by Alfonz Juck
Chebet, Tebogo, Wanyonyi and national hero El Bakkali
RABAT (MAR): Six individual Paris Olympic champions will be in action at the Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athletisme de Rabat for the fourth fixture in the 2025 Wanda Diamond League series, at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in the Moroccan capital on Sunday. Some of them (Beatrice Chebet, Letsile Tebogo, Emmanuel Wanyonyi) to confirm their winning form, others (Quincy Hall, Soufiane El Bakkali, Hamish Kerr) to improve on their recent performances. But spectators in the 52,000-seat stadium will also see other highlights. Two-time steeplechase Olympic champion and Moroccan star Soufiane El Bakkali, trying to avoid his third defeat in a row, Femke Bol opening her season over the 400m hurdles, or both 800m races, promising a great battle and fast times. The main program starts at 19:04 (18:04 GMT) on Sunday.
Short event by event previews
Women
100m (Diamond+ event): US clash of Sturgis, Barnes and Sears is expected, what will Shericka deliver?
800m: Duguma, excelling in Keqiao, against World Indoor champion Sekgodiso, another 1:56 challenge?
1500m (non-DL): Doha winner Chepchirchir, Berhe was fourth, Mesele and Embaye in outdoor opener.
3000m: Chebet in first serious 3000m since winning in Xiamen’23, Taye victorious in Kingston GST, also Chepngetich and Griffith to watch, Battocletti, showing her speed indoors, in outdoor track opener.
100m hurdles (non-DL): Strong European contingent of Kambundji, Visser and Skrzyszowska against WR holder Amusan.
400m hurdles (D+): First individual start for Bol since September, but victory and EL expected, Clayton and Knight to challenge.
Pole vault: Caudery and Moon in Doha rematch, this time also Moser.
Javelin: Season leader Vilagoš against Doha winner Tzengko.
Men
100m: Simbine in great form, Tebogo expected to improve, Kerley also competing.
200m (D+): Tebogo’s second appearance against Lindsey and Fahnbulleh, who were chasing him in Doha, Knighton in the 200m outdoor opener.
400m: Xiamen winner Ndori, Nene impressed at World Relays, season leader Patterson in Miami GST, Olympic champion Hall disappointed in Keqiao.
800m: Wanyonyi in a highly anticipated clash with Masalela, who shone in Doha, WL under threat?
1500m: Open race in DL season premiere, Habz on paper, Cheruiyot surprised in Doha 5000m, Komen opening the season, Tshite fast in South Africa.
3000m steeple: Highlight for the home crowds at the end of meet, steeple phenomenon El Bakkali against Keqiao winner Sime, and his nightmares from Xiamen (Firewu) and 2024 DL Final (Serem).
High jump: Kerr in rematch against Doha winner McEwen, Harrison and Štefela added.
Shot put (D+): Top 3 from Zagreb Walsh, Otterdahl and Fabbri, also Kovacs and Campbell in the first DL competition of the season.
