South Africa’s Akani Simbine celebrates winning the men’s 100m event during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting in Xiamen, China.

 

 

 

Following yet another sub-10 second run at the Diamond League event in China on Saturday, Akani Simbine solidified the claims that he is currently the fastest man in the world.

 

The South African star backed up his recent victory in Botswana when he stormed to victory in the 100m in Xiamen on Saturday in a field that included Kenya star Ferdinand Omanyala, Botswana’s 200m Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, American speedster Christian Coleman and 60m world indoor champion Jeremiah Azu of Britain.

 

Simbine clocked a time of 9.99. While it was short of the 9.90 world lead he clocked in Botswana, he again showed his class.

 

“The race felt good. I stumbled a bit after the 60, so I had to catch myself, but happened to catch the wind while catching the win,” Simbine told the Diamond League website afterwards.

 

“Keep going with the momentum… I am now going back to the basics, (and) putting myself in a position to learn.”

 

Former US great Justin Gatlin and former Bahamas sprinter Rodney Green praised Simbine for his longevity and consistency on their Ready Set Go podcast after he delivered a sub-10 second 100m for the 11th consecutive year.

 

“That’s why they call him Mr Consistency. He is consistently in every final, in medal contention almost every time he competes,” Green said.

 

“He won the bronze in the indoor final this year, something that he doesn’t really compete in a lot. I think that will transition him to the outdoors. Him and his coach have a plan … ‘by hell or by high water, we are getting on this podium’.

 

The podium Green is referring to is the 100m event at the World Championships to be held in Tokyo, Japan from September 13-21.

 

The concern with Simbine has always been peaking too early because the South African season starts much earlier than those in the United States and Europe due to our December to February summer season.

 

However, he showed at last year’s Olympic Games that he can keep his best performances for the Northern Hemisphere summer when he narrowly missed out on the medal in the final of the 100m. But he made up for that when he led the SA 4X100m team to the silver a few days later.

 

Green says Simbine can go even faster when the world championship comes around.

 

“His season is so difficult because of where he is in the world. Their summer time is in December and January, so when athletes (in America and Europe) are preparing, they are already ramping up. That is why he can run as fast as he can right now,” Green said.

 

“Now the question is can he maintain that, because the World Championships are so late. Can he run faster than 9.90? Yes, he has done it a few times.”

 

Simbine will remain in China for next Saturday’s second Diamond League meeting in Shanghai.

 

 

 

 

“Track ain’t safe no more.” With just five words, Fred Kerley triggered a storm just days after his breathtaking performance at the Mt. SAC Relays, finishing first in the 400m event, clocking 44.73s! Fresh off declaring himself the better sprinter over Noah Lyles on The Pivot Podcast, Kerley didn’t just talk the talk. He backed it up on the track.

 

On the same day, Lyles ran 400m at the Tom Jones Invitational, and let’s just say, even though his 45.87 was a personal best, it was nowhere close to Kerley’s time. Even sprint legend Justin Gatlin couldn’t help but applaud. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. One that put Noah Lyles and the entire track community on serious notice.

 

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Now, riding high on that dominant 400m performance, which can safely be called the Fred Kerley resurgence, the Olympic medalist has turned his attention toward the rest of the track world. Never one to shy away from a little smoke, Kerley threw a subtle jab at his rivals just days later, hinting that anyone thinking they had the upper hand should think again.

 

With the Olympic season heating up, and after his share of legal troubles and sponsorship woes, Fred Kerley is making it known: he’s stronger than his adversities. He is not just chasing medals. He’s coming for crowns.

 

Fred Kerley took to Instagram Stories, posting a video with a message that resonated loudly within the track and field community. “Everybody wants to be great, but everybody doesn’t want to put their work in. Greatness, nothing less, but success,” Kerley’s words weren’t just a motivational clip.

