By setting two North American indoor records over 800m within two weeks – and defeating the world indoor champion in the process – Josh Hoey has firmly established himself as the man to beat at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25.

In February, the 25-year-old shocked Glasgow 2024 gold medallist and Olympic finalist Bryce Hoppel at the Millrose Games, surging past him to win the men’s 800m in 1:43.90, with Hoppel finishing second in 1:44.19. This impressive victory came shortly after Hoey’s standout performance at the Quaker Invitational, where he set a North American indoor record of 2:14.48 over 1000m – the second-fastest time in history – in only his first race of the season.

Just two weeks after his triumph at the Millrose Games, Hoey claimed his first national 800m title and made his first US team after improving his area record to 1:43.24 at the US Indoor Championships. This achievement makes him the second-fastest indoor 800m runner of all time, trailing only Wilson Kipketer’s world record of 1:42.67. 

Although Hoppel will not be defending his title in Nanjing, Hoey and his compatriot Brandon Miller (1:44.26), who finished second at the US Indoor Championships, will be out to ensure that USA retains the men’s 800m crown. 

Belgium’s Eliott Crestan, the bronze medallist from Glasgow, will be aiming to upgrade his medal to gold. He arrives in top form, boasting a new national record of 1:44.69, set at the Czech Indoor Gala. Crestan will also be looking to avenge his recent defeat to Dutch athlete Samuel Chapple, who edged him out for the European indoor title just weeks ago.

Chapple, however, poses a formidable challenge with an impressive resume of his own. He holds national records across three distances – 800m (1:44.88), 1000m (2:16.09) and 1500m (3:35.61) – making him a serious contender for the top spot in Nanjing.

Adding depth and experience to the lineup is Ireland’s Mark English, a multiple medallist at the European Championships with nearly 20 national titles across indoor and outdoor competitions. At 32, English remains a formidable contender, having set an Irish indoor record of 1:45.15 in February – proof that he still has plenty to offer on the global stage.

Also looking to make an impact is France’s Yanis Meziane. The European U23 champion, who holds a season’s best of 1:45.80, will aim to be a significant factor when the competition gets underway.

Elvin Josue Canales starts as the third-fastest man in the field this season, thanks to his Spanish indoor record of 1:44.65 set in January. Despite finishing fifth at the European Indoors, the 23-year-old is expected to be a serious contender.

Canales will be joined by his Spanish teammate Alvaro De Arriba (1:45.84), who also brings valuable experience and could pose a threat in the highly competitive 800m field.

Kenya’s trio of Belgrade 2022 silver medallist Noah Kibet (1:45.19), African champion Alex Ngeno Kipngetich (1:46.20) and Collins Kipruto (1:46.71) will be eager to ensure Africa is well represented on the podium. With their blend of experience and championship pedigree, they pose a strong challenge.

Morocco’s duo of Abdelati El Guesse (1:45.21) and Moad Zahafi (1:45.76), along with Algeria’s Heithem Chenitef (1:47.39), will also seek to make their mark. For El Guesse, Nanjing marks his third World Indoors appearance. After narrowly missing the final in Glasgow, where he finished fourth in his semifinal, the 32-year-old will be determined to advance and contend for a medal.

Yemi Galadima for World Athletics

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Win probability: 1 Josh Hoey (USA) 18.6%, 2 Eliott Crestan (BEL) 8.8%, 3 Elvin Josue Canales (ESP) 8.3%
(This win probability is powered entirely by data and driven by AI technology. More information)

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