by Alfonz JuckThe Rabat Diamond League is the fourth meet of the Diamond League 2022 season. Some big races in this meet and one of the most exciting is the opening of Karston Warholm for this season. Warholm turned down the Nike Pre meet offer, allegedly for about $35k to compete, because he knew he was not ready. Warholm has a long season ahead of him, with the World Champs and possible European Championships.
Karston Warholm, 2021 Oslo DL, photo by Diamond League AG
RABAT (MAR): Karsten Warholm makes his 2022 debut with Kenny Bednarek is another set to reveal his shape in this fourth DL of the year. Elaine Thompson-Herah is the other star name. Kristjan Ceh heads a quality discus and Lamecha Girma is another looking to build on recent breakthroughs but he has to face a top Moroccan star and Olympic winner. Francine Niyonsaba goes over 3000m for the first time in 2022. Miltiadis Tentoglou will clash with Swiss sensation Simon Ehammer in long jump.
Short previews
Men
200m: Olympic silver medallist Kenny Bednarek lines up in his first 200m of the year with Jerome Blake the in-form challenger.
800m: The world leader is under threat as Emmanuel Wanyoni is the fastest in the field this year with Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir and last year’s world No.1 Nijel Amos the threats.
1500m: World No.1 Abel Kipsang and Mohamed Katir head the start list.
3000m steeplechase: Lamecha Girma is back in action five days after his world lead of 7:58. With Soufiane El Bakkali as the top home star and spectators’ hero, it is clear who is the challenger. Former top stars Conseslus Kipruto and French Mekhissi were also there.
400m hurdles: All about Karsten Warholm revealing his 2022 form. Khalifah Rosser is the next quickest.
Long jump: Decathlete Simon Ehammer leads the way on season’s bests as world champion Tajay Gayle looks for a return to form and Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou makes his international 2022 debut.
Discus: The three medallists from Tokyo, Daniel Stahl, Simon Petterson, and Lukas Weisshaidlinger take on the in-form Kristjan Ceh, looking to back up his 71.27m from Birmingham.
Women
100m: Elaine Thompson-Herah will be looking for a quick mark with Nathasha Morrison, Michelle-Lee Ahye, and Anthonique Strachan leading the likely chasers.
400m: Marileidy Paulino hopes to build on her impressive start and should be a class apart.
800m (non-DL): South African Prudence Sekgodisa steps up in class following her 1:58 big breakthrough at home. Mary Moraa and Jarinta Mwasya challenge.
1500m: Olympic fourth-placer Freweyni Hailu chases her first win of the season with world indoor silver medallist Axumawit Embaye hoping to continue her winter form. Pay attention to Hirut Meshesha too.
3000m: Francine Niyonsaba looks a class apart after her sub-9 two miles.
High jump: Yaroslava Mahuchikh seeks to add to her win in Eugene with Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslaggers (nee McDermott) among the opposition. Also in shape Marija Vukovic.
Pole vault: World No.1 Sandi Morris looks to repeat her Birmingham win with Katie Nageotte hoping to bounce back into form and World indoor bronze medalist Tina Sutej.
Triple jump: Olympic silver medallist Patricia Mamona hopes to come back well from Doha sixth with Shanieka Ricketts, Thea Lafond and Liadagmis Povea the challengers.