 

They were a statement, marking his intent to not just compete but dominate in his pursuit of greatness. The timing of this post couldn’t have been more fitting, considering his electrifying run at the Mt. SAC Relays, where he decisively outpaced Noah Lyles and sent a clear message to the entire sprinting world. He’s not just a contender; he’s the one to watch.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, on the same day, Noah Lyles was in action at the Tom Jones Invitational. Though Lyles’ time was an impressive achievement for his first pro 400m race, it paled in comparison to Kerley’s dominant performance.

Lyles faced strong competition, with Jacory Patterson taking first place in Heat 1 with a time of 44.27 seconds. In the final, Lyles finished 14th with his 45.87, while Christopher Robinson took the top spot with a 44.15-second finish. Despite Lyles’ personal record, it was clear that Kerley’s 44.73 was a far superior mark.

 

 

The rivalry between Lyles and Kerley heats up

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The rivalry between Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles has escalated to new heights, with both athletes taking aim at each other in recent weeks. Kerley was particularly vocal during his appearance on The Pivot Podcast, where he fired shots at Lyles, claiming he wasn’t on his level. “Go look at the record book; look who got more wins. I’m dealing with more of the stuff than he is.

 

I’m telling you, he’s not built like me,” Kerley boldly asserted. The remark stung, and it wasn’t long before the Olympic 100m champion fired back, making his own thoughts clear in a podcast of his own.

 

 

 

When Lyles heard Kerley’s comments, he wasn’t quick to lash out. Instead, on his Beyond the Records podcast with teammates Rai Benjamin and Grant Holloway, Lyles acknowledged the difference in their life experiences. “I never went through that,” Lyles said, referring to Kerley’s tough upbringing. He also shared the physical challenges he’s faced.

 

Particularly with asthma, recalling countless sleepless nights spent in hospitals struggling to breathe. “I’m not built like you and you’re not built like me. And I’m perfectly fine with that because I got the Olympic gold,” Lyles added, emphasizing his satisfaction with his achievements despite their contrasting paths.

 

The exchange didn’t just stop at personal jabs. It also highlighted the shifting power dynamics in the sprinting world. Lyles took pride in his 2023 World Championship victory, which saw him dethrone Kerley as the reigning champion. But now, with both men pushing their limits in their respective events, the competitive tension between them has only intensified.

 

 

 

 

It was during the Diamond League held at Erget Stadium, Xiamen on April 26, when an athlete running in lane 7 shocked everyone with her performance. The athlete was none other than American sprinter Anavia Battle, who defeated two-time world champion Shericka Jackson by not a very small margin. The margin then? Well, it was 0.38. Anavia Battle finished the 200 m event in 22.41, whereas Jackson finished second with a time of 22.79.

 

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The American track athlete has shown her resilience, grit, and dominance on the international stage. And with that, let’s dive into the details about Anavia Battle and her achievements.

 

 

 

Meet Anavia Battle: The rising sprinter

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U.S. Olympian Anavia Battle was born on March 28, 1999, in Inkster, Michigan. The Olympian did her schooling at Wayne Memorial and later attended Ohio State for her graduation in Human Development and Family Sciences. The 26-year-old track star started her running journey back in seventh grade and was even named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2017.

 

 

Do you think Anavia Battle has what it takes to become the next big name in American sprinting?

 

Absolutely, she’s already proving it

 

Not yet, she needs more wins against top competitors

 

Maybe, but she needs to maintain consistency

 

No, there are stronger contenders

 

How do you think Zoey Molomo’s injury will impact her future with the UCLA Bruins?

 

She’ll come back stronger and make a big impact

 

It might delay her progress, but she’ll recover

 

This could be a major setback for her career

 

It’s too early to tell, but I’m hopeful

 

What should be Zoey Molomo’s focus during her recovery period?

 

Physical rehabilitation and mental strength

 

Staying connected with her team and fans

 

Exploring other interests outside gymnastics

 

Planning her comeback strategy

 

Do you think Edrick Floreal’s strategy of pushing sprinters like Julien Alfred into longer distances is genius or madness?

 

Genius, it’s building endurance and strength

 

Madness, it’s too risky for sprinters

 

It’s a gamble, but it might pay off

 

I don’t care as long as they win

 

With Julien Alfred’s success, should more sprinters adopt longer distance training to enhance their performance?

