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Europe

IAAF Diamond League: Five things to look out for in Rome

May 30, 2018

With the first IAAF Diamond League 2018 meeting on European soil just around the corner, here are five things to look out for when the Road To The Final continues in Rome this week.

1. Coleman eyes first points

Christian Coleman made his IAAF Diamond League debut in Eugene last weekend, finishing second to compatriot Ronnie Baker in the men’s 100m.

As that race was not a Diamond Discipline in Eugene, however, the Golden Gala will be Coleman’s first chance to pick up points on the Road To The Final.

The US sprinting prodigy will once again face Baker, and will face further tough competition from the likes of Ramil Guliyev, Akani Simbine and Michael Rodgers.

With Reece Prescod currently leading the standings, Coleman and co. will be hoping to break into a qualifying position with a big points haul in Rome.

2. Coburn and Kiyeng launch campaigns

In the women’s 3000m steeplechase, the Diamond Trophy has been held by Ruth Jebet for the last two years. Both Emma Coburn and Hyvin Kiyeng, though, have given the Bahraini star a run for her money at various points in the last two seasons, and both will be hoping to wrest the Trophy from her grasp this summer.

For the steeplechasers, Rome will be the first step on the Road To The Final, and both Coburn and Kiyeng will be looking to pick up maximum points and get their campaigns off to a flying start.

3. Big names line up in the discus

The women’s steeplechase is not the only event in which the Road To The Final begins in Rome; in the men’s discus, too, the Golden Gala will be the first chance to get points on the board.

Some of the event’s biggest names are set to compete for a share of the spoils, with Olympic gold medallists Robert and Christoph Harting lining up against four time Diamond Trophy winner Piotr Małachowski.

Diamond Trophy holder Andrius Gudzius will also be looking to make a strong start to his title defence, while Sweden’s Daniel Ståhl, who dominated for much of last season, is hoping to go a step further this year and claim the Diamond Trophy.

4. Warholm on the war path

Another Scandinavian who narrowly missed out on the Diamond Trophy last season was Karsten Warholm, who suffered a surprise defeat to Kyron McMaster in Zürich just weeks after being crowned World Champion.

Warholm is hoping to emulate the success of an explosive 2017, and will make his first Diamond League appearance of the season in Rome.

He faces a tough task to pick up all eight points, with the likes of Yasmani Copello, Olympic Champion Kerron Clement, and Abderrahman Samba, who set a new Diamond League record in Doha.

5. Lasitskene dreams of more dominance

After utterly dominating the women’s high jump in all competitions last summer, Mariya Lasitskene can hardly improve in 2018.

In Shanghai, however, she showed that she is as hungry as ever for Diamond League success, storming to victory and setting the tone for what threatens to be another dominant season.

In Rome, she faces a tough field, with the likes of Vashti Cunningham, Yuliya Levchenko and local hero Alessia Trost attempting to end her hegemony.

The IAAF Heritage World / Continental Cup – 1977 To 2018 – Exhibition will open in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Tuesday 5 June.
World

IAAF Heritage World exhibition to open in Ostrava on 5 June

May 29, 2018

The IAAF Heritage World / Continental Cup – 1977 To 2018 – Exhibition will open in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Tuesday 5 June.

Following the opening, the exhibition will be open seven days a week from 1000-2000hrs at the Forum Nova Karolina Shopping Centre in the centre of Ostrava and will run for three months until the final day of the IAAF Continental Cup Ostrava 2018 on 9 September.

Combining the best of the IAAF Heritage Collection, which was launched at the IAAF World Indoor Championships Birmingham 2018 in March, with additional artefacts and memorabilia from every edition of the IAAF World and Continental Cup, the exhibition makes compelling viewing and endeavours to make athletics history evocative and accessible to everyone, regardless of their age or background.

The exhibition contains 200 artefacts of athletics history spanning the period from the ancient Olympic Games right up to the present day. It brings together video, text and photographic displays covering 260m2 of the ultra-modern shopping centre and entertainment complex.

The first section of the exhibition is entitled ‘Athletics from ancient times to the end of the 19th century’ and has artefacts from as early as the 5th century BC up until the end of the 1890s. It traces the origins and development of our sport through 2400 years.

The items – which include coins, medals, programmes, books and periodicals – were donated to the IAAF Heritage Collection by the South American area association CONSUDATLE, which is the IAAF’s oldest area association and in 2018 is celebrating the centenary of its foundation by providing 100 items to mark its 100 years.

The second section of the exhibition focuses on the IAAF World Cup, which was inaugurated in 1977, and its successor the IAAF Continental Cup, which was founded in 2010 and is now contested every four years.

Among the items on display are programmes, posters, books, competition bibs and kit and one of the two original IAAF World Cup trophies.

The displays have come from the IAAF archives and via personal donations by athletes, including all the IAAF Continental Cup ambassadors and patrons.

The exhibition will be opened by IAAF Council Member Sylvia Barlag – representing IAAF President Sebastian Coe who will travel to Ostrava the following week to attend the IAAF World Challenge meeting in the city on 13 June – and Jana Pittman, an IAAF Athlete Ambassador and two-time world 400m hurdles champion.

Dignitaries present will include Tomas Macura, Lord Mayor of the City of Ostrava, and Stanislav Folwarczny, Deputy Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

Local athletics will be represented by Czech Athletics Federation President Libor Varhanik, its General Secretary Tomas Janku, who also won the high jump at the IAAF World Cup Athens 2006, and the Executive Director of the IAAF Continental Cup Ostrava 2018 Valter Bocek.

Contemporary athletes present at the opening of the exhibition will include two of the patrons of the IAAF Continental Cup: three-time world indoor 400m champion Pavel Maslak and European pole vault silver medallist Jan Kudlicka.

The IAAF Heritage World / Continental Cup – 1977 To 2018 – Exhibition is kindly supported by the International Athletics Foundation, ASICS, Seiko, TDK and Mondo and is delivered by IAAF Heritage along with the Czech Athletics Federation and the LOC of the IAAF Continental Cup Ostrava 2018.

Diamond Race Update
Africa

Semenya and Dibaba dominate, Cheruiyot and Kigen shine in Eugene

May 28, 2018

South African Caster Semenya produced another peerless display of middle-distance running to set a meeting record and world lead of 1:55.92 in the women’s 800m at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on Saturday, the highlight of the middle-distance action at the third meeting of the IAAF Diamond League.

