too hard in the first 200m, but it was a great race. I just wish I could do better. I really hoped to take the win here, but the guys are so strong this year and it was not my perfect race.

‘In my opinion there are different reasons for the current level in the 800m. The main one: everyone is working really hard. It is an Olympic year, that helps too to be in our best shape.

‘Also, the track and the spikes are helping us. I am also experimenting with bicarbonate this year. This was my last race of the season. I am really happy about that. It was a long year, but I am motivated to come back stronger next season,’ he said.