 

Yes, it’s the future of sprinting

 

No, sprinters should stick to their specialties

 

Only if they have the right coach

 

It’s too early to tell

 

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Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

 

Anavia’s thrill on the track lies in coming around the curve in the 200-meter dash. And off the track? Well, she loves to kick back with a movie or two. However, it is her on-track performances over the years that truly stand out.

 

Anavia Battle’s career highlights and achievements

The American sprinter is showing her worth on the track. In fact, competing against athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson and Shericka Jackson and also defeating them shows her talent. Additionally, Battle has her personal best in many events: 100 m with 11.17, 200m with 21.95, and 60m indoors with 7.24.

 

 

So far, Anavia has represented her university or country at every level, be it the Olympics or NCAA Outdoor Championships. This Michigan native participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and was placed 16th in the overall event. Other career achievements include the 2020 U.S.

Olympic Team Trials, where she was placed third in the event. Then, in 2021, she grabbed another bronze at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 200m, representing Ohio State University. Back in 2018, she finished fifth in the 200m and eighth in the 100m at the USATF U20 Championships.

 

As per the Ohio State official website, she has a total of 21 title wins between the 100m and 200m dashes during her senior year. Battle’s win includes an undefeated 11-0 record in the 100m dash. And if we rewind a few years back, she was a gold medalist at the Midwest Meet of Champions in 2017 with a time of 11.93 in the 100 m dash.

 

 

Anavia Battle sets a new meet record, defeating Shericka Jackson to win 200 m of the 2025 Diamond League

After defeating Shericka Jackson, per the Diamond League portal, Anavia Battle said, “This is my opener. I was so nervous because I had not run a 200 yet, but I am happy I did it here. Really good competition. It had a really good feel. It was great.

That 15-hour flight hurt, but I had to suck it up and get out here and compete.” She further added, “Me and my coach have been working on the first half of the race for my 100 m so I feel like that has helped a lot. We are going to Shanghai next. Get some rest before Shanghai. Then back home.”

 

Though Shericka Jackson started well, her opponent, Anavia Battle, faded in her race, and with 80m remaining, Anavia Battle kicked as the pack reached the finishing straight and started to break away. The Jamaican kept her second place through to the finish line ahead of another American competitor, Jenna Prandini, although she realized she would not be able to match Battle, who set a meeting record of 22.41 seconds.

 

 

 

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Indeed, it was a great achievement for Battle to defeat the two-time world champion. And this is not the first time, she has already caused a stir at the Shanghai Diamond League meet in 2024. Battle was placed second in the 200-meter event, surpassing sprinting star Sha’Carri Richardson.

 

With winning races, Anavia Battle is moving towards a bright future. What do you think about the story of American sprinter Anavia Battle? Do tell us in the comments below.

 

 

 

Omanyala, who holds the African record in the men’s 100m, clocked 10.13 seconds in a highly competitive race. South Africa’s Akani Simbine emerged victorious with a commanding time of 9.99 seconds.

 

Akani Simbine Reveals ‘Unfortunate’ Occurrence Prior to Winning 100m in Xiamen

Letsile Tebogo Vows Key Fix Following Dissapointing 100m Xiamen Diamond League Showing

This event marked the second clash between Omanyala and Simbine this year.

 

“For sure my expectation was to win the race, but the second place is not bad. I was inspired by Simbine during the race. I just go ahead and take it easy. I hope I can just get better and better. Egret stadium is a really good stadium and I’m impressed,” Omanyala said in an interview with Diamond League.

 

“This is my first time to be here. I really enjoy it. Everything is perfect. I’m hoping to come back next year. I really appreciate it.”

 

 

Julien Alfred endures grueling training under Coach Floreal, building strength and resilience, leading to major victories and redefining sprinting success.

Reigning Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred has been put through the wringer this season under the intense training regime crafted by Texas Longhorns coach Edrick Floreal.

 

The 23-year-old Saint Lucian sprint sensation has been pushed far outside her comfort zone — and it’s already paying off.