The South African seized command of the race with 300 metres to run after covering her first lap in 57.9, well behind the pacemaker who went through in 57.25.

From there, Semenya steadily shifted through the gears and down the home straight, Francine Niyonsaba simply had no answer to the world champion’s pace, with Ajee’ Wilson coming through strongly for second in 1:56.86. Niyonsaba took third in 1:56.88.

Semenya’s time was the fastest 800m ever run by a woman on US soil, and the 27-year-old was suitably delighted with the run. “It was an amazing race,” she said. “I saw the split was 57 so I tried to maintain 57 again.

Cheruiyot takes the Bowerman Mile

In what was the final international meeting at Hayward Field before renovations begin, there was a fitting climax and farewell to the historic stadium in the Bowerman Mile.

Timothy Cheruiyot cracked the 3:50 barrier to take victory, but for the second year straight it was Norwegian wunderkind Jakob Ingebrigtsen who stole the show, finishing fourth in 3:52.28 to set a world U18 and European U20 record.

The previous world U18 best was held by Kenya’s Isaac Songok at 3:54.56, and early in the race it looked like Ingebrigtsen may be struggling among the best milers in the world as he ran at the back of the pack.

However, the 17-year-old crept through the field on the penultimate lap, charging up the home straight to challenge world champion Elijah Manangoi for third, the Kenyan just about holding him off with 3:52.18.

Ingebrigtsen’s mark carved four seconds off his previous best, and the teenager is now looking forward to competing on home soil at the Oslo Diamond League next month.

“I wasn’t expecting the race to be that fast, of course the pace was a bit breaky the first couple of laps so I had a lot more to go the last lap,” he said. “It felt really good coming into the home stretch.”

Up front, Cheruiyot was once again highly impressive, the world 1500m silver medallist showing Ethiopia’s Samuel Tefera a clean pair of heels around the final turn, kicking off the front to take victory in 3:49.87 to Tefera’s 3:51.26.

“I like Eugene, every time I come I improve my time,” said Cheruiyot. “My goal for the season is to run under 3:28 in Monaco.”

Kigen upsets the Steeplechase big guns

There was a shock result in the men’s 3000m steeplechase as unheralded Kenyan Benjamin Kigen overturned compatriot Conseslus Kipruto and Olympic silver medallist Evan Jager of USA.

After a slow early pace – 1000m was reached in 2:43, 2000m in 5:30 – Kipruto appeared in cruise control at the front, the race apparently playing into the hands of the lightning-fast Olympic and world champion.

However, as Kipruto began to wind up the pace in the final lap he had unwanted company in the shape of Kigen, who blasted by him entering the back straight and swiftly opened a gaping advantage.

Kipruto simply had no answer, and it was soon clear that he would taste defeat in his specialist event for the first time since 2016, leaving aside his drop-out in Rabat last summer.

Kigen was awkward off the last barrier but by then the damage was done, the 24-year-old hitting the finish all alone in 8:09.07. Kipruto edged a photo finish with Jager for second, both credited with 8:11.71.

Dibaba dominates in outdoor debut

Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba was once again dominant in the women’s 5000m, the Olympic 1500m champion showing an impressive turn of speed in the final 400 metres to take victory in 14:26.89, well clear of fellow Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey, who clocked 14:30.29.

“I’m in good shape and training is going well,” said Dibaba. “I can run faster, it just depends on the pacemakers and their speed.”

After a disappointing outing in Doha earlier this month, Hellen Obiri showed signs she is returning to form by finishing third in 14:35.03.

On a day when nostalgia hung in the air about the past – as more than 12,000 fans bid an emotional farewell to the much-loved stadium – there was no shortage of excitement about the future, particularly the sense that when the 2021 IAAF World Championships come to town, the new-and-improved Hayward Field will make a memorable host.

(Cathal Dennehy for the IAAF and the IAAF Diamond League)

Kenya's Geoffrey Kamworor winning the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 Photo credit: Procam International
Kenya

Kenyan double as Kamworor and Tirop win TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018

May 27, 2018

Geoffrey Kamworor fulfilled all expectations and consolidated his reputation as arguably the best road racer in the world below the marathon distance by winning his third title at the TCS World 10K in Bengaluru, India, on Sunday.

The Kenyan, the winner of the last two world half marathon titles and first man across the line in Bengaluru in 2012 and 2014, couldn’t challenge his course record of 27:44 on a hot and humid morning but crossed the line in 28:18 after impressively imposing his authority on the race just after the halfway point.

Kamworor led during the early stages of the race almost from the gun as the rest of the leading pack ran in single or double file behind him through the first 5km, with only his compatriot and defending champion Alex Korio helping with the pace.

A few strides after the halfway point was passed in 14:28 – making it almost certain that the course record would not fall this year – Kamworor suddenly went through the gears.

Only Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese opted to go with Kamworor as he strode away from the rest of the elite field, throwing in two back-to-back kilometres of 2:42 to reach 6km in 17:10 and 7km in 19:52.

However, in the eighth kilometre Legese had to toss in the towel and by the 8km mark was 50 metres adrift with another 100 metres back to a four-man group consisting of Korio, his fellow Kenyan Edwin Kiptoo, Ethiopia’s 2018 Dubai Marathon winner Mosinet Geremew and Bahrain’s IAAF World Half Marathon Championships Valencia 2018 silver medallist Abraham Cheroben.

Kamworor kept up his relentless pace and deservedly took the plaudits in front of a packed and raucous audience in the Kanteerava Stadium to continue his unbeaten streak which started with his win at the New York City Marathon last November and has continued through his four outings in 2018.

“I think we were all cautious about the weather in the first half of the race. It was very hot, and I think that’s what cost me the course record.

“I came here thinking about the course record and tried the best I could, but I could feel the temperature rising as I was warming up. I was jogging for just three minutes before starting to sweat,” reflected a smiling Kamworor.

“But make no mistake, I love coming to Indian races, I love the atmosphere and certainly want to come back,” he added.

Behind him, there was a desperate battle for second place as the flagging Legese was almost caught by Geremew, who chased him down over the last two kilometres but ended up just falling short, the pair clocking 28:38 and 28:39 respectively.

