by Alfonz Juck
PARIS (FRA): The first Wanda Diamond League meet in almost five weeks takes place on Sunday at the Charléty Stadium in Paris. Elite athletes meet again after competing at regional and national championships and national Olympic trials and after the Olympic qualifying window has closed. Some of them do so to test their form before the Olympics; for those who failed to qualify for Paris 24, the DL meetings are already the season’s highlight. Faith Kipyegon returns to Paris to compete in the 1500m after breaking the 5000m World record here last year. Spectators expect the pole vault phenom Mondo Duplantis to attack the world record again. The schedule has 14 Diamond League disciplines, and 10 will feature current DL leaders. Several interesting pre-Olympic clashes are expected, especially in the women’s high jump and discus throw. In addition to DL events, there are two special disciplines, a star-studded mixed hammer competition and the men’s triathlon featuring local hero Kevin Mayer. The two hour TV window is moved earlier this time and starts at 16:00 (CET), due to elections being held in France.
Short previews
Women
100m: European clash between Swoboda and Kambundji, showing progress at nationals.
400m: DL leader Paulino versus European champion Kaczmarek, their third DL duel this season (Paulino leads 2-0).
1500m: DL season debut for Kipyegon, facing Hailu, Muir, Hull and European champion Mageean.
3000m steeple: Chepkoech is a favourite, and home star Finot tries to challenge. Yavi looking for improvement.
High jump: Mahuchikh for second DL title this year, against Topić, both Australians and heptathlon star Thiam.
Long jump: Late season opener for World champion Španović against Mihambo. Iapichino and Mitkova in shape.
Discus: Allman to maintain winning streak over Pérez and Elkasević.
Hammer (non-DL): Andersen and Kassanavoid, unsuccessful at US Trials, respectively European champion Nowicki and in-shape Fajdek.
Men
200m: European leaders Tortu and Mateo with Reais against Orogot, fast in the US collegiate season.
800m: Two recent DL winners, Wanyonyi and Sedjati, against European champion Tual. Dark horse Kemei.
3000m (non-DL): Krop and McSweyn seem to be favourites.
3000m steeple: Quite an open race with Kibiwot, Serem and Jhinaoui as favourites.
110m hurdles: European stars Simonelli and Llopis against in-shape Muratake. Also, Joseph and Cunningham with Zhoya.
400m hurdles: Dos Santos for victory, Jamaican sensation James-King to challenge him.
Pole vault: Duplantis for WR attempts again? World elites like Karalis, Obiena, and Kendricks are also there.
Javelin: Euro Champs revenge between Vadlejch and Weber, World medallist Nadeem opening season.
Triathlon (non-DL): Mayer tested the shape in the shot put, long jump and 110 m hurdles.
