by Alfonz JuckThe Doha DL was an appropriate opening for the 2017 Diamond League. Elaine Thompson and Dafne Schippers was entertaining 200 meters. Simbine’s 100 meter win was fascinating, as Asafa Powell was second and beat Justin Gatlin for first time in over a decade.
But the big event was the javelin. Thomas Rohler continues to improve and impress. A quiet confidence, Rohler and Johannes Vetter gave the Germans 1,2 in the javelin with big throws. Rohlers’ throw, however, was a monster!
Rohler monster throw 93.90
DOHA (QAT, May 5): The 8th edition of IAAF Diamond League started with 6 World leads and 3 Meet records. The result of the day 93.90 by Rohler, two home wins, sprints hampered by head-wind. Also out of 14 events in six Rio winners prevailed. Also the spectator attendance was one of the best ever in Doha.
Men
100 m: Simbine confirmed top early shape and beat all stars with sub 10 against solid breeze -1.2. Powell 2nd and beat Gatlin for 1st time after 14 years.
400 m: Also Gardiner is the sign of change of generation. He clearly beat Merritt 44.60 to 44.78.
1500 m: Top 6 Kenyans, this time Manangoi took it in excpected 3:31.90 WL.
3000 m: Former miler Kwemoi had the best finish and got another WL (and PB) 7:28.73. Oly winner C. Kipruto with back problems 12th. Youth Kiplimo 7:43.73 is the best in his age.
400mH (non-DL): New star is born. Samba in 1st year in the event beat in 48.44 Olympic gold medalist Clement by nearly one second.
HJ: Barshim in his own game over 236 WL and then stopped wisely saving energy for Shanghai.
TJ: Taylor´s show with 17.25 according to expectations, head-wind did not allow more.
JT: The result of the day was a monster throw 93.90 by Rohler in fourth round. In good weather conditions and back wind, he achieved the best result since 1997 and also the best non-Zelezny throw ever (6th in summary). And cameraman was lucky when the javelin landed just before him. But also Vetter 89.68 PB and Vadlejch 87.91 showed that this event is moving forward.
Women
200 m: Here no question, Thompson won clearly in 22.19 (-2.3) over Schippers 22.45.
800 m: Rio medalists ruled, Semenya 1:56.61 and Wambui 1:57.03 clearly ahead of field including debuting Genzebe 1:59.37 PB.
SC: Fastest early season mark ever, 9:00:12 for Kiyeng with WR holder Jebet third. Fourth Chespol clocked World junior record, 7th Krause German record, 8th Praught CAC record.
100mH: Only after the race the info came why the WR holder Harrison finished with a grimasse. She broke her bone in warm-up but still clearly won 12.59 (-2.3).
PV: Olympic winner started the season in great manner with 480 clearance (Stefanidi), Morris 475 and Silva with new hair-cut 465.
SP: Carter with 19.32 beat WL holder Marton 18.99.