Tirop edges close-fought women’s race

In sharp contrast to men’s race, the women’s contest was a close-fought three-way affair which only got decided in the final 500m as the first three runners home went under the former course record of 31:46 by Kenya’s Lucy Kabuu in 2014.

A pack of nine runners went through 2km in 6:30 and then 3km in 9:42 before a slight increase in pace saw the pack reduced to the five main protagonists at the halfway point, reached in 16:01.

The Kenya trio of Pauline Kamulu, Caroline Kipkirui and Agnes Tirop were accompanied by Ethiopia’s Netsanet Gudeta and Senbere Teferi.

Kenya's Agnes Tirop winning the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 Photo credit: Procam International

Kenya’s Agnes Tirop winning the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 Photo credit: Procam International

With the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships Valencia 2018 gold medallist Gudeta continuing to force the pace, as she had done almost from the gun, after six kilometres Kamulu started to drop away.

The 7km split was reached in 22:21 – outside course record pace but now only fractionally so – and Gudeta still looked very comfortable at front, with some assistance from Teferi who later admitted that had been the Ethiopians plan.

However, after eight kilometres Gudeta started to tire and her compatriot took over dictating the rhythm of the race as the world half marathon champion drifted backwards to leave the spoils to be decided between the remaining trio.

The penultimate kilometre was visibly very quick on the slight downhill slope of as the runners came back around the city’s famous Cubbin Park and the course record now looked like a distinct possibility.

After 9km was passed in 28:25, Kipkirui started to suffer and was unable to stay with her two rivals.

With 500 metres to go it was down to a head-to-head battle between Teferi and Tirop, the latter using her sub-8:30 speed over 3000m on the track to outkick Teferi about 250 metres from the line before winning in 31:19.

“I knew my training had been going well but I didn’t come here expecting to win as it was such a strong field. Maybe my chances were 50/50. It helped that the Ethiopians made the pace in the first half of the race and I felt very comfortable following them,” said Tirop.

“I had a good race on the track in Doha (over 3000m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting there earlier this month) – and I still think of myself as a track runner even though I won the world cross country title in 2015 – so I knew I had my finishing speed was fine, so I was hoping to still be at the front of the race with 400 metres to go and I could then use my speed.”

Teferi finished in 31:22 with Kipkurui third in 31:28. In tenth place, Indian running got a big boost as Sanjivani Jadhav took almost a minute off the previous national 10km record with a run of 33:38.

Over 24,000 runners registered for the five different races on Sunday in what has quickly become one of Bengaluru’s most high-profile annual sporting events.

In addition to the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 for elite runners, there was an Open 10K, the Majja Run (6km) the Senior Citizens’ Race and Champions with Disability Race (both 4km).

Leading Results – TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018:

Men:
1. Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) – 28:18
2. Birhanu Legese (ETH) – 28:38
3. Mosinet Geremew (ETH) – 28:39
4. Alex Korio (KEN) – 28:44
5. Edwin Kiptoo (KEN) – 28:50
6. Abraham Cheroben (BRN) – 28:55
7. Leul Gebrselassie (ETH) – 29:07
8. Moses Kurong (UGA) – 29:14
9. Brett Robinson (AUS) – 29:21
10. Bashir Abdi (BEL) – 30:01

Women:
1. Agnes Tirop (KEN) – 31:19
2. Senbere Teferi (ETH) 31:22
3. Caroline Kipkirui (KEN) – 31:28
4. Netsanet Gudeta (ETH) – 31:53
5. Pauline Kamulu (KEN) – 32:16
6. Zeineba Yimer (ETH) – 32:47
7. Stella Chesang (UGA) – 33:02
8. Daria Maslova (KGZ) – 33:22
9. Salome Nyirarukundo (RWA) 33:31
10. Sanjivani Jadhav (IND) – 33:38

Vivian Gungaram led the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) inspection team visit Asaba, Nigeria host venue of the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships / Photo: LOC
Nigeria

CAA Asaba 2018: Zenith Bank emerges as official sponsor

May 22, 2018

Nigeria’s leading commercial bank, Zenith Bank Plc, has been announced as the official sponsor of the 21st CAA African Senior Championship Asaba 2018.

In a statement signed by Olukayode Thomas on behalf of the Local Organising Committee, LOC for Asaba 2018, he said Zenith Bank was the preferred choice as official sponsor due to the bank’s impeccable track record.

“Zenith Bank was the preferred choice because of their commitment to the country, Delta state, sports development and even youth empowerment which we have seen the results across the country.” He said.

The deal with Zenith Bank was brokered by the Championship Consultant and Head of Brand and Communication, Bukola Olopade, who is the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Limited.

Asaba 2018 African Senior Athletics Championship is one of the biggest athletics events of 2018 as it will serve as a selection event for Team Africa to the 2018 IAAF Continental Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The LOC and all the other members of the organizing committee for Asaba 2018 are quite delighted that a leading brand like Zenith Bank is associating itself with the African Championships.

They urged other brands to emulate Zenith Bank as the African Athletics Championships, and sports in general, will help to engage the youth and give them a platform to rightly channel their energy and make the best of it.

Already, organizers have promised that like Delta State did when it hosted the Africa Youth Athletics Championships, AYAC 2013 that produced tops athletes like Tobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume and Divine Oduduru among others, much more will be achieved at the Asaba 2018 Championships.

The CAA African Senior Athletics Championship Asaba 2018 will hold from August 1-5, 2018.

Kenya's Agnes Tirop winning at the IAAF World Cross country Championships Guiyang 2015 © Getty Images for the IAAF
Kenya

Kamulu, Kipkirui, Teferi and Tirop to challenge Gudeta in Bengaluru

May 21, 2018

A strong women’s field, with elite runners from across the globe, has been assembled to challenge Ethiopia’s IAAF World Half Marathon Valencia 2018 winner Netsanet Gudeta at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 on Sunday 27 May.

Gudeta’s rivals this weekend will include the Kenyan pair of Agnes Tirop and Pauline Kamulu.

Tirop, still only 22, won the 2015 world cross country title and has proven herself to be a formidable competitor on the track as well.

She won the IAAF World Championships 10,000m bronze medal in London last summer and showed she is in excellent form earlier this month when finishing second over 3000m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Doha in a personal best of 8:29.09.

