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The 2024 Wanda Diamond League opener featured world records, surprising upsets, and standout performances setting the stage for the season.
On Saturday, the 2024 Diamond League launched with a spectacular display of athleticism in Xiamen, China revealing emerging talents and setting high expectations for the season.
From world records to surprising upsets the event was a showcase of drama and excitement.
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22:00 - 20.04.2024
Sha'Carri Richardson speaks out after Xiamen Diamond League setback
Sha'Carri Richardson remains optimistic despite unexpected second-place finish in her season opener at the Xiamen Diamond League.
Here are the five key takeaways from the action-packed opener:
1. Gudaf Tsegay’s near record-breaking run
Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay was undoubtedly the highlight in the women's 1500 meters where she clocked an impressive 3:50.30 catapulting her to third on the world all-time list.
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20:46 - 20.04.2024
'I'm just as capable of winning'- Christian Coleman reacts after beating Fred Kerley in Xiamen
Christian Coleman overcame a slow start to defeat Fred Kerley in the 100m at the Xiamen Diamond League
Tsegay’s performance was a significant personal best narrowing the gap to the record held by Faith Kipyegon. With Kipyegon’s absence due to an earlier withdrawal the track was left wide open for Tsegay to dominate which she did with a compelling mix of strategy and stamina.
Her final lap, a blazing 60.9 seconds, sealed a performance that was both a statement and a warning for her competitors especially with the Paris Olympics on the horizon.
2. Torrie Lewis shocks in the 200 metres
The women's 200 meters was ripe for surprises and 19-year-old Australian Torrie Lewis delivered.
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17:18 - 20.04.2024
Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma breaks new ground with 5000m victory over seasoned Kenyan runners
The steeplechase world record holder triumphed in 5000m at Diamond League beating seasoned long-distance runners.
Lewis, who had never broken 23 seconds before the prelims of last week’s Australian championships, outpaced seasoned sprinters including Sha’Carri Richardson.
Her victory marked the first time an Australian athlete has won a flat sprint event at the Diamond League, signaling her arrival on the global stage.
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15:45 - 20.04.2024
Arop's dramatic finish edges Kinyamal in Wanda Diamond League opener
Marco Arop narrowly won the 800m at the Wanda Diamond League in Xiamen, edging out Wycliffe Kinyamal by 0.05 seconds.
Meanwhile, Richardson, who finished more than a second behind her personal best, will be looking to rebound in the upcoming meets.
3. Subpar sprint times raise eyebrows
The sprint events did not live up to the usual electrifying standards expected at the Diamond League.
The women's 200 meters, won by Lewis in 22.96 seconds, was the slowest in the event's 15-year history.
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15:35 - 20.04.2024
Diamond League debutant shocks Sha'Carri Richardson in stunning 200m victory in Xiamen
Torrie Lewis surprises in 200m, beating Sha'Carri Richardson in her Diamond League debut.
Similarly, the men’s 100 meters saw Christian Coleman narrowly defeating Fred Kerley in times that were far from their best.
This unexpected dip in performance across the sprints has sparked discussions about potential factors, ranging from weather conditions to early season form.
4. Mondo Duplantis continues to soar
Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis was once again in a league of his own in the pole vault.
Clearing 6.24 meters, Duplantis not only won the event but also set the eighth world record of his illustrious career.
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09:55 - 21.04.2024
American sprint great weighs in on Letsile Tebogo's loss to Lindsey Courtney at Kip Keino Classic
Michael Johnson has analysed Letsile Tebogo's upset against America's Lindsey Courtney in 200m race at Kip Keino Classic.
His ability to perform at such a high level consistently, regardless of the occasion, underscores his dominance in the sport and his knack for peaking at the right moments.
5. Girma’s dominance in the 5,000 meters
Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia, primarily known for his prowess in the steeplechase, ventured into the 5,000 meters and left a lasting impression.
Breaking away from the pack with 300 meters to go, Girma secured the win in a respectable 12:58.96, under challenging humid conditions.
This performance poses the question of whether Girma might attempt the challenging steeplechase/5,000m double at the Paris Olympics, although the scheduling makes it a daunting task.
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09:50 - 21.04.2024
Mark Otieno reflects on progress after sixth place finish at Kip Keino Classic
Mark Otieno is on track to beat the Olympic qualifying time after a promising performance at the Kip Keino Classic.
The Xiamen opener has set a high bar for the 2024 Diamond League season, blending record-chasing performances with unexpected plot twists.
As the athletes build towards the Paris Olympics each competition will be crucial in their preparation and pursuit of glory.
Follow us on X (Twitter) for updates.
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