by Alfonz Juck
Mariya Lesitskane, total dominance of high jump, photo by PhotoRun.net
Sara Kolak, a javelin whisperer? photo by PhotoRun.net
LONDON NEWS
LONDON (GBR): World and European long jump champion Greg Rutherford has pulled out of the London Diamond League due to an ongoing ankle problem, informs Reuters. “After some really excellent training this year, the start to the season has been riddled with a series of troublesome injuries, most recently a problem with an ankle ligament. As a result, I am absolutely gutted to say that I am unable to compete at the Anniversary Games this weekend – one of the greatest events in our sport,” he said.
LONDON (GBR): Kendra Harrison is back to the track where she achieved World record last year. In Hungary on Tuesday she confirmed top shape with 12.28, and she is only missing one point to secure qualification into DL final. But there will be first heats and then finals. She will face all top rivals from her country (Ali, Castlin, Nelvis, Stowers, Manning) along with Sally Pearson.
LONDON (GBR): The men’s 200m Road To The Final is a finely balanced affair, with just 10 points separating the top 10. Just inside the qualifying positions is Christophe Lemaitre (back from injury), who will be hoping to pick up a significant points haul and put daylight between himself and ninth position. The likes of Churanday Martina and Ameer Webb have a strong chance of securing qualification on Sunday. But very interesting entries are US 400 m champion Fred Kerley in pro debut in Europe and British trials winner Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake.
LONDON (GBR): After Sara Kolak snatched victory in the final round in Lausanne, it is clear that the women’s javelin could be one of the tightest contests for the Diamond Trophy this season. Kolak will be joined again in London by three time Diamond Trophy winner Barbora Spotakova and current holder Madara Palameika. With just one qualifying meeting after this one (Rabat), we could see one or two throwers secure their place in the Final this Sunday.
LONDON (GBR): With the spoils having been spread evenly between a number of athletes on the Road To The Final this season, only Kipyegon Bett has amassed enough points in the men’s 800m to already have qualified for the Final. London could see that change, as a few athletes are well positioned to catch Bett in the standings if they can win in London. Two time Diamond Trophy winner Nijel Amos returned to Diamond League form with victory in Paris last weekend, and another victory could be enough to see him secure qualification. Adam Kszczot, though, is slightly higher than Amos in the standings, and will also be hoping to come within touching distance of Bett with a big performance in London. Very interesting entry here is the mile king Asbel Kiprop.
LONDON (GBR): Mariya Lasitskene has been utterly dominant in the women’s high jump thus far, and is by far the favourite to win in London after coming within centimetres of the world record in Lausanne. So far, only Kamila Licwinko has joined Lasitskene in qualifying for the Final, and many of those hoping to secure their top 12 place will be in the UK this weekend. Swedish star Sofie Skoog leads the chasing pack on 12 points, and a high finish for her could see her become the third qualifier. Two teenagers are interesting additions to the field when comparing with Athletissima, World Indoor champion Vashti Cunningham and World U20 champion Michaela Hruba.
