Canadians are in the hunt for Diamond League crowns

The upcoming 2025 track and field season is gearing up for an exciting finale with the World Athletics Championships set to begin on September 13 in Tokyo. But before the world’s top athletes gather in Japan, they will compete for a Diamond League championship in Europe over the next 10 days.

For those unfamiliar, the Diamond League is track and field’s prestigious professional tour. Athletes earn points throughout the season based on their performance in 14 regular-season meets, with the top point-getters in each discipline qualifying for the Final. The Final is a winner-take-all showdown where athletes compete for the Diamond League championship, a fancy trophy, a cash prize, and a wild-card entry for the world championships.

With two regular-season stops remaining before the Final in Zurich on August 27 and 28, athletes are vying for a spot in the prestigious event. The Final will feature the top performers in each field event and track race category, with a total prize money of $2.24 million up for grabs.

Last year, Canadian shot putter Sarah Mitton claimed her first Diamond League title after a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics. She joined a select group of Canadians who have hoisted the Diamond Trophy, including Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, Dylan Armstrong, and Andre De Grasse.

As the final two regular-season meets approach, Canadian 800m runner Marco Arop is on the bubble, needing a strong performance to secure his spot in the Final. Arop will face tough competition from his Kenyan rival Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who is eyeing his third consecutive Diamond League title.

Other Canadians, including Aaron Brown, Audrey Leduc, and Savannah Sutherland, are also looking to secure their spots in the Final. Reigning Olympic and world champions Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg are having exceptional seasons in the hammer throw, although it is not an official Diamond League event.

The upcoming meets in Lausanne and Brussels promise exciting competition, with top athletes battling it out for a chance to compete in the Final. Fans can catch the action live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem, as the athletes gear up for the World Athletics Championships and the pinnacle of the track and field season.