If you’re like me, the most exciting events in the Olympics for you are the middle-distance track events. We’re talking 800m, 1500m, and 5000m. The good news is the fields in each of these race, on both the men’s and women’s sides are stacked, so expect sparks to fly.
But who are the athletes you should keep your eyes on? With so many big names and up-and-coming underdogs, it can be hard to keep track of who’s who. So, we’ve listed out the top 10 mid-distance track athletes we’re most excited to watch in Paris and everything you need to know about them.
Marco Arop
🇨🇦 CAN | 800m
Bio: Marco Arop is a Sudan-born Canadian who moved to Canada as a toddler after his family fled Sudan. Initially landing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Arop and his family moved to Edmonton, Alberta where he eventually grew up. Throughout high school, Arop was focused on basketball, and even had a scholarship offer to play in university. But a last minute change to track eventually led him to compete in Division 1 NCAA for Mississippi State. The switch to the track has worked out well for Arop, as he qualified for his first Olympics in 2020 and is now the reigning World Champion in the 800m.
What You Should Know: Although Arop didn’t make it past the semi-finals in his firs Olympics, he’s been on the rise ever since. Last year, he claimed his first World Championship title in the 800m, clocking 1:44.24, and holds the national record, which he set in 2022, of 1:42.85.
Watch For This: Arop is coming in as the reigning World Champion, and he’ll have something to prove in Paris. His Achilles heel, which has come to bite him too many times, is his longstanding habit of starting too fast. This is exactly what cost him a podium position at the 2020 Olympics, so he won’t be looking to make the same mistake again. Watch for his position in the first lap, and that will be telling of whether he stats too hot or not.
Our Prediction: As a Canadian, I’ll be rooting for him to learn from his past mistakes, and hope to see him on the podium.
What You Should Know: Although Arop didn’t make it past the semi-finals in his firs Olympics, he’s been on the rise ever since. Last year, he claimed his first World Championship title in the 800m, clocking 1:44.24, and holds the national record, which he set in 2022, of 1:42.85.
Watch For This: Arop is coming in as the reigning World Champion, and he’ll have something to prove in Paris. His Achilles heel, which has come to bite him too many times, is his longstanding habit of starting too fast. This is exactly what cost him a podium position at the 2020 Olympics, so he won’t be looking to make the same mistake again. Watch for his position in the first lap, and that will be telling of whether he stats too hot or not.
Our Prediction: As a Canadian, I’ll be rooting for him to learn from his past mistakes, and hope to see him on the podium.
Phoebe Gill
🇬🇧 GBR | 800m
Bio: Phoebe Gill was an unknown name just a few months ago. The 17-year-old will be Great Britain’s youngest athlete representing athletics. Gill had a breakthrough year in 2024, which saw her set a new European U18 record of 1:59.65 in the 800m (meeting the Olympic auto-standard along the way) and win the 800m at the UK Championships.
What You Should Know: Gill hasn’t had much experience racing the big dogs in the professional ranks, so the Olympics will be a massive step for her. However, she also won’t have any of the pressure, being an underdog, so could whip out a surprising performance. She’s talented in a number of events, from the 400m up to the 1500m, so she’s got a good mix of speed and endurance on her.
Watch For This: Gill likely won’t be leading the race, she’ll be happy to sit in and take in the experience. That’s not saying she won’t put up a fight, however, so watch for her trying to make a move in the final lap if she’s still in the group.
Our Prediction: Makes the semi-final, runs a PB, becomes one to watch in the future.
What You Should Know: Gill hasn’t had much experience racing the big dogs in the professional ranks, so the Olympics will be a massive step for her. However, she also won’t have any of the pressure, being an underdog, so could whip out a surprising performance. She’s talented in a number of events, from the 400m up to the 1500m, so she’s got a good mix of speed and endurance on her.
Watch For This: Gill likely won’t be leading the race, she’ll be happy to sit in and take in the experience. That’s not saying she won’t put up a fight, however, so watch for her trying to make a move in the final lap if she’s still in the group.
Our Prediction: Makes the semi-final, runs a PB, becomes one to watch in the future.
