Olympic silver medallist Marco Arop, one of the fastest men in the world over 800m, is taking on a new challenge in 2025. Arop has signed with Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track (GST) for its inaugural season, joining an elite lineup in the men’s short distance (800m/1,500m) division.
The 26-year-old shared his signing with Canadian Running, saying he’s ready for the new opportunities that GST brings to the table. “People want to see the best athletes competing, and what better way to test yourself than going against the best in the world?” says Arop.
He will face off against 1,500m world champion Josh Kerr, Olympic champion Cole Hocker and American miler Yared Nuguse four times.
Arop is confident in his 800m, but sees the 1,500m event as a place where he can improve. “I’m strong in the 800m, but I know I’m not as strong yet in the 1,500m,” says Arop. “I want to make it a strength, and I’m excited to race against some of the top milers in the world.”
What is Grand Slam Track?
Grand Slam Track (GST) is modelled after professional golf and tennis, and will offer a series of four major events each year. The league features 96 of the world’s top track athletes, split into two groups: 48 racers and 48 challengers. With six event categories at each Slam, athletes compete in two races per event, ensuring a dynamic range of competition.
Unlike other high-profile track leagues, GST will not have pacemakers or pace lights, to create a more organic racing environment. Athletes will compete without bibs, to enhance their recognition and branding. The events will be held in Los Angeles (home of the 2028 Olympics), another U.S. city, and two other international locations yet to be announced.
In what might be shaping up as the most competitive group at Grand Slam Track there’s only one Racer spot left…
What’s your take?
Swipe and hear @cole_hocker‘s! pic.twitter.com/4qW1Ny9uUL— Grand Slam Track (@GrandSlamTrack) October 18, 2024
GST aims to elevate athletes’ profiles and boost sponsorships, with more frequent high-stakes matchups than the Olympics. Athletes who win all four events in their category could earn up to USD $400,000.
Arop says he and his team have been impressed with GST’s emphasis on marketing, offering a fresh take on a sport that often struggles for attention outside the major championships. “We want to make GST popular in North America,” says Arop. “I see a lot of potential leading up to the L.A. Olympics.”
2025 season and beyond
The upcoming season brings new challenges for the Edmonton middle-distance star as he aims to defend his world championship 800m title in Japan in September 2025. Arop says he’s been focused on retaining his gold medal from the moment he won in Budapest. “Coming so close to being an Olympic champion in Paris keeps me hungry,” he says.
His North American record of 1:41.20 places him as the fourth-fastest 800m runner in history, trailing only Paris 2024 champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, three-time world champion Wilson Kipketer, and world record holder David Rudisha.
Arop is not daunted by Rudisha’s record of 1:40.91, and says he believes he’s closer than ever to breaking it. “I want to become the first athlete to run an 800m under 100 seconds,” he says. “The margins are there—‘Project 99,’ my team calls it.” He knows pushing the limits of track and field won’t be easy, but he’s ready to elevate the men’s 800m event to new heights.
“It would be legendary,” he says.
