The World Athletics Championships in Budapest opened with a strong showing for Spain, led by Álvaro Martín who secured a historic gold in the 20-kilometer walk. As the afternoon session unfolded, three Spanish representatives were set for the men’s 1,500-meter semi-finals, a testament to the depth of the squad and its strategic pacing across rounds.
The day began with momentum for the Spanish team, buoyed by Martín’s standout victory. His performance underscored the team’s ability to rise to the occasion in a city that has become a hub of elite competition. As spectators watched, attention turned to the 1,500 meters, where three athletes from Spain would compete for a place in the final stages.
In the first series, Adel Mechaal showed his seasoned speed and tactical acumen, while Mario García Romo delivered a measured, steady effort in the second heat. Mohamed Katir carried the pressure into the final stretch, and each runner demonstrated the composure and precision needed to advance, even as the field produced intense drama when the pace fluctuated after the 800-meter mark, challenging competitors to manage stamina and strategy without a reliable playoff cushion.
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Mechaal surged early, clocking a fast first kilometer in 57.57 and pushing through the early miles with confident strides. On the penultimate straight, Jakob Ingebrigtsen emerged to take the lead, but the Catalan runner adeptly navigated the moment, finishing fourth with a time of 3:34.35. The Norwegian dominated the race with 3:33.94, illustrating the high level of competition on the track that day.
García Romo followed with a tactical performance in the second series. The pace was cautious through the first 400 meters, recorded at 1:05.51, and the bell rang at 2:53.80. The final lap sparked a furious finish, and the Salamanca native secured his series in a high-stakes sprint with a 3:46.77 result, signaling strong form as the rounds progressed.
The third series featured Mohamed Katir, who demonstrated why he earned bronze at the most recent World Cup. Based in the Murcian region and spending much of the season training in the Sierra Nevada, Katir asserted control in the closing meters, crossing the line in a strong 3:34.34 and earning a tie for second place as the field surged forward.
With these performances, Adel Mechaal, Mario García Romo and Mohamed Katir advanced to the 1,500-meter semi-finals, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. this Sunday. The semi-final will consist of two heats with 12 athletes each, and the top six in each heat will earn a place in the final. Earlier in the day, Catalan Esther Guerrero and Marta Pérez from Salamanca competed in the women’s 1,500-meter semi-final at 17:05, signaling depth and promise across the program.