 

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Despite enduring brutal training sessions and stepping into longer, grueling races unfamiliar to her primary skillset, Alfred has kept her faith in the process.

 

“Even though it hurts a lot, I trust him and what he has for me,” Alfred shared as per Essentially Sports.

 

Floreal’s methods have seen Alfred compete in distances many thought were too demanding for a pure sprinter.

 

Starting her season with a bang, Alfred shattered the national record in the 300m Short Track at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston with a blazing 36.16 seconds.

 

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Just days later, she smashed another record, clocking 52.97 seconds in the 400m Short Track at the Clemson Tiger Paw Invitational.

 

The highlight so far? Beating five-time Olympic gold medalist Shericka Jackson at the 2025 Miramar Invitational 300m race, with a stunning 36.05-second run compared to Jackson’s 36.24.

 

American sprinting legend Justin Gatlin recently defended Floreal’s controversial approach on the Ready Set Go podcast.

 

“I love what Coach Flo is putting together for her,” Gatlin said.

 

“[She’s] working up volume and…coming down and using the professional ranks. You do a lot of volume and you shroud it in secret. You do it in practice, right? And then you start coming down and then you go into your respectable discipline…of a 200 or 100.”

 

 

Agnes Ngetich Breaks Women’s-Only 10km World Record in Germany

For Gatlin, watching short sprinters like Alfred and Dina Asher-Smith take on 300m and 400m races multiple times a season isn’t just a gamble—it’s a smart evolution.

 

“You can see the progression, you can see the strength and you see the speed start to come into effect,” he added.

 

Indeed, Julien Alfred’s growth has been remarkable and her breakthrough did not just happen by chance. It was fueled by heartbreak too—specifically her emotional fourth-place finish at last year’s World Championships in Budapest.

 

“I have to give thanks to my coach. I think he is my spine and my rock. He has been with me through the highs and the lows. After Worlds last year, I cried on his shoulder so much, and I just want to thank him for this, having my back throughout and the times where I felt like giving up on myself,” she said.

 

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London Marathon: Time and Where to Watch as Eliud Kipchoge, Vivian Cheruiyot Eye Historic Wins

Alfred’s focus stayed on the people who carried her through the storms.

 

“I really wanted it for myself and am also so happy to have such an amazing group around me, most importantly, my coach is everything to me, and I would not be here without him,” she said.

 

 

 

Lachie Kennedy performed well against elite sprinters

Beat Olympic 200m champ and narrowly missed podium

Rising Australian sprint star Lachlan Kennedy has proven he’s the real deal by finishing a creditable fifth in the 100m on his Diamond League debut in the Chinese city of Xiamen.

 

Kennedy came into the opening Diamond League meet of 2025 in career-best form, having claimed silver in the 60m at last month’s world indoors in Nanjing.

 

He also moved to second on the Australian 100m all-time list with a run of 10.00 seconds at the national championships in Perth in early April.

 

The 21-year-old held his own against a world-class field on Saturday night in Xiamen, crossing the line in fifth spot in 10.18.

 

South African Akani Simbine was the runaway winner in 9.99 ahead of Kenyan Ferdinand Omanyala (10.13), Britain’s Jeremiah Azu, US star Christian Coleman and Kennedy.

 

Only seven-hundredths of a second separated the next six runners across the line behind Simbine.

 

Sprinter Lachie Kennedy has made a sensational Diamond League debut

Sprinter Lachie Kennedy has made a sensational Diamond League debut

The Aussie star impressed many as he finished the 100m final in fifth – and very close to a podium finish

The Aussie star impressed many as he finished the 100m final in fifth – and very close to a podium finish

 

 

Kennedy bested Letsile Tebogo, who won gold at the Paris Games last year in the 200m. The superstar sprinter is better over the 200m, but Kennedy will still be elated by the feat.

 

Athletics fans were very impressed by Kennedy’s run.

 

‘Hardly anyone had heard of Lachie Kennedy five months ago and now he’s a contender at top level,’ posted one X user.

 

‘Kennedy oh so close to the podium. Great run after a busy start to 2025,’ posted another.