Kamulu, 23, has spent several years based in Japan but this will be her first trip to India. She surprised many when she took the bronze medal at the IAAF World Half Marathon Valencia 2018.

A third Kenya, Caroline Kipkirui, doesn’t have the international championships credentials of her two compatriots but has shown stunning form recently when winning the Doha 3000m in a personal best of 8:29.05.

Kipkirui also ran a 10km best of 30:28 when finishing second in Prague last month, which makes her the fastest woman in Bengaluru and the equal-seventh fastest ever.

Netsanet Gudeta will also have her compatriots Senbere Teferi and Zeineba Yimer to contend with.

Teferi celebrated her 23rd birthday earlier this month and has silver medals from the 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championships and 2015 IAAF World Championships 5000m to her name.

Yimer doesn’t turn 20 until next month but won the high-quality Ethiopian half marathon championships in January and followed up that victory with fifth place in Valencia but this will be her debut over the 10km distance on the roads.

However, while the favourites for the 2018 women’s title appear to be from Ethiopia and Kenya, TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 race promoters Procam International have recruited elite athletes from across the world with top runners from Europe, Oceania and South America.

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, has a total prize fund of US$213,000. It risen in prominence every year since it was inaugurated in 2008 and is now one of Asia’s leading races over the distance.

Women’s elite field (with 10km personal best times)

  1. Netsanet Gudeta (ETH) – 31:35
  2. Caroline Kipkirui (KEN) – 30:28
  3. Senbere Teferi (ETH) – 30:38
  4. Agnes Tirop (KEN) – 31:00
  5. Daria Maslova (KGZ) – 31:36
  6. Stella Chesang (UGA) – 31:54
  7. Ines Melchor (PER) – 33:24
  8. Camille Buscomb (NZL) – 33:39
  9. Salome Nyirarukundo (RWA) – debut
  10. Pauline Kamulu (KEN) – debut
  11. Zeineba Yimer (ETH) – debut
  12. Ancuta Bobocel (ROM) – debut

Approximately 27,000 runners will take to the roads for five different races in what has become one of Bengaluru’s most high-profile sporting events.

In addition to the TCS World 10K for elite runners, there is an Open 10K, the Majja Run (6km) the Senior Citizens’ Race and Champions with Disability Race (both 4km).

Alex Korio winning the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2017 Photo credit: Procam International
Kenya

Kenya’s Alex Korio to defend his TCS World 10K title

May 14, 2018

Kenya’s Alex Korio, the defending TCS World 10K champion, will return to Bengaluru to take on his compatriot and IAAF World Half Marathon Championships Valencia 2018 winner Geoffrey Kamworor at this year’s race on Sunday 27 May.

Korio, who also won this race in 2013, had a outstanding 2017. In addition to winning in impressive fashion in Bengaluru, where he beat a world-class field by 14 seconds last May, he reduced his half marathon best to 58:51 in Copenhagen later in the year.

However, the 27-year-old Korir will come to the Indian race with a point to prove after having to drop out in the world championship event in Valencia back in March.

In addition to Korio and the 2012 and 2014 TCS World 10K champion Kamworor (whose presence was announced on 8 May), another two-time winner in Bengaluru to return to this year’s race is Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew, who took the title in 2015 and 2016.

Geremew was among the favourites for last year’s race after his two previous wins but faded to 10th.

However, his two outings so far this year have resulted in stunning victories, with him winning both the Yangzhou Half Marathon in China and the Dubai Marathon, the latter in a world-leading 2:04:00 which makes him the 12th fastest man ever over the classic distance.

Fellow Ethiopian Leul Gebresilase was just two seconds behind Geremew in Dubai to take the runners up spot there and will also be on the start line in Bengaluru while the fastest man in the field is another Ethiopian Birhanu Legese, who has had success on Indian soil in the past and twice won the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.

Leading the Asian challenge will be Bahrain’s Abraham Cheroben, who finished second behind Kamworor in Valencia. The Asian half marathon record holder is anticipated to also be in contention for a place on the podium in Bengaluru.

A man who knows what it is like to climb the dais at the TCS World 10K is Kenya’s Edwin Kiptoo, second in 2017 and third in 2015, and he is aiming again to feature in the top three in Bengaluru.

The rest of women’s elite field for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 that will do battle with Ethiopia’s Netsanet Gudeta, the IAAF World Half Marathon Valencia 2018 winner, will be announced early next week.

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, has a total prize fund of US$213,000.

It risen in prominence every year since it was inaugurated in 2008 and is now one of Asia’s leading races over the distance.

Men’s elite field (with 10km personal best times)

  • Alex Korio (KEN) – 27:52
  • Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) – 27:44
  • Birhanu Legese (ETH) – 27:34
  • Abraham Cheroben (BRN) – 27:35
  • Mosinet Geremew (ETH) – 27:36
  • Leul Gebrselassie (ETH) – 28:12
  • Edwin Kiptoo (KEN) – 28:20
  • Brett Robinson (AUS) – 28:29
  • Bashir Abdi (BEL) – 28:31
  • Ryan Vail (USA)  – 29:06
  • Moses Kurong (UGA) – debut

Approximately 27,000 runners will take to the roads for five different races in what has become one of Bengaluru’s most high-profile sporting events.

In addition to the TCS World 10K for elite runners, there is an Open 10K, the Majja Run (6km) the Senior Citizens’ Race and Champions with Disability Race (both 4km).

Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor and Ethiopia’s Netsanet Gudeta to head the men’s and women’s elite fields at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 on Sunday 27 May / Photo Credit: Organisers
Africa

Kamworor and Gudeta head TCS World 10K Bengaluru elite field

May 8, 2018

Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor and Ethiopia’s Netsanet Gudeta, both reigning IAAF World Half Marathon champions from Valencia 2018, will head the men’s and women’s elite fields at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 on Sunday 27 May, race promoters Procam International have announced.

For both runners, who took the honours at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships Valencia 2018 just a few weeks ago, it will be their first competitive outing since their global triumphs on 24 March.

Kamworor, 25, has established himself as one of the world’s leading distance runners in recent years, winning the last two the world cross country and the world half marathon titles.

“I took some rest after Valencia and before starting my preparations towards Bengaluru. I hold the course record at this race (27:44) so I know about the course and the city.

“I have some very good memories about running in India and I have also run in Delhi in the past, so I am looking forward to the race,” commented Kamworor from his home in Kenya.

