Chebet, Duplantis, Jackson shine in Diamond League opener in China
The 2025 Diamond League season kicked off in Xiamen, China with some thrilling performances from top athletes around the world. Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet emerged victorious in a thrilling distance duel with Gudaf Tesgay, while Mondo Duplantis claimed the pole vault title. Shericka Jackson made a successful return to the track, finishing second in her event.
Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter, fell short of his record-breaking form from last year as he won with a jump of 5.92 meters, failing to clear 6.01 meters. Chebet showcased her speed and strength in the women’s 5,000m, outpacing a strong Ethiopian field to cross the finish line in 14 minutes and 27.12 seconds.
South African sprinter Akani Simbine continued his early season dominance in the 100m, clocking 9.99 seconds to claim victory. Anavia Battle, the standout performer in the women’s 100m, blazed to a win in the 200m in 22.41 seconds, beating world champion Jackson.
Faith Kipyegon, the triple Olympic 1,500m champion, comfortably won the 1,000m event but fell short of the world record. Ethiopian Samuel Firewu triumphed in the 3,000m steeplechase, while Bayapo Ndori of Botswana and American Cordell Tinch secured wins in the men’s 400m and 110m hurdles, respectively.
Karsten Warholm, the world record holder in the 400m hurdles, set a new world best in the 300m hurdles event. Jamaican Danielle Williams and Ukrainian Yaroslava Mahuchikh were victorious in the high hurdles and high jump, respectively.
Canadian shot put star Sarah Mitton had a disappointing start to her Diamond League season, finishing fifth in Xiamen. Dutchwoman Jessica Schilder and American Valarie Allman claimed victories in the shot put and discus events, respectively.
The 2025 Diamond League season promises to be an exciting one as athletes continue to fine-tune their form ahead of the world championships in Tokyo in September. The competition in Xiamen showcased the talent and determination of the world’s best athletes as they strive for excellence on the track and field.
