The World Cup semi-finals on the track operate like a high-stakes lottery. To reach the finals, athletes must be in peak form and know every detail of the race. In these tightly contested battles, Adrián Ben has repeatedly demonstrated himself as a steady master of the sport, drawing on experience and precision under pressure.
Relating to
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Katir returns in a style reminiscent of Alcaraz and will team with Oumaiz for the 5,000m final
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María Pérez and Álvaro Martín write athletic history with another gold medal
Among the three Spaniards chasing a final berth, Galician emerged as the standout in Budapest’s semi-finals this past weekend. Neither Saúl Ordóñez, the national record holder, nor the promising Mohamed Attaoui performed at their best, and both missed the mark in qualifying. The race showcased the fine margins that separate success from disappointment in major championships, with tactical decisions and split times under the spotlight.
Katir reappears in ‘Alcaraz mode’ and will be with Oumaiz in the 5,000m final
David Rubio
The action opened with Ben channeling the confidence of historical greats, drawing a parallel to famous championship moments. He positioned himself decisively in the late stages, pushing hard through the final stretch and finishing with a time around 1:43.92 after climbing from mid-pack to secure a strong podium position. The result reflected a blend of luck and calculated risk that has become his signature in recent seasons.
The European indoor champion from Galicia now eyes the goal of improving upon past finishes at major events. He has previously achieved a best finish of sixth place at Doha 2019 and a fifth place at Tokyo. His message after the race emphasized focus on performance rather than predictions: a clear signal that preparation and current form matter more than ranking expectations.
Earlier in the program, Saúl Ordóñez delivered an impressive campaign, though the final move on the straight eluded him. He finished third in a closely contested sprint, narrowly missing the chance to advance. The Algerian challenger, Mohamed Attaoui, took part in the late phase of the final, finishing fifth as the effort waned near the finish line, leaving room for reflection on what could have pushed him into the medals. The day underscored how small margins define outcomes in elite track finals.
Jaël Bestué from Catalonia stood out in the 200m semi-finals, a race where the hectometer champions and top sprinters traded positions with fierce urgency. In the 200 meters, the field was electric, with the event highlighting the depth of talent in the region. The competition also spotlighted Sandra Myers, who carried the weight of history for Spain and the Americas, finishing with a strong performance that reinforced her status as a rising star in the national program. The relay team now faces the challenge of leading the Spanish 4×100 squad into the next phase, carrying confidence from the semi-final rounds into the final stages.
As the competition progressed, it became clear that preparation, speed, and composure under pressure defined the narrative. Each runner faced trials that tested discipline, stamina, and tactical awareness. The overall takeaway was a reminder that success at the world level requires both peak conditioning and the ability to execute a well-timed strategy when the pace intensifies. The event left fans buzzing with anticipation for the forthcoming rounds, where athletes will push their limits in pursuit of medals and personal bests. (EFE)