“People will be asking me about times and whether I can run another course record, but I just want to come to Bengaluru to run a nice race, especially as there will not be any pacemakers this year.

“I expect the organisers, Procam International, will have some other strong runners in the race so I am sure will have a good battle,” he added.

Gudeta, 27, has also been preparing hard for her return to Indian soil.

“Since Valencia, I have just been training and focusing on Bengaluru. Even though the race has been put back two weeks, that hasn’t affected me. In fact, it’s allowed me to prepare slightly better.”

“I have been to India on a number of occasions in the past, including this race and three times at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, but I have never won a race in India so my ambition is first and foremost to win in Bengaluru this year.

“ I know after winning in Valencia that people will be talking about a fast time and perhaps the course record (held by Kenya’s Lucy Kabuu at 31:46 since 2014) but this year there are no pacemakers.

“Of course, I set the women-only world record for the half marathon (1:06:11) in Valencia and that was a race without pacemakers. I have also run times for 10,000m on the track (personal best 30:36.75, 2016) and 10km on the road (31:35, 2017) that are better than the course record but the most important thing for me is to win,” she reflected.

The rest of the men’s and women’s elite fields for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 will be announced in the coming weeks.

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 has a total prize fund of US$213,000 and it risen in prominence every year since it was inaugurated in 2008 and is now one of Asia’s leading races over the distance.

Approximately 27,000 runners will take to the roads for five different races in what has become one of Bengaluru’s most high-profile sporting events.

In addition to the TCS World 10K Bengaluru for elite runners, there is an Open 10K, the Majja Run (6km) the Senior Citizens’ Race and Champions with Disability Race (both 4km).

Morocco's Girls 200mx400mx600mx800m relay team after winning gold at Gymnasiade 2018 / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja
Morocco

Gymnasiade 2018: Morocco closes Athletics in style with two Championships Records

May 7, 2018

Morocco’s Boys and Girls medley relay teams close the Athletics competition in style, smashing the championships records in their events, on the fourth and final day of the 17th edition of Gymnasiade – World School Summer Games – in Marrakech on Monday.

The Moroccan girls quartet of Imane Mekrazi, Asmae Mekrazi, Chaimae Arrouf and Meryem Azrour kick-started the record rush in the penultimate event of the night, setting a new Gymnasiade record of 5:12.99 to win the 200mx400mx600mx800m medley relay Final.

Chinese Taipei claimed the silver medal in 5:22.18 ahead of Brazil, who took the bronze medal in 5:23.62. Team Algeria finished in fifth place in 5:32.84.

Morocco boys quartet of Marouane Ouriche, Mehdi Sefrani, Charaf Zahir and Mohammed Aboutahiry followed shortly afterwards, breaking their championship record of 4:23.37 (set in Trabzon, Turkey in 2016) in the 200mx400mx600mx800m medley relay Final to snatch gold in 4:21.47.

Brazil came second to pick silver in 4:27.85 while the Algerian quartet of Abderahmane Zadi, Ahmed Rafik Baghiri, Mohamed Ali Gouaned and Hamdani Benahmed settled for the bronze medal in 4:28.35.

Morocco's Boys 200mx400mx600mx800m relay team after winning gold at Gymnasiade 2018 / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Morocco’s Boys 200mx400mx600mx800m relay team after winning gold at Gymnasiade 2018 / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Tunisia’s Ahmed Sayf Kadri won the Boys 2000m Steeplechase gold medal in 5:58.47.

Portugal’s Etson Barros finished second in 5:59.28 ahead of Mohamed Dahmouch of Morocco, who took the bronze medal in 6:03.97.

Khadija Rakkou led a Moroccan 1-2 in the Girls 2000m Steeplechase Final. Rakkou took gold in 6:52.31 ahead of her teammate Soukaina Hajji, who claimed the silver medal in 7:08.67. Greek Marina Porgiopoylou took the bronze medal in a time of 7:14.45.

Yijia Fu of China won the Girls 400m hurdles Final in 1:00.34 ahead of Loubna Benhadja of Algeria, who took the silver medal in 1:00.54.

GALLERY:

IN PICTURES: ISF GYMNASIADE 2018

Morocco’s Abderrazaq Mouzdahir took the Boys 400m hurdles gold in 52.30. Caio Teixeira of Brazil was second in 52.59 while Li Li of China finished with the bronze medal in 53.44.

RESULTS

Gymnasiade 2018 – Day 3 Athletics Results
Gymnasiade 2018 – Day 4 Athletics Results

Medals Table at Gymnasiade 2018 / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Medals Table at Gymnasiade 2018 / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

(AthleticsAfrica is a media partner of the ISF Sports Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech, Morocco)

Nigeria

Asaba 2018: Host preparations impresses CAA inspection team

May 6, 2018

Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) inspectors signed off from their two-day visit to Asaba, Delta-State over the weekend by praising the city’s level of preparedness to host the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships in August.

Team leader Gerard Vivian Gungaram, who is the Vice President of the CAA, and Lamine Faty, Chief Executive Officer of the African Athletics body, were both on the ground to ascertain Nigeria’s readiness to host the biennial championship.

On Sunday, the CAA officials went around the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, visited the warm-up area, main track, media area, technical, VIP and the VVIP rooms.

The inspection team also visited the equipment room to see first-hand the equipment that have been acquired by the hosts.

After an extensive exercise, the CAA officials expressed great satisfaction with what was on the ground; noting that the equipment already in place are not only new but they are the required standard for the African championship.

According to a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head Media, and Publicity for Asaba 2018, the visiting CAA officials were elated that the hosts have even more than what is required of them for the continental championship.

Vivian Gungaram led the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) inspection team visit Asaba, Nigeria host venue of the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships / Photo: LOC

Vivian Gungaram led the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) inspection team visit Asaba, Nigeria host venue of the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships / Photo: LOC

The CAA officials were taken round by the Head of Technical for Asaba 2018, Yussuf Alli who explained in detail the innovations being planned to make the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships the best ever.

In his remark, Gungaram who also doubles as the Director, Technical of the CAA commended the LOC for how far they have gone and what they already have in place.

He, however, called on Alli and his team to hasten work in few areas still lacking.

