Overview
- He came from last to first over the final 200 meters to win his heat in 1:43.18, overtaking Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.
- The final will include major contenders such as Wanyonyi, defending world champion Marco Arop and Olympic bronze medallist Djamel Sedjati.
- Outlets give conflicting information on whether the 800m final is scheduled for Saturday or Sunday in Tokyo.
- Spain’s three women in the 800m—Lorea Ibarzabal, Marta Mitjans and Rocío Arroyo—were eliminated in the heats.
- Attaoui owns a 1:42.04 personal best, finished fifth at the Paris Olympics and is set to turn 24 next week.