In a normal year the diamond league is the most hyped track and field meets. In an Olympic year you’d think so athletes would opt out of the diamond league so they can fully prepare for Tokyo. But with people chasing the Olympic qualifying standard and getting the opportunity to race against the best in the World, you can see why the field for the Gateshead Diamond league on the 23rd of May, is so stacked.
The athletes competing add up to; 112 Olympic and World medals, 10 Reigning Olympic and World champions, 156 European, Commonwealth, World & European Indoor medals, as well as 4 Reigning Paralympic champions in the sprint races. *Insert fire Emoji*
The Line Ups – Gateshead diamond league 2021
Women’s High Jump
The best field we have seen in a long time. Probably the 3 favourites for the Medal’s in Tokyo are competing. This includes; Mariya Lasitskene, Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Yuliya Levchenko. I’m honestly expecting the World record to be broken within the next few years for this event.
Men’s Pole Vault
Armand Duplantis is obviously the clear favourite in this event, but strong competition includes Sam Kendricks and Piotr Lisek.
Women’s 100m
Well, this is essentially the Women’s Olympic final with; Dina Asher-Smith, Ajla Del Ponte, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Blessing Okagbare, SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON!!!, Marie-Josee Ta Lou and Elaine Thompson all competing. Again, within the next few years I’m expecting the WR to be broken by Sha’carri Richardson, which would be absolutely ridiculous.
Men’s 1500m
The race I’m most excited about! First of all I’m intrigued to see how in form Oliver Hoare does against a World class field. But of course I am Most excited to see Jakob Ingebrigtsen race. Even though he is the only sub 3:30 runner in the field, it will be interesting to see if he goes for a time or decides to race for the win. Either way, whenever an Ingebrigtsen steps on the track, it’s usually the most hyped race of the day.
There’s a strong British representation in this with; Piers Copeland, Archie Davis & George Mills all competing. It’ll be interesting to see if the younger generation can run the times to challenge the likes of Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman and content for the Tokyo Olympics spots.
Men’s 5000m
Even though there’s sadly no Ugandan in the race, from a European distance running standpoint the field is Phenomenal.
British runners; Andy Butchart, Adam Clarke, Jonathan Davies, Jake Rowe and Jake Smith are all competing. With the likes of Jimmy Gressier, Mike Foppen, Henrik Ingebrigtsen and Ouassim Oumaiz featured as well. The favourite in the race has to be Nicholas Kimeli who has a personal best of 12:51.
Men’s 200m
An interesting line up, featuring yet again potential medalist for Tokyo. Andrea, De grasse has to be the favourite going into the event, but a usual strong starter Adam Gemili will be tough to beat if he manages to stay strong down the home straight.
Women’s 1500m
Yet another World class lineup. Probable favourite for the race will be Laura Muir, but she will be pushed by the likes of Jenny Simpson, Rababe Arafi, Winnie Nanyondo and in form Katie Snowden to name a few. Also it’s great to see another young British talent in Erin Wallace competing on a big stage.
We assume you will be able to watch via the World athletics youtube channel, but stay updated with our Instagram @trackstaa, as more information is announced.
Full schedule click here