The LOC Chairman, Solomon Ogba thanked the CAA officials for the visit and assured that the Delta State Government is leaving no stone unturned in making Asaba 2018 a memorable one.

“I must say the Governor is personally interested in this project and he has been giving us all the support needed, Asaba 2018 will bring lasting legacies to Delta State” he assured.

Apart from Ogba, those on the facilities tour inspection with the CAA officials include the Asaba 2018 the LOC Vice Chairman Tony Okowa, Consultant to the championship, Bukola Olopade and Head of Security sub-committee, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama.

Botswana's Bernard Olesite (C) with Sheng Luo of China and Mehdi Sefrani of Morocco on the podium after the Boys 400m medal presentation at Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja
Botswana

Gymnasiade 2018: Olesite cruises to 400m Gold on Day 2 Athletics

May 6, 2018

Botswana’s Bernard Olesite destroyed the field on his way to claim the Boys 400m gold on the second day of Athletics competition at the 17th edition of Gymnasiade in Marrakech on Saturday.

Olesite powered off from the start, taking control of the race with 150m to go and just kept increasing the gap to win comfortably in 47.54 secs.

Sheng Luo of China was second in 48.96 secs while home favourite Mehdi Sefrani took the bronze medal for Morocco.

The 17-year-old was quick to pay homage to his fellow countryman and reigning Commonwealth Games 400m champion Isaac Makwala by treating the crowd at the Grand Stade de Marrakech with the ‘Makwala Challenge’ at the finish line.

Bernard Olesite of Botswana after winning the boys 400m at the Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Bernard Olesite of Botswana after winning the boys 400m at the Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Natalia Dyshliuk of Ukraine won the Girls 400m gold medal in a time of 54.60 secs.

Jui-Hsuan Yang of Chinese Taipei claimed the silver ahead of China’s Yijia Fu, who settled for the bronze, with both athletes timed at 55.60 secs.

He Li of China won the Girls 100m gold medal in 11.75 secs ahead of Marie Ange Rimlinger of France (12.01) and Yeva Podhorodetska of Ukraine (12.04).

Ioannis Granitsiotis of Greece was in a class of his own, clocking 10.57 secs to take the Boys 100m gold in style. Tai An of China took the silver in 10.71 secs while Yu-Sian Lin of Chinese Taipei claimed the bronze medal in 10.75 secs.

Morocco's Yassmine Bidkane all smiles after winning the Girls 1500m at the Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Morocco’s Yassmine Bidkane all smiles after winning the Girls 1500m at the Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Morocco distance dominance goes on

Meanwhile, Moroccan athletes continue to amass gold medals in the middle and long distance events at Gymnasiade 2018.

Yassmine Bidkane led the gold rush for the host team with victory in the Girls 1500m. Bidkane clocked 4:36.16 to take gold ahead of Konstantina Chantzou of Greece, who was second in 4:38.14.

Ines Borba of Portugal completed the podium, clocking 4:38.60 to take the bronze medal.

Fouad Messoudi won the Boys 1500m gold for the host country in 3:51.64 ahead of Algeria’s Hamdani Benahmed (3:52.94) and Tarik Demir of Turkey (3:53.64).

Oussama Slimani of Tunisia was fourth in 3:55.28 while another Moroccan Othmane Lghrissi finished fifth in 3:57.56.

Fouad Messoudi (MAR) Hamdani Benahmed (TUN) and Tarik Demir (TUR) on the podium for Boys 1500m presentation at the Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Fouad Messoudi (MAR) Hamdani Benahmed (ALG) and Tarik Demir (TUR) on the podium for Boys 1500m presentation at the Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja

Morocco’s Chaimae Arrouf picked the Girls 800m gold medal in 2:11.15 ahead of Ukraine’s Svitlana Zhulzhyk (2:11.56) and Ioanna Panopoulou of Greece (2:13.45).

Mehmet Celik of Turkey upsets the Moroccan clean sweep of the middle distance titles by winning the Boys 800m gold medal in 1:50.68.

Mohammed Aboutahiry edged out his Moroccan compatriot Charaf Zahir to claim the silver medal in 1:51.08 to 1:51.13. Algeria’s Mohammed Ali Gouaned finished fourth in 1:53.76.

RESULTS

Gymnasiade 2018 – Day 2 Athletics Results

(AthleticsAfrica is a media partner of the ISF Sports Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech, Morocco)

Morocco's Chahid Hamza won the Boys 3000m gold medal ahead of his teammate Hmirouch Zakariyaa and Turkey's Demir Tarik at Gymnasiade 2018. / Photo Credit: Yomi Omogbeja
Morocco

Morocco claim double gold on Day 1 Athletics at Gymnasiade 2018

May 5, 2018

Morocco swept the distance events, claiming both gold and silver medals in the boys and girls 3000m, on the opening day of Athletics competition at the 17th edition of the Gymnasiade taking place in Marrakech on Friday 4 May, 2018.

Meryem Azrour led a Moroccan 1-2 to the podium, winning the girls 3000m final in 9:43.17 ahead of her compatriot Lamiae Himi, who took the silver in 9:43.31. Vasileia Spyrou of Greece was third in 9:45.51.

It was a Moroccan affair again in the Boys’ race to the delight of the home supporters as 17-year-old Hamza Chahid won the gold medal in 8:35.69 ahead of his teammate Zakariyaa Hmirouch, who claimed the silver in 8:37.56.

Turkey’s Tarik Demir settled for the bronze medal in a time of 8:38.28, with Hamza Amraoui of Algeria fourth in 8:39.64.

Metehan Acar of Turkey took the took the Boys Javelin gold with a throw of 69.56 metres.

Guilherme Moreira Soares of Brazil took silver with best of 69.08m while Maksim Manchak of Belarus took the bronze medal with 63.80m.

China’s Xinhui Li won the girls Shot Put gold with a best of 18.33 metres ahead of Yelizaveta Dorts of Belarus (16.64m) and Pinar Akyol of Turkey (15.63m).

The Gymnasiade, also known as the World Schools Summer Games, now comprise of 18 sports with the addition of six new sports (Boxing, Cycling, Golf, Petangue, Surfing and Taekwondo) and was organised for the first time in 1974, in Germany.

More than 3000 youth athletes from 58 countries are taking part in the first ever International Youth Multi-Sport event to be held in Africa, ongoing in Marrakech and Casablanca in Morocco, from 2-9 May, 2018.