Keely Hodgkinson
🇬🇧 GBR | 800m
Bio: 22-year-old Keely Hodgkinson is another young British prodigy. She’s already an Olympic silver medalist in the 800m from Tokyo, a two-time silver medalist at World Championships, and two-time European Champion. Hodgkinson has dominated the middle distances on the track from childhood, when she made the switch from swimming to running.
What You Should Know: Hodgkinson has settled for silver in the 800m at a number of big meets, including Olympic Games and World Championships. This year, she won’t want to settle and will have eyes on the top spot of the podium. With one of her main rivals, Athing Mu, missing out on this year’s Olympic Games, she’s coming in as one of the top favorites for gold.
What To Watch For: Hodgkinson will want to be at the front of the group throughout the race. If the race is playing out how she’d hope, she’ll look to drive the pace through the final 400m. But with a number of strong competitors in the mix, the pace can’t be too slow in the first half.
Our Predictions: It’s Hodgkinson’s time to shine and she takes the gold.
What You Should Know: Hodgkinson has settled for silver in the 800m at a number of big meets, including Olympic Games and World Championships. This year, she won’t want to settle and will have eyes on the top spot of the podium. With one of her main rivals, Athing Mu, missing out on this year’s Olympic Games, she’s coming in as one of the top favorites for gold.
What To Watch For: Hodgkinson will want to be at the front of the group throughout the race. If the race is playing out how she’d hope, she’ll look to drive the pace through the final 400m. But with a number of strong competitors in the mix, the pace can’t be too slow in the first half.
Our Predictions: It’s Hodgkinson’s time to shine and she takes the gold.
Jessica Hull
🇦🇺 AUS | 1500m
Bio: 27-year-old Jessica Hull has consistently been one of the best 1500m runners in the world, but oftentimes in years past, she’d fall just short of that coveted podium spot. However, this year, she’s been on fire, clocking wins and records at almost every meet.
What You Should Know: Hull clocked a breakthrough performance recently at the Paris Diamond League. The Australian runner will be looking to carry that momentum back to Paris for the Olympic Games. Dubbed as ‘one of Australia’s greatest performances,’ Hull finished second behind Faith Kipyegon as she set a new world record in the 1500m, clearly showing she’s coming into top form. She then followed this up with a world record in the 2000m just five days later in Monaco. This year, she’ll be looking to better her 11th place finish from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Watch For This: Hull will want to be in control of the race. She’ll be on the front and she’ll run a fast, but tactical race. Keep an eye on her driving the pace in the final lap.
Our Predictions: Breakthrough moment for Hull, and she lands on the podium.
What You Should Know: Hull clocked a breakthrough performance recently at the Paris Diamond League. The Australian runner will be looking to carry that momentum back to Paris for the Olympic Games. Dubbed as ‘one of Australia’s greatest performances,’ Hull finished second behind Faith Kipyegon as she set a new world record in the 1500m, clearly showing she’s coming into top form. She then followed this up with a world record in the 2000m just five days later in Monaco. This year, she’ll be looking to better her 11th place finish from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Watch For This: Hull will want to be in control of the race. She’ll be on the front and she’ll run a fast, but tactical race. Keep an eye on her driving the pace in the final lap.
Our Predictions: Breakthrough moment for Hull, and she lands on the podium.
Josh Kerr
🇬🇧 GBR | 1500m
Bio: Josh Kerr is a force to be reckoned with in the 1500m. While also a talented miler and 3000m runner, Kerr has put all his focus towards the Olympic 1500m this year. An NCAA champion, European Champion, and World Champion, Kerr has consistently bagged massive results in high-stakes races.
What You Should Know: Kerr is the reigning World Champion in the 1500m and won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Kerr isn’t just known for his fast times on the track but for his big personality and unfiltered comments against his rival, Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Combine his athletic abilities, determined personalities, and a little bit of track beef, and we’re assured that the 1500m will be a must-watch at the Olympics this summer.
