Bloudek sets sights on European Championships after finishing fifth in 800M world indoor final

Croatia’s top middle-distance runner Marino Bloudek finished fifth in the 800m final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland on Sunday night.

Bloudek clocked 1:45.31, just 0.12 seconds shy of his personal best. The result marks the best finish of his career and the first time a Croatian athlete has reached the final of the men’s 800m at a world championship.

Speaking to reporters after returning to Zagreb on Monday, the 26-year-old said the achievement was still sinking in.

“It’s hard to fully grasp what this means. My impressions haven’t settled yet, but we’re overjoyed—especially after such a warm welcome,” Bloudek said.

He is now turning his focus to the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this August.

After a short break, Bloudek will head to Kenya for a month-long high-altitude training camp.

“We’ll ease off training for about a week, then I’m going to Kenya for around 30 days to prepare for the next big competition. I’ll also race in a few meets in between, especially Gold series events. I’d like to get into at least one Diamond League meeting, but first we need quality training. Based on these indoor results, I believe I’m capable of running 1:43 outdoors,” he said.

Bloudek added that the current generation of 800m runners is exceptionally strong and said he welcomes the challenge of competing against the world’s best.

The gold medal in Toruń was won by 17-year-old American sensation Cooper Lutkenhaus, who became the youngest-ever world champion in the event.

Despite the fierce competition, Bloudek said his long-term goal is to win a major medal, while remaining grounded.

“Of course, I’d love to win a medal one day—but for now, I’m just happy to be part of this level of competition,” he said.