In a dominant display, Canadian runner Marco Arop set new Canadian and North American records for the 1000 meters at the Boris Hanžeković Memorial meet in Zagreb, Croatia. The performance, which saw Arop clock a time of 2:13.13, not only established him as a record-holder in the 1000 meters but also underscored his remarkable post-Olympic form after a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Arop, a national record holder in multiple events, was aiming to break the world record of 2:11.92 set by Kenyan legend Noah Ngeny in 1999. Despite a valiant effort, Arop fell short of the world record, but his time was still the fifth-fastest ever recorded in the 1000 meters. His performance broke the previous North American record of 2:13.90, set by American Rick Wohlhuter fifty years ago, and also marked a significant improvement on his own personal best of 2:14.35.

The meet in Zagreb was a crucial opportunity for Arop to demonstrate his speed and endurance after a standout performance at the Paris Olympics, where he secured a silver medal in the 800 meters. The 25-year-old has shown consistent growth in his athletic career, and his latest achievement is a testament to his dedication and talent.

Despite his impressive performance, Arop faced challenges during the race. His tall frame, which can be an advantage in many aspects, proved somewhat of a hindrance during the “waterfall” start of the race, causing him to lag behind the pace in the opening 400 meters. The early setback meant that he wasn’t able to fully synchronize with the pace lights, which are designed to help runners maintain the necessary speed to break records. Nonetheless, Arop’s determination and finishing power allowed him to achieve a time that will be etched in the record books.

The Edmonton native’s race in Zagreb was his second serious attempt to set a world record in the 1000 meters this year. Earlier, he had come close but narrowly missed out during an indoor meet at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. His continued efforts to break the world record highlight his dedication to pushing the boundaries of middle-distance running.

With this record broken, Arop now holds the North American records for both the 800 meters and 1000 meters. An elite-level athlete for years now, Arop’s recent achievements have cemented his position as one of the top middle-distance runners in the world, and – alongside the country’s many rising stars – brought a renewed focus to Canadian athletics on the global stage.