Watch For This: Kerr will go from the gun, controlled, but he will put the pressure on early. Watch for him running neck-and-neck with Ingebrigtsen, with everything coming down to the photo finish at the line.
Our Predictions: A tough battle between Kerr and Ingebrigtsen, but Kerr settles for silver.
What You Should Know: Kerr is the reigning World Champion in the 1500m and won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Kerr isn’t just known for his fast times on the track but for his big personality and unfiltered comments against his rival, Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Combine his athletic abilities, determined personalities, and a little bit of track beef, and we’re assured that the 1500m will be a must-watch at the Olympics this summer.
Watch For This: Kerr will go from the gun, controlled, but he will put the pressure on early. Watch for him running neck-and-neck with Ingebrigtsen, with everything coming down to the photo finish at the line.
Our Predictions: A tough battle between Kerr and Ingebrigtsen, but Kerr settles for silver.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen
🇳🇴 NOR | 1500m, 5000m
Bio: Jakob Ingebrigtsen is a threat over multiple distances. At the 2024 Olympics, he’ll be doubling in the 1500m and the 5000m; two very different but very challenging events. Ingebrigtsen is the reigning Olympic Champion in the 1500m, but has never attempted to double, so who’s to say how the fatigue will affect his performance in either final.
What You Should Know: Ingebrigtsen is the other half of the track beef with Josh Kerr, and there’s never a dull moment with the duo, whether it’s on or off the track. Aside from the track drama, Ingebrigsten is a force to be reckoned with as the current Norwegian champion and reigning Olympic champion in the 1500m. He’s heading to Paris in hopes of defending his Olympic title, but with the level we’re seeing this year, it certainly won’t be easy.
Watch For This: Ingebrigtsen has a big personality and likes to put on a show. He’ll run it from the front and will probably put on a bit of showboating, but he usually puts on the performance to make up for it.
Our Prediction: Talks the talk and walks the walk, gold in the 1500m.
What You Should Know: Ingebrigtsen is the other half of the track beef with Josh Kerr, and there’s never a dull moment with the duo, whether it’s on or off the track. Aside from the track drama, Ingebrigsten is a force to be reckoned with as the current Norwegian champion and reigning Olympic champion in the 1500m. He’s heading to Paris in hopes of defending his Olympic title, but with the level we’re seeing this year, it certainly won’t be easy.
Watch For This: Ingebrigtsen has a big personality and likes to put on a show. He’ll run it from the front and will probably put on a bit of showboating, but he usually puts on the performance to make up for it.
Our Prediction: Talks the talk and walks the walk, gold in the 1500m.
Faith Kipyegon
🇰🇪 KEN | 1500m, 5000m
Bio: 30-year-old Faith Kipyegon is another athlete who will compete the challenging 1500m/5000m double. She’s a two-time Olympic Champion, four-time World Champion, and five-time Diamond League Final Champion…to name a few. She’s gone nearly unbeaten in the 1500m and the 5000m since her last Olympic Games in Tokyo and intends to keep that streak going in Paris.
What You Should Know: Despite her long list of accolades, all the attention is on Faith Kipyegon’s recent world record in the 1500m. Kipyegon clocked 3:49.04 at the Paris Diamond League and said she’s leaving that meet with confidence ahead of the Olympic Games. Kipyegon will be aiming for a historic double, with eyes on the top spot of the podium in both the 1500m and the 5000m.
Watch For This: She will dominate the race. There are other solid athletes that will challenge her, but it’s Kipyegon’s race to lose.
Our Prediction: She completes the double, winning the 1500m and the 5000m.
What You Should Know: Despite her long list of accolades, all the attention is on Faith Kipyegon’s recent world record in the 1500m. Kipyegon clocked 3:49.04 at the Paris Diamond League and said she’s leaving that meet with confidence ahead of the Olympic Games. Kipyegon will be aiming for a historic double, with eyes on the top spot of the podium in both the 1500m and the 5000m.
Watch For This: She will dominate the race. There are other solid athletes that will challenge her, but it’s Kipyegon’s race to lose.
Our Prediction: She completes the double, winning the 1500m and the 5000m.
