The Diamond League season kicked off in Shanghai with thrilling performances, as Swedish pole vault star Mondo Duplantis and Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson claimed victories in their respective events.
Duplantis Dominates Pole Vault
Mondo Duplantis, the reigning world record holder, easily won the men's pole vault but fell short in his attempt to set a 17th world record. After clearing 6.12 metres to secure the victory, he attempted 6.32 metres, one centimetre higher than his current world record set in March. However, his first two attempts saw him knock the bar off, and his third attempt fell well short. His closest competitor, Kurtis Marschall of Australia, finished after clearing 5.80 metres.
"The attempt at the world record was okay, I wish I could improve the run-up, the approach, speed and energy and then it will be good," Duplantis commented.
Leotlela Wins Men's 100m
In the men's 100 metres, South Africa's Gift Leotlela emerged victorious in a photo finish, clocking 9.97 seconds. He edged out Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala and American Kenny Bednarek, a two-time Olympic 200m medallist. This marked Leotlela's first Diamond League win. "It means a lot... I had a decent start, not great. I just tried to keep my composure, stay in my rhythm and stay strong," said the 28-year-old, who finished fifth in last year's World Championships.
Jackson Triumphs in Women's 200m
Jamaica's Shericka Jackson dominated the women's 200 metres, outrunning Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo, a two-time Olympic 400m champion. American Anavia Battle finished third, ahead of fellow American Sha'Carri Richardson, who took silver in the 100m at the Paris Games. Great Britain's Amy Hunt finished fifth.
Other Highlights
American Olympic champion Masai Russell won the women's 100m hurdles with a world-leading time of 12.25 seconds. In the men's 110m hurdles, world champion Cordell Tinch was defeated by fellow American Jamal Britt. The Netherlands' Jessica Schilder impressed in the women's shot put with a 21.09-metre throw, finishing ahead of twice world champion Chase Jackson. Ireland's Mark English won the men's 800m in a tightly contested finish, edging out Kethobogile Haingura and Brandon Miller. Kenya's Faith Kipyegon comfortably won the women's 5000m in 14 minutes and 24.14 seconds, the best time of the year. "I feel so good, it was a good race. A positive season opener," said Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic 1500m champion who also took silver in the 5000m at the Paris Games. "I'm going to continue to do both 1500m and 5000m... I just want to be the best version of myself and see how I perform."
