Moroccan middle-distance runner Imad Bouchajda secured his place in the final of the men's 800 meters at the World Athletics U20 Championships, held in Cali, Colombia, on August 7, 2026. Bouchajda clocked 1 minute 46.66 seconds in his semifinal heat, a time that was sufficient to advance to the final.
The 19-year-old athlete, who has been a standout in the junior ranks, will compete for a medal in the final scheduled for August 9, 2026. His performance in the semifinals placed him among the top contenders, though the exact ranking within his heat was not immediately available.
Bouchajda's qualification continues a strong showing for Morocco at the championships, which have seen several African athletes excel in middle-distance events. The final is expected to be highly competitive, with athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and other nations vying for the title.
According to the World Athletics event schedule, the men's 800m final is set to take place on the final day of the championships. Bouchajda will aim to improve on his semifinal time and secure a podium finish for Morocco.