Laura Muir
🇬🇧 GBR | 1500m
Bio: Laura Muir, the 31-year-old from Great Britain, is coming into these Olympics as the defending silver medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Despite a stacked field, she’ll be aiming one step higher this year. She’s been carrying god form throughout the season, and has seen a steady progression in her results.
What You Should Know: Muir was another athlete in the recent yet iconic 1500m race at the Paris Diamond League. She placed third, behind Hull and Kipyegon, but shattered her personal best and the British national record in the process, clocking 3:53.79. Muir will be heading to this summer’s Olympic Games a veteran, having already competed at the 2020 and 2016 Olympic Games, with her best finish being silver in Tokyo.
Watch For This: Muir will sit comfortably in the bunch, and with her experience, will try to race a very tactical race. She’ll only expend energy when she needs to, and look to save as much as she can for those always-challenging final laps.
Our Prediction: Has a solid performance, but doesn’t medal. Fourth or fifth place predicted for Muir.
What You Should Know: Muir was another athlete in the recent yet iconic 1500m race at the Paris Diamond League. She placed third, behind Hull and Kipyegon, but shattered her personal best and the British national record in the process, clocking 3:53.79. Muir will be heading to this summer’s Olympic Games a veteran, having already competed at the 2020 and 2016 Olympic Games, with her best finish being silver in Tokyo.
Watch For This: Muir will sit comfortably in the bunch, and with her experience, will try to race a very tactical race. She’ll only expend energy when she needs to, and look to save as much as she can for those always-challenging final laps.
Our Prediction: Has a solid performance, but doesn’t medal. Fourth or fifth place predicted for Muir.
Ciara Mageean
🇮🇪 IRL | 1500m
Bio: 32-year-old Ciara Mageean will be heading to her third Olympic Games in Paris. She’s the 2024 European Champion in the 1500m, but despite this, with so many big names in the 1500m, she will likely still come in as a bit of an underdog.
What You Should Know: At the 2020 Olympics, Mageean didn’t make it out of the heats, but fast forward a few years later, she’s placed top five at World Championships, won a European Championships, and has had a number or podium performances along the way.
Watch For This: She won’t be leading the race, but if she makes it to the last lap in the group, she could pull out a surprise performance.
Our Prediction: I don’t see her taking a medal here, but I do see her taking a comfortable top-8 placing.
What You Should Know: At the 2020 Olympics, Mageean didn’t make it out of the heats, but fast forward a few years later, she’s placed top five at World Championships, won a European Championships, and has had a number or podium performances along the way.
Watch For This: She won’t be leading the race, but if she makes it to the last lap in the group, she could pull out a surprise performance.
Our Prediction: I don’t see her taking a medal here, but I do see her taking a comfortable top-8 placing.
Yared Nuguse
🇺🇸 USA | 1500m
Bio: Yared Nuguse is an Ethiopia-born American standout in the 1500m, mile, and 3000m, holding the North American indoor record in all three events, and the North American outdoor record in the 1500m and mile.
What You Should Know: Nuguse’s personal best in the outdoor mile is 3:43.97, the fourth fastest in history (behind Ingebrigtsen), so if anyone can come and disrupt the Ingebrigtsen-Kerr battle, it’ll be Nuguse.
Watch For This: All eyes will be on Kerr and Ingebrigtsen, and their eyes will be on each other. That may provide the perfect opportunity for Nuguse to sneak off the frnt…if he can get his timing and speed right.
Our Prediction: If anyone can upset Ingebrigtsen and Kerr, my money would be on Nuguse.
What You Should Know: Nuguse’s personal best in the outdoor mile is 3:43.97, the fourth fastest in history (behind Ingebrigtsen), so if anyone can come and disrupt the Ingebrigtsen-Kerr battle, it’ll be Nuguse.
Watch For This: All eyes will be on Kerr and Ingebrigtsen, and their eyes will be on each other. That may provide the perfect opportunity for Nuguse to sneak off the frnt…if he can get his timing and speed right.
Our Prediction: If anyone can upset Ingebrigtsen and Kerr, my money would be on Nuguse.
