Spanish victory in the World Indoor 800m
As the fastest man of this indoor season Mariano García was always a contender for the title. And he certainly did not disappoint, continuing a Spanish tradition of good results during Indoor Championships.
The race started out fast, with Arop and Kramer making sure of a quick first half of the race, as can be seen from the 50.34 400m split. Behind them Kibet, Garcí and Hoppel made sure they stayed quite close. But into the final lap first Kramer, then Arop couldn't sustain their pace. García took over and secured the gold. Kibet came very close but was just unable to find one more gear. Behind them Hoppel hung on for the bronze, just ahead of the very fast finishing De Arriba, the 2019 European Indoor Champion.
Result: 1 Mariano García ESP 1:46.20 2 Noah Kibet KEN 1:46.35 3 Bryce Hoppel USA 1:46.51 4 Álvaro de Arriba ESP 1:46.58 5 Andreas Kramer SWE 1:46.76 6 Eliott Crestan BEL 1:46.78 7 Isaiah Harris USA 1:47.00 8 Marco Arop CAN 1:47.58