RESULTS

Gymnasiade 2018 – Day 1 Athletics Results

(AthleticsAfrica is a media partner of the ISF Sports Gymnasiade 2018 in Marrakech, Morocco)

Nigeria

Asaba 2018: CAA delegates arrive in Nigeria

May 5, 2018

Delegates from the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) have arrived in Nigeria as they get set for a busy weekend of inspections of the facilities to host the 21st African Senior Championships in Asaba this autumn.

The CAA officials touched down in Lagos on Friday night and they were received on arrival by the Asaba 2018 Head of Security sub-committee, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama.

The delegation will leave Lagos for Warri on Saturday morning and will be received at the airport by the chairman of the Asaba 2018 LOC, Evangelist Solomon Ogba alongside other members of the LOC on the ground including; Yusuf Ali and Olukayode Thomas who is the Head of Media and Publicity.

According to the itinerary released, the CAA delegates will from Warri move to Ozoro where they will watch the finals of the Awoture Eleyae U14 and U16 Athletics Championships.

At the final of the championship in Ozoro, the CAA delegates will present medals and certificates to outstanding athletes before they finally proceed to Asaba where they will meet with the LOC members for the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships.

On Sunday, the CAA delegates will inspect the facilities on the ground and then have a meeting with top Delta State government officials.

Lamine Faty – Chief Executive Officer of the African Athletics body as well as Gerard Vivian Gungaram who is the Director Technical of the CAA and member IAAF Technical Commission are leading the CAA delegates to Nigeria.

The Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, will host the Asaba 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships from August 1-5.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
World

Liang breaks World 50km Race Record at Taicang 2018

May 5, 2018

On her debut at the distance, China’s Liang Rui won the women’s 50km race walk in a world record of 4:04:36 at the IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships Taicang 2018.

The 23-year-old sat in the lead pack for much of the race, passing 10 kilometres in 49:04 and 20 kilometres in 1:38:12.

Half way was reached in 2:02:51, just a shade inside world record schedule, but the pace dropped slightly over the next few laps and the chances of a world record appeared to be slipping away.

Portugal’s world champion and world record-holder Ines Henriques, who had been at the front of the lead pack for the first half of the race, dropped out at about 29 kilometres.

It left four women in the lead pack: Liang, teammates Li Maocuo, world silver medallist Yin Hang and Australia’s Claire Tallent.

With 2:38 on the clock, Tallent tried to make a break but was soon reeled back in by the Chinese trio. A surge of pace from the host nation’s athletes then gave them a 41-second lead over Tallent by 40 kilometres, reached in 2:52:53.

Liang then decided to make a break. After covering the penultimate five-kilometre section in 23:36 – by far the quickest split of the race – she had opened up a lead of nearly two minutes over Li and was back on track to break the world record.

Cheered on by the home crowd, the drizzle didn’t dampen Liang’s spirits as she maintained her tempo until the end, crossing the finish line in 4:04:36 to take 80 seconds off the world record set by Henriques at last year’s IAAF World Championships.

Li faded in the closing stages as Yin came through to take silver in 4:09:09, just 11 seconds shy of the PB she set when finishing second at the World Championships last year. Tallent came through for third place in an Oceanian record of 4:09:33.

(Jon Mulkeen for the IAAF)

Marie-Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast at London 2017
Africa

Ta Lou, Samba, Barshim impress in Doha – IAAF Diamond League

May 5, 2018

The 2018 Doha Diamond League witnessed a scintillating evening of back-to-back action as the world’s best athletes delivered incredible performances across the board in Doha on Friday.

World silver medallist Marie-Josée Ta Lou stormed to victory with a world-lead time and personal best of 10.85, with Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor finishing second in 10.90 and Olympic Champion Elaine Thompson finishing third in 10.93.

The men’s 1500m race saw World Championships silver medallist Taresa Tolosa of Ethiopia win in a season’s best of 3:35.07 ahead of Kenyan up and coming talented youngster, 17-year-old George Manangoi who set a new personal best of 3:35.53.

The Men’s 800m saw a huge roar from the crowd, as a number of Kenyan fans were in the stands ready to support their national stars.

The cheering paid off as Emmanuel Kipkurui Korir crossed the line first, with fellow countrymen Elijah Motonei Manangoi and Nicholas Kiplangat Kipkoech in second and third.

The Kenyans had more to cheer for in the women’s 3000m as they took a clean sweep in a wave of personal bests to close out an evening of captivating competition.

A photo finish saw youngster Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui win and take the world lead at 8:29.05, just 0.4 seconds ahead of fellow teammate, World Championship Bronze medallist Agnes Jebet Tirop.

World Champion and Olympic Silver medallist in the 3000m steeplechase Hyvin Kiyeng took third in a time of 8:30.51, also of Kenya.

Abderrahman Samba (QAT) set a Diamond League and Meeting Record of 47.57 (WL, NR, PB) in the Men's 400m Hurdles at the Doha 2018 IAAF Diamond League meeting © Hasse Sjögren

Abderrahman Samba (QAT) set a Diamond League and Meeting Record of 47.57 (WL, NR, PB) in the Men’s 400m Hurdles at the Doha 2018 IAAF Diamond League meeting © Hasse Sjögren

Doha crowd delight

However, it was Team Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba and Mutaz Barshim that stole the show as they stormed to victory in the men’s 400m hurdles and high jump respectively to the delight of the home crowd.

Samba continued his dazzling form so far in 2018 to wipe the field in the Men’s 400m hurdles smashing the Diamond League record, Doha meeting record and his own Qatar national record in the process, with a time of 47.57s.

Two-time World Champion and 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, Bershawn Jackson of the USA finished over 1.5 seconds behind to take second place in 49:08, with last year’s IAAF Diamond League Champion, Kryon McMaster from the British Virgin Islands third in 49.46.

Speaking afterwards, Samba said: “I’ve defended my title – YES! I’m very happy for me and for Qatar. Winning at home is an amazing feeling, especially to break not only my record and the National Record, but the Diamond League record as well.

“I have a feeling this will be a great season for me, and all I want to do is run even faster. The audience was so welcoming and I want to also thank everyone for being here today.”

