Algeria's Djamel Sedjati storms into 800m final at Paris Olympics

Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi expected to provide biggest challenge in final

Algeria's Djamel Sedjati won his men's 800m heat at the Paris Olympics at Stade de France. AFP

Follow the latest news on the 2024 Paris Olympics

Algeria's Djamel Sedjati remained on track for Olympic glory as he sealed his spot in Saturday’s men’s 800m final.

Sedjati, one of the big favourites for gold in Paris, won his semi-final heat in a time of 1:45.08 to ease into the medal round.

The Algerian comfortably finished ahead of Thepiso Masalela of Botswana, who also qualified for the final.

He is likely to face the biggest challenge from Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who looked in great shape on Friday as he won his semi-final in commanding fashion.

Wanyonyi, silver medallist at last year’s world championship, was pushed at the end by American Bryce Hoppel but ensured he crossed the line first in 1:43.32. He will be aiming to continue Kenya's dominance in the event.

With none of the Tokyo medallists in the field and the eight finalists all coming from different countries, it looks to be one of the most unpredictable races of the Games.

Sedjati earlier said he has two aims in Paris - a medal for Algeria and a shot at the Kenyan David Rudisha's 800m world record.

Algeria's failure to medal at the Covid-hit Tokyo Games was a major disappointment as it came after Taoufik Makhloufi had won 1500m gold in London in 2012 and double 800-1500m silvers in Rio four years later.

Sedjati looks primed to go for one of the toughest world records on Saturday (9.05pm UAE time).

Best photos from the Olympics

Rudisha set the mark of 1min 40.91sec while winning gold in the London Olympics in 2012.

This year has been a real breakthrough season for 25-year-old Sedjati, born in the northern Algerian city of Tiaret.

He broke Makhloufi's national record at the Paris Diamond League meeting this month, clocking 1:41.56 to become the third fastest athlete in the history of the race after Rudisha and Denmark's Wilson Kipketer (1:41.11).

Sedjati improved his time to 1:41.46, a Diamond League record and new world leading time, just five days later in Monaco.

"I am now thinking of the world record, I hope to run it at the Olympic Games," said the Algerian, who claimed silver at the 2022 Eugene world championships.

"I will focus on that and put in the necessary work so that I can achieve my goal.

"It's the fourth time I've run a world lead and the second time an Algerian record, I have worked really hard for that."

"I will keep the preparation the same. My mindset is that the hard work I have put in will pay off."