The penultimate event in the Athletics program tonight is the final of the Men’s 800-meters. With only four of the men who made the World Championships final last year, and with defending champion David Rudisha being the only medalist to make it through, this could be a pretty open final; everyone is capable of getting a medal.

This final takes place at around 21:25 eastern time.

The finalists

Arguably the favorite heading into the race is Rudisha, who has broken the World Record in this event three times, though not since 2012. The Kenyan won his semifinal will be in lane three for the first 200-meters.

Alongside Rudisha, fellow Kenyans Alfred Kipketer and Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich will be in action. Kipketer, who won the second semifinal, will be Lane Five whilst Rotich, who made it through as a fastest loser, is out in Lane Eight. Also making it through as a fastest loser is Marcin Lewandowski, who will be in Lane Two for the opening stages.

The fastest two men heading into the final are Pierre-Ambroise Bosse and Taoufik Makhloufi, who finished first and second respectively in the first semifinal. Bosse will start in Lane Four whilst Makhloufi, who took gold in the 1500-meters in London four years ago, starts in Lane Six.

(L-R) Taoufik Makhloufi and Pierre-Ambroise Bosse in action as they qualified for the final (Getty/Buda Mendes)
(L-R) Taoufik Makhloufi and Pierre-Ambroise Bosse in action as they qualified for the final (Getty/Buda Mendes)

Also, two Americans have made it through to this final; Boris Berian, who came second in the second semifinal, and Clayton Murphy, who set a personal best to also come second in his semifinal. Berian will start in lane seven, whilst Murphy will start on the inside in lane one.

Analysis of the race

The start of the race is fairly unimportant considering the length of the race, though the likes of Murphy and Rotich should look to start quickly so they can be in a good position when the runners can leave their lane at the 200-meter stage.

Arguably those who can put themselves in the best position after the 200-meter mark are Bosse and Kipketer, as they do not have too far to come across compared to Berian and Kipketer, but can also easily get in front of the likes of Murphy and Lewandowski. Also in a good position is Rudisha, who will most likely look to go to the front and should be able to do this fairly comfortably in lane three, whilst Makhloufi has a slightly more tricky job but should have the skill to settle in near the front of the race.  

Alfred Kipketer eased to victory in his semifinal, ahead of Boris Berian (
Alfred Kipketer eased to victory in his semifinal, ahead of Boris Berian (Getty/Paul Gilham)
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Rudisha and Makhloufi are both used to being front runners, though it is Rudisha, the more experienced 800-meter runner, who will likely lead the race at the halfway stage. Furthermore, they are both two of the better sprinters in the field, so both will probably look to be in control and put themselves in a position where they can’t be caught.

Kipketer and Rotich, who are strong contenders for a medal, must look to go with a likely kick by Rudisha or Makhloufi, as they are capable of sticking with them; the same tactic will probably be used by all the runners in the field. Bosse, who is probably not the strongest sprinter in the field but is usually strong beforehand, will need to be very close to the front coming into the final stages.

The likes of Berian, Murphy and Lewandowski are unexpected to medal, but in such a tactical race (which this is likely to be) there could potentially be an opportunity for them. Lewandowski, a former European champion with lots of experience, is a strong finisher and could make up a lot of ground in the closing stages, whilst the American duo will probably look to do the same.

Assessment

Though this a pretty open final, there is no doubt that Rudisha is the favorite heading into this. He is certainly more beatable than he used to be, though is the defending World Champion and if he is near his best, it is hard to see him losing here.

David Rudisha eases to victory in his semifinal (AFP/Fabrice Coffrini)
David Rudisha eases to victory in his semifinal (AFP/Fabrice Coffrini)

Assuming it is Rudisha who takes gold, there could be an interesting battle for the minor medals, mostly likely between the two remaining Kenyans, Bosse, and Makhloufi. It seems likely that the Algerian, who has the experience of being an Olympic champion, will be strong enough to take a medal, whilst Kipketer is also a strong sprinter and should be able to hold off any challenges from Rotich and Bosse.

Prediction

Gold- David Rudisha

Silver- Taoufik Makhloufi

Bronze- Alfred Kipketer

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About the author
Oliver Dickson Jefford
20. English Literature student at the University of Southampton. Aspiring sports journalist from Hertfordshire.