France

The 800m world rankings were completely reshuffled at the French Championships. Séra Martin surged to a new world-leading time and national record of 1:52.8. Rene Wiriath finished nearly two seconds behind.

The half-mile championship wasn't enough for Martin; he also sprinted to victory in the 1500 with 3:59.6. The race started slowly, but a spirited second half ensured the result dipped under four minutes. Future Olympic silver medalist and world record holder Jules Ladoumègue, who around this time was transitioning from the 5000 to the 1500, merely jogged across the finish line in sixth place.

The hand of fate also touched Joseph Guillemot. Paavo Nurmi's persistent tormentor from the Antwerp Olympics, who was attempting a comeback, finished sixth in the 5000 with a time well over 15 minutes. Maurice Norland, a 1924 Paris Olympian running on his home track, took the win.

At the end of the 1920s, the French Championships often featured pacemakers in middle-distance events. For example, the following year, prior to the Amsterdam Olympics, Martin used rabbits to achieve an 800m world record of 1:50.6.