Wanyonyi, Arop, Sedjati and Tual set for a spectacular 800m showdown
The men's 800 meters, added to the programme of Weltklasse Zürich on 27 August 2026, promises a race of the very highest caliber. Fresh from his world record over 1000 meters, Olympic champion and reigning world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi will line up alongside his predecessor Marco Arop, Algerian star Djamel Sedjati and European champion Gabriel Tual of France. Together, they are the four fastest active 800-metre runners in history. The extraordinary quality of the field made the men's 800 meters a natural addition to this year's programme.
The field is led by Olympic and world champion Wanyonyi. Just a few days ago, the Kenyan firmly established himself at the top of the athletics world when he broke the 1000-metre world record at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco, clocking 2:11.83. Attention now turns back to his signature event. In Zürich, the last two world champions over 800 metres will go head-to-head. While Emmanuel Wanyonyi currently holds the title, Marco Arop wore the global crown before him and was defeated only by the Kenyan at the Olympic Games. Their recent clashes have consistently produced thrilling races.
Also lining up is Djamel Sedjati. The Algerian has been a fixture among the world's elite for several years and is one of the most consistent medal winners in the event. He claimed world silver medals in both 2022 and 2025, finishing runner-up to Wanyonyi at the 2025 World Championships. In Paris, he also secured Olympic bronze. After several months away from competition, Sedjati likewise made a strong statement over 1000 meters in Monaco.
The outstanding field is completed by Gabriel Tual. The Frenchman established himself among the sport's leading middle-distance names through historically fast performances and his European title in 2024. As a result, Weltklasse Zürich brings together the four fastest active 800-metre runners in history in a single race.
Spectators in the sold-out Letzigrund Stadium can look forward to one of the highlights of the evening. Wanyonyi, Arop, Sedjati and Tual form a quartet that has defined international middle-distance running in recent years.
All the ingredients are in place for an exceptionally fast race. Once the pacemakers step aside after 600 meters, the biggest stars will settle the contest among themselves. Everything points to the men's 800 meters becoming one of the most memorable races of this year's meeting.
With today's announcement, the leading names of the field have been confirmed. Additional athletes will be announced in the coming weeks.
All confirmed athletes for Weltklasse Zürich at Letzigrund Stadium