Marco Arop on How 1500m Practice & Training Will Help Him Take Down Emmanuel Wanyonyi in Tokyo

Marco Arop has explained how taking part in the 1500 meters at the Grand Slam Track is helping him in his quest to retain his status as the king of the 800 meters from Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

Reigning world 800-meter champion Marco Arop believes his growing comfort in the 1500m will be a game-changer as he gears up to defend his crown at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this September.

Fresh off clinching his first short-distance Grand Slam Track title in Philadelphia over the weekend, Arop’s confidence is sky-high.

The Canadian standout sealed his overall win in the short-distance category despite finishing fourth in Sunday’s men’s 1500m, clocking a personal best of 3:35.38.

 That effort earned him five crucial points, taking his total to 17—just one more than Britain’s Josh Kerr, who won the race in 3:34.44 but could only manage fifth in the 800m.

Arop, the Olympic silver medallist from Paris, remains unbeaten in the 800m on the Grand Slam Track circuit so far this season. 

However, it’s his noticeable improvement in the 1500m that could make him even harder to beat, particularly with Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi looming as a major threat in Tokyo.

Arop: It Felt Good

“It felt good. It’s been a long time coming,” Arop said after the race. “I wouldn’t say I’ve completely figured it out yet, but the 1500m is definitely getting closer to where I want it to be.”

The 25-year-old highlighted how better execution and composure played a big role in Sunday’s performance. “I was really pleased with how I executed the race. I felt more composed and confident going in. 

“My plan was to stay tucked in on the inside throughout and wait to make a move on the final lap—and I think I nailed that.”

For Arop, the shift toward longer races isn’t about switching events but rather sharpening his tools to dominate the 800m. 

“Each year, we try to increase my volume and improve my aerobic capacity. Running the 1500m has provided solid race efforts that are making my 800m stronger, especially from a general strength standpoint.”

And he’s enjoying every bit of it. “It’s awesome. I love competition—I love seeing the best go head-to-head. Personally, it pushes me to become a better athlete, both in my main event and in the 1500m, which I hope to truly contend in one day.”

Arop now heads into Tokyo with the confidence of a man who’s not only defending a title, but also expanding his tactical toolbox. 

With Wanyonyi closing in fast on the global stage, Arop knows he will need the endurance to match.

And if his 1500m progress is any indicator, he might just be ready.