For the second year, the Diamond League opened in China, first in Xiamen, then, in Shanghai. The last week of April was very busy for our sport. Here are my five deep thoughts or takeaways from Xiamen:
- The concept of week in China makes sense: Two meets in one week in China, have worked out well. Like Xiamen, Shanghai was a great optic for the sport! An excellent crowd in the stadium, super performances and great meet coverage! Keeping many of the top athletes in China for the week, promotions building interest in the meets, and the actual performances are a wonderful way to build the Diamond League in 2025 and show sports fans an exciting season.
- Women’s field events were superb in Shanghai: Chase Jackson delivers a 20.54 m throw in the shot put, taking the win. Valerie Allman wins the discus throw with a strong 70.08m! In the javelin, Elina Tzengko won the javelin in 64.90 and Yaroslava Mahuchikh cleared 2.00m in the high jump. Mere suggestions of what we will see this season.
- Superb distance races in Shanghai! Berihu Aregawi ran a WL at 5,000 meters in 12:50.45, leading 4 men under 13 minutes. Abrham Sime wins a good steeplechase in 8:07. The performance in middle distances was the women’s 800 meters, Tsige Duguma ran a 1:56.64, going out in 56 seconds. Early season distance racing is always exciting.
- Duplantis delivers. Mondo Duplantis set a World Record last season at the opening meet in China. Duplantis set a meet record of 6.11 meters in Shanghai. Duplantis is a rock star around the world for his amazing pole vaulting. What will Mondo deliver this season?
- Sprints and hurdles impress: Akani Simbine won in Xiamen and now, in Shanghai. Cordell Tinch runs 12.87 for the 110m hurdles. Anavia Battle continues to impress, having won a 200 meters in 22.38. The sprints are continue to build! The hurdles are so dramatic that we do not know what is happening one week after another!
