Best of Birmingham
The world’s top athletes will be heading to Birmingham for the IAAF World Indoor Championships this week. It is a city that many of them know well, having competed in the Alexander Stadium at the Birmingham Diamond League.
The Birmingham meet has provided us with plenty of highlights over the years, so why not take five minutes to relive some of most sparkling Diamond League moments from Britain’s second city.
2015 – Yego goes big
Three years ago, Julius Yego’s screams echoed across the Midlands as his javelin sailed over the Alexander Stadium. They were screams of delight from the Kenyan, who had pulled out an incredible 91.39m throw. The extraordinary effort saw Yego take eight Diamond Race points, and remains one of only a handful of 90 metre throws in Diamond League history.
2016 – Farah breaks British record
With a home crowd cheering him on with their usual fervour, Mo Farah enjoyed a special moment in Birmingham in 2016, as he broke a 34-year-old British record in the 3000m, coming in at 7:32.62. Farah wouild go on to win Olympic gold in the men’s 5000m later that summer, but would miss out on the Diamond Trophy…at least for another year.
Steeplechase Conseslus Kipruto also had a day to remember in Birmingham that year, running 8:00.12 in what is still his personal best. Agonisingly close to breaking the eight minute barrier, Kipruto broke into a wry smile as he crossed the finish line. It was a dominant season for the Kenyan, who rampaged to the Diamond Trophy.
2017 – Barshim takes the bar
2017 was a brilliant comeback season for Mutaz Essa Barshim, as he won five Diamond League qualifying meetings before regaining the Diamond Trophy in Zurich. The fifth victory was particularly special, as he cleared 2.40m and, in a moment of delirious spontaneity, decided to take the bar home with him.
There was also a tearful farewell for Mo Farah in 2017, as he ran his final ever track race on British soil. Once again winning the 3000m, Farah could not break his own record, but just a week later, he did manage to claim a first ever Diamond Trophy in a dramatic finale in Zürich.
Not a bad trophy to end your track career with, eh @gomofarah? #DLFinal #DiamondTrophy
Where to watch Shanghai 2025
The 2025 Wanda Diamond League season continues in Keqiao, China this Saturday.
The meeting will be streamed in a number of territories on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube page , as well as via broadcasters around the world.
For information on where to watch in your territory, select the country you are in from the dropdown menu.
The list is subject to change. Please consult local TV schedules for definitive information.