 

Much-improved Australian Liam Adcock was a close second behind local favourite Zhang Mingkun in the men’s long jump.

 

World indoors bronze medallist Adcock (8.15m) looked the likely winner for much of the night, only for Zhang to claim victory with a leap of 8.18m in the penultimate round.

 

Australians Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers (both 1.94m) finished second and third respectively behind Paris Olympics gold medallist and world record-holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh in the women’s high jump.

 

The Ukrainian superstar claimed the win with a first-attempt clearance at 1.97m, before having three unsuccessful cracks at 2.03m.

 

The 21-year-old held his own against a world-class field on Saturday night

The 21-year-old held his own against a world-class field on Saturday night

Mahuchikh, Olyslagers and Patterson won gold, silver and bronze respectively at last year’s Olympics.

 

Australian Abbey Caldwell broke the Oceania record in the non-championship women’s 1000m with a time of 2:32.94.

 

Caldwell was second behind legendary Kenyan Faith Kipyegon, with another Australian, Sarah Billings, in third spot in 2:33.45.

 

Kipyegon clocked 2:29.21 to come within striking distance of Svetlana Masterkova’s world record of 2:28.98 set in 1996.

 

Rose Davies broke her own Australian women’s 5000m record, clocking 14 minutes 40.83 seconds when finishing ninth in a race won by Paris Olympics 5000m and 10,000m gold medallist Beatrice Chebet from Kenya in 14:27.12.

 

Davies’ previous national mark of 14:41.65 was set last year in Tokyo.

 

Norwegian star Karsten Warholm improved on his unofficial world record in the 300m hurdles, clocking 33.05sec.

 

Warholm shaved 0.21 off his previous mark set in Oslo in 2021, the same year he set the 400m hurdles world record.

 

While not an Olympic event, 300m hurdles will soon become an official world-record discipline, World Athletics recently announced.

 

American Anavia Battle was a surprise winner of the women’s 200m in 22.41, ahead of gun Jamaican Shericka Jackson (22.79).

 

Jackson is the second fastest woman ever over 200m, but missed last year’s Olympics due to injury.

 

Akani Simbine Reveals ‘Unfortunate’ Occurrence Prior to Winning 100m in Xiamen

 

Akani Simbine reigned supreme in Xiamen but it was not all smooth sailing. Find out what happened.

Akani Simbine won the the first Diamond League men’s 100m race of the season in China on April 26.

 

The South African cut the tape in 9.99 seconds at the Egret Stadium, rocketing over the line by finishing well clear of Ferdinand Omanyala who took the runner-up spot in 10.13 while British sprinter Jeremiah Azu completed the podium in 10.17 seconds.

 

Despite this achievement, Simbine, who was South Africa’s flag bearer at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, revealed the unusual thing that happened midway the race.

 

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How New Balance Spikes Helped Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Break Own 400-Meter Hurdle World Record at Paris Olympics

What happened?

Akani Simbine Reveals ‘Unfortunate’ Occurrence Prior to Winning 100m in Xiamen

Akani Simbine. Photo. Imago

“The race felt good. I stumbled a bit after the 60 so I had to catch myself, but what happened to catch the wind while catching the win. Keep going with the momentum I have now going back to the basics,” Simbine told IOL.

 

Simbine, who finally won an Olympic silver medal as part of South Africa’s 4 x100m relay team in Paris, maintained that despite the setback, his focus was clear and he only willing to accomplish his mission.

 

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Sabastian Sawe Gives Kenya Another London Title as Marathon Legend Kipchoge Stumbles

“I think if the conditions are good and we have a favourable wind to us. If everything is primed for us to run fast, we run fast,” he added.

 

Simbine, 31, reiterated that his win was priceless considering that he had to dig dip to sail to victory.

 

“I’m happy with putting the race together as I said before and getting the win.”

 

Simbine will remain in China for next Saturday’s second Diamond League meeting in Shanghai.

