Spain will again have two athletes in a world Under-20 final in the 800 metres. Alejandro Ríos and Alejandro Muñoz secured their spots this Friday in the final of the Under-20 World Championship currently taking place in Eugene, Oregon, a milestone not achieved since Kingston 2002.
Ríos finished second in his semifinal with 1:46.66, a personal best and the third-fastest Spanish time of all time in the event for the category. Also advancing to the final is Alejandro Muñoz, who finished third in his semifinal with 1:49.08, enough to seal his qualification. Spain will thus have two contenders in a world-finals 800 metres for the first time in 24 years.
Doblete de Alejandros en la final mundial de 800m 🤩
“Qué más se puede pedir”
Dos amigos que lo darán todo el domingo contra los mejores del 🌏#EspañaAtletismo #PasiónPorCompetir
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📸 https://t.co/A37NDcAjia pic.twitter.com/lrKMHCPkXI— atletismoRFEA (@atletismoRFEA) August 8, 2026
The last occasion was Kingston 2002, when José Manuel Cortés finished sixth and Manuel Olmedo eighth. Now Ríos and Muñoz will try to improve that result in a final that will be run at 4:08 a.m. on the early hours of Saturday to Sunday, Spanish time. It can be followed on RTVE Play and on Eurovision.
These will be the rivals in the final for Ríos and Muñoz: