Xiamen Diamond League: Five things you need to know before starting gun fires

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Xiamen Diamond League: Five things you need to know before starting gun fires

Festus Chuma 07:00 - 17.04.2024

The Diamond League Xiamen 2024 will mark the season's start and will be featuring top global athletes and crucial early points towards the finale.

The Diamond League Xiamen 2024 will take place April 20 in Xiamen, China, marking the commencement of the highly anticipated 2024 Wanda Diamond League season. 

This prestigious track and field series promises thrilling competitions and standout performances. 

Here are five essential things you need to know about this event:

1. Return to Xiamen and event line-up

After a successful event in 2023, the Diamond League returns to Xiamen, signifying its importance as a host city. 

The Xiamen meet will feature a packed schedule with seven men’s and eight women’s disciplines. Athletes will compete in various events, including sprints, middle-distance races, hurdles, and field events.

 For men, the events include 100 meters, 800 meters, 5,000 meters, 110-meter hurdles, high jump, pole vault, and triple jump. 

Women will compete in the 200 meters, 400 meters, 1,500 meters, 100-meter hurdles, 3,000-meter steeplechase, shot put, discus, and javelin throw.

2. Star athletes to watch

The Xiamen meet will feature several top athletes opening their outdoor seasons. 

Notably, American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson and Jamaican runner Shericka Jackson will headline the 200 meters. 

The men’s 100 meters will see an exciting clash between Fred Kerley and Christian Coleman. 

Additionally, the women’s 400 meters will include world champion Marileidy Paulino, while Olympic gold medalist Hansle Parchment will compete in the 110-meter hurdles.

3. Broadcasting and viewing options

 Fans in the United States can catch all the action live on NBC Sports, which will stream the entire event. 

For viewers in Africa, Supersport will broadcast the event live across several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. 

Moreover, the official Diamond League website provides information on broadcast partners available in different regions, ensuring global coverage.

4. Points and season structure

The Diamond League Xiamen 2024 is just the beginning of a season comprising 15 events, culminating in the final in Belgium. 

Athletes accumulate points based on their performances at each event. 

The top performers will then advance to the final, where they compete for increased prize money and the prestigious Diamond League titles. 

This points system adds a strategic layer to the competition, as athletes must perform consistently well throughout the season to qualify for the final.

5 Athlete’s strategy and preparation

As the first event of the season, athletes use Xiamen as a litmus test for their training and strategic adjustments post-offseason.

Competitors often unveil new techniques or show improvements in their form and fitness. 

Observers and fans can glean insights into what might be expected from these athletes throughout the competitive year and possibly at the Olympics.

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