 

Akani Simbine achievements

Akani Simbine Reveals ‘Unfortunate’ Occurrence Prior to Winning 100m in Xiamen

Akani Simbine

Simbine is a three-time African Champion. He anchored South Africa to gold at the 2021 World Relays. Simbine has finished inside the top 5 in the last four major championship 100m races, including 4th at the 2019 World Championships and 2020 Summer Olympics missing out on the bronze medal to Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse.

 

 

The Diamond League season kicked off with fireworks in Xiamen, and it was Akani Simbine who set the tone in electrifying fashion. In a field loaded with heavyweights, the South African sprint star refused to back down, storming to victory in the first 100m final of the season.

Going up against fierce competition, including Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo, Simbine showed that experience, composure, and raw speed still rule the day when it matters most. But what about Tebogo?

 

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Well, Letsile Tebogo approached the Xiamen stage expecting a fresh start, but the night unfolded differently than he had hoped. Despite being one of the most hyped names on the start line, the Botswana star struggled to find his usual rhythm, ultimately fading to seventh place in the race. It was a tough pill to swallow for the Olympic 200m champion, who has been under the microscope ever since his early-season stumble in Pretoria. Still, after a disappointing finish, Tebogo didn’t shy away from facing the moment head-on.

 

In an interview with CITIUS MAG, Letsile Tebogo didn’t hide from the hard truths. In the YouTube video highlighting the reason behind the loss, the young sprinter offered a candid breakdown of what went wrong in Xiamen. “I mean, excited, good… long travels and everything, but I hate how I did today,” he admitted, reflecting the mix of anticipation and frustration he carried into the race.

 

 

 

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While he didn’t immediately catch the times flashing on the board, he still saw the bigger picture. “I believe it’s a great season opener for us,” Tebogo added, showing the kind of perspective that only comes from athletes with their eyes set on the long road ahead. Despite the sting of finishing seventh, Tebogo wasn’t making excuses. He spoke with the calm resolve of someone already planning his next move.

 

 

Absolutely, it’s a phenomenal feat regardless of the wind

 

No, the wind assistance makes it less impressive

 

Maybe, but let’s see him do it under legal conditions

 

I’m not sure, but it’s exciting to watch

 

With the UIL Outdoor Championships approaching, do you believe Brayden Williams will break the 10-second barrier legally?

 

Yes, he’s got the talent to do it

 

No, the wind played too big a role

 

Maybe, but it will be tough

 

I don’t care as long as he puts on a good show

 

Want to dive deeper?

Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.

 

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“For the weeks ahead, I’m just going to go back for… not really training, just to correct a few things that I’ve seen during the race that really, really, really, really are missing,” he said, emphasizing that even small errors can snowball at the highest level of competition. For a sprinter known for electrifying bursts, it was clear: a few minor missteps made a major difference on the scoreboard.

 

When you look at the full rundown of the race. Simbine blazing to a 9.99s, Ferdinand Omanyala chasing in at 10.13s, and even Jeremiah Azu grabbing third with a 10.17s. It’s easy to see how brutal the margins were. Tebogo’s 10.20s was a season’s best, but it wasn’t enough against a field this stacked.

 

Yet, he’s already looking ahead with optimism. “I believe the next one will be more amazing, and it will be great,” he said with a smile. If there’s one thing we know about Letsile Tebogo, it’s that you can count him down, but never out.

 

Letsile Tebogo’s journey of triumph and ambition

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Letsile Tebogo has become nothing short of a national treasure in Botswana and a global force on the track. His jaw-dropping 19.46-second sprint in the 200 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics didn’t just earn him a gold medal; it shook the world.

 

Tebogo’s victory set an African record and delivered Botswana its first-ever Olympic gold, sparking celebrations so massive that August 9 was declared a national holiday.

 

As a token of gratitude, the government even gifted him two houses, sealing his place as the pride of the nation. Tebogo has built his greatness in more than just one golden moment. He’s been on a record-shattering spree, clocking 9.86 in the 100m and an unprecedented 30.69 in the 300m. The fastest time ever recorded for that distance. With every meet, he hasn’t just chased records; he’s rewritten them.