Mutaz Barshim (QAT) at the Doha 2018 IAAF Diamond League meeting © Hasse Sjögren

Mutaz Barshim (QAT) at the Doha 2018 IAAF Diamond League meeting © Hasse Sjögren

Barshim’s winning start

The Qatari crowd continued their celebrations as Qatar’s sporting legend Mutaz Barshim lived up to expectation and created further sporting history as he cleared 2.40m for an incredible sixth consecutive season.

The 2017 IAAF World Athlete of the Year, World Champion and Diamond League Champion has not been beaten outdoors since 2016 and looked strong as he got his campaign to defend his IAAF Diamond League title off to a winning start.

Barshim attempted the meeting record of 2.42m but was not able to clear it on this occasion despite a valiant effort. Syria’s World bronze medallist Majd Eddin Ghazal finished second with 2.33m and Donald Thomas of the Bahamas finished third with 2.30m.

Celebrating afterwards, Barshim said: “My mother is here, she’s cheering for me. I’m really blessed. I made some mistakes, but very happy with the result and proud. I feel so great winning. I was not fit to succeed in all the jumps but still extremely happy at the end.

“I wanted to break a record today but still very ambitious for the rest of the season. Being here was so many great Qatari athletes, such as Haroun and Samba is just amazing. It’s a testament to the fact that Qatar really has some great talent.”

Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic got the evening off to the perfect start by claiming a new Diamond League record of 71.38m in the discus.

The two-time Olympic and two-time World Champion extended her own Diamond League record from 2016 and her 2013 Doha meeting record to show that she is on fire as she kicks off her campaign to win her third consecutive Diamond League Trophy.

Speaking after the competition, Perkovic said: “I was so close to my PB. I really think the Doha Diamond League is my lucky place, just as it was in 2015. The environment here is amazing, and the conditions set me up for the year, with the season just beginning.

“This is perfect as we look to competing in the European Championships this year, and Doha has made me ready to make my mark there.”

A further record was set shortly after as reigning Diamond League Champion and World silver medallist Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas broke the Doha meeting record and his own national record in the 400m with a time of 43.87s.

Team Qatar’s World bronze medallist Abdalleleh Haroun came second with a season’s best of 44.50s, showing that he is in fine form for the season ahead.

Commenting afterwards, Haroun said: “I’m proud of what I achieved tonight, but before even looking toward the World Record, I’m focussing on the IAAF World Athletics Championships in 2019 right here in Doha.

“My biggest rival on the track is the world lead, who is currently not in for the season. Though I hope he has a speedy recovery, as his presence on the track motivates me even further.”

The fourth Doha Diamond League meeting record of the evening came in the Men’s 200m as 2017 Diamond League winner Noah Lyles of the USA picked up where he left off last season with a time of 19.83.

He beat 2017 World bronze medallist Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago and World Champion Ramil Guliyev of Turkey into second and third places respectively.

“The race was fun. We knew it was hot this morning, but surprisingly it was still hot in the evening,” said Lyles.

“Right now, I just hope my performance stays the same. I definitely don’t plan to stay ranked second; I want to step back into first place at the Diamond League.

“I’m working to fix some things in my performance and continue to get better. For me, outdoor is easier and I need to keep my turns tight and set my mind ahead for the season.”

Three Men over 90 metres

The men’s javelin lived up to its pre-event hype with three men throwing over 90 metres.

Last year’s Doha Diamond League winner and Olympic Champion, Thomas Röhler threw just 22cm further than team-mate and World Champion Johannes Vetter to claim a back-to-back Doha victory with a throw of 91.78m.

It was a Germany clean-sweep with Andreas Hofmann throwing 90.08m to take third.

Commenting on his victory, Röhler said: “Today was great, but it wasn’t easy. There’s always room for improvement. My teammates and I travel together and train together, which motivates me always.

I’ve been preparing and knew I could throw that far. I was even able to take some risks today, and I know that I’m in good physical shape.”

Meanwhile there was a shock in the men’s triple jump Cuba’s Pedro Pablo Pichardo once again beat two-time Olympic Champion, three-time World Champion and six-time Diamond League Champion, Christian Taylor on Doha soil.

In 2015, the two created the greatest triple jump competition in history as they both jumped over 18 metres. This time, the distances were shorter with Pablo jumping a world-latest of 17.95m and Taylor jumping 17.81m.

Reigning world record holder Kendra Harrison of the USA held the competition at bay in the Women’s 100m hurdles as she swept to victory with a time of 12.53 secs.

Coming back for the 2018 season, 2016 Olympic Gold medallist Brianna McNeal finished second, six seconds behind in 12.58, and Sharika Nelvis came in third with 12.75, making it an all-American top three.

Next year’s Doha Diamond League will move to Khalifa International Stadium ahead of the IAAF World Championships Doha 2019, giving the athletes a chance to test the venue ahead of one of the biggest competitions of their careers.

RESULTS:

IAAF Diamond League – Doha 2018 Results

(Reports: Doha Diamond League)

Caster Semenya of South Africa
RSA

Semenya, Horn break South African records in Doha – IAAF Diamond League

May 5, 2018

Caster Semenya and Carina Horn were in spectacular form on Friday evening, with both athletes producing historic performances at the opening leg of the IAAF Diamond League series in Doha, Qatar on Friday.


Semenya burst clear of the rest of the field down the home straight to win the 1500m Women race in 3:59.92, more than a second ahead of her nearest opponent.


She became the first South African woman to dip under four minutes in the event, bettering her own national record of 4:00.71.


“It’s always been a dream to set the national record and continue to push beyond my personal best,” Semenya said. “I think we definitely achieved what we came here for.”


Horn was equally impressive by her own standards, smashing the 11-second barrier to take fifth place in the 100m Women sprint in 10.98. She improved her own previous SA record of 11.03.


Former Commonwealth Games champion, Cornel Fredericks took fifth spot in the 400m Men Hurdles race, clocking 50.03, while former Olympic Long Jump silver medallist Khotso Mokoena ended sixth in the Triple Jump Men contest with a 16.92m effort.


Pieter Conradie struggled to find his best form in the 400m Men sprint and he settled for eighth position in 46.68 secs.

“We congratulate our athletes and coaches for the good start of the Diamond League and look forward to better performances in the near future,” sad Aleck Skhosana, President of Athletics South Africa.

The next leg of the IAAF Diamond League series will be held in Shanghai, China on Saturday, 12 May.