Lausanne: 5 Things To Look Out For

1. The race is on to catch De Grasse (100m M)

Thus far, only Andre De Grasse has managed to book his place in the men’s 100m Final. The queue of athletes looking to join him is a long one, with 20 others having picked up points so far. Lausanne will be an opportunity for those already in the top eight such as Akani Simbine and Ben Youssef Meité to narrow the gap between themselves and De Grasse, and potentially secure qualification. For others, such as Kim Collins, Lausanne is a crucial chance to finally pick up a significant points haul and break into the top eight. 

2. Schippers looking to pin down place in the Final (200m W)

Having picked up 20 points so far this season, Dafne Schippers looks the woman to beat in the women’s 200m. Another victory or finish in the top three would surely see her nail down her place in the Final. Maria-Josée Ta Lou is also running in Lausanne, and has the chance to leapfrog both Elaine Thompson and Murielle Ahouré. The standings after Athletissima could not only look very comfortable for Schippers and Ta Lou, but could also up the pressure on some other big names.

3. Big names look to build on points tally (Shot Put M)

After just one round in the men’s shot put so far, the Road To The Final is still a neck and neck race. Ryan Crouser leads with eight points, and will be looking to pick up a second victory, to possibly secure his place in the final. The likes of Diamond Trophy holder Tom Walsh and David Storl, however, will provide fierce opposition, as both look to consolidate their place in the top eight.

4. Spanovic under pressure in title defence (Long Jump W)

Ivana Spanovic became the first Serbian athlete ever to win the Diamond Trophy last season, and now she is out to defend her title. Having missed the first round, however, Spanovic is yet to pick up any points, and consecutive appearances at Lausanne and London will be crucial. A win at Athletissima would establish her within the top eight and lift some of the pressure ahead of London, but the competition is tough, with the likes of Tianna Bartoletta and Dariya Klishina also competing.

5. First sprint hurdles to qualify? (100mH W)

Nobody has managed to secure their place in the Final in the women’s 100m hurdles as of yet. For Christina Manning and Sharika Nelvis, who are currently level on top of the standings with 10 points, victory could see them put their qualifying position beyond doubt. Jasmin Stowers, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to overtake Diamond Trophy holder Kendra Harrison, while big names such as Nia Ali and Tiffany Porter are in need of a significant points win if they are to break into the top eight.