 

 

 

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In the process, he has also challenged established giants like Noah Lyles. His dominance earned him the 2024 World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year title. A well-deserved recognition for someone who is redefining what’s possible for sprinters from emerging nations. Yet, even for icons, the path isn’t always smooth. Heading into the 2025 season, Tebogo took a bold gamble by stepping up to the 400m at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne.

 

“I will be stepping up to the challenge of the 400m. Starting the season with this long-distance challenge will set the stage for what’s ahead,” he said with trademark confidence. But the result fell flat even in 100m, triggering waves of doubt among fans used to seeing him dominate. Tebogo’s heart and hunger will drive him to rise even higher after this stumble, with his best chapters still to come.

 

 

 

 

Gorczyńska for Diamond League

Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet triumphed in her distance duel with Gudaf Tesgay, Mondo Duplantis won the pole vault and Shericka Jackson finished second on her return to the track as the 2025 Diamond League season got underway on Saturday.

 

Sweden’s Duplantis was the headline act at the Egret Stadium but there was to be no repeat of his record-breaking feats in Xiamen last year as he failed with three attempts at 6.01 metres to win with a jump of 5.92, well short of his world mark of 6.24.

 

With five months until the season peaks at the world championships in Tokyo in September, many athletes are still testing their bodies in competition after winter training.

 

Chebet was delighted with how she came through her race against world record holder Tesgay and nine other Ethiopians in the women’s 5 000m after pulling away down the home straight to win in 14 minutes and 27.12 seconds.

 

“The season is still new and I was not sure where the body is so I just thought I’d try to push because there were a lot of Ethiopians there,” she said.

 

“Thank God I was able to run good, my speed is still there, my 200 reaction is still there, so I’ll go back home and do more training and focus on the world championships.”

 

South African Akani Simbine and American Anavia Battle confirmed their fine early season form with victories in the showcase sprint races.

 

Simbine leads the world in the 100m so far this year and he powered to victory in 9.99 seconds ahead of Kenyan Ferdinand Omanyala (10.13) and world indoor sprint champion Jeremiah Azu of Briton (10.17).

 

Battle, the only woman to run under 11 seconds in the 100m this season, scorched off the bend to beat world champion Jackson into second place in the women’s 200m in 22.41.

 

Jamaican Jackson, who clocked 22.79 with American Jenna Prandini third in 22.97, was happy with her first outing of the year in the event she dominated for two years until a leg injury ended her 2024 season before the Olympics.

 

“I just wanted to finish healthy and I’m healthy so I’m good,” she said. “I think I did pretty good tonight.”

 

KIPYEGON FALLS SHORT

 

Chebet’s compatriot and triple Olympic 1 500 champion Faith Kipyegon comfortably won the 1 000m but once again fell short of claiming the world record when she crossed the line in 2:29.21.

 

Ethiopian Samuel Firewu handed twice Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali a rare defeat in the 3 000m steeplechase, holding off the Moroccan after stumbling on the final hurdle to win in 8.05.61

 

Bayapo Ndori of Botswana won the men’s 400m in 44.25 seconds, while American Cordell Tinch stormed home to win the 110m hurdles in 13.06 seconds as Olympic champion Grant Holloway pulled up and finished last.

 

Karsten Warholm, the world record holder in the 400m hurdles, later lowered his own world best with a dominant win in 33.05 seconds in the 300m hurdles, an event only ratified by World Athletics in March.

 

Jamaican Danielle Williams, who will be going for a third world title in September, surged ahead of American Grace Stark off the final barrier to win the women’s high hurdles in 12.53 seconds.

 

There were no surprises in the women’s high jump as Ukraine’s Olympic and world champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh ran out of rivals at 1.97m, well short of her world record of 2.10.

 

Dutchwoman Jessica Schilder threw 20.47m with her opening effort to win the shot put ahead of world champion Chase Jackson, while American Valarie Allman took discus honours with a throw of 68.95m.

 

There was also Chinese success for the crowd to cheer when Zhang Mingkun won the men’s long jump ahead of Australian Liam Adcock with a leap of 8.18m.