Stockholm: Five Things To Look Out For

Adams returns

With five Diamond Trophies and 35 victories on the circuit, there are few athletes who have had anywhere near the level of Diamond League success that Valerie Adams has enjoyed over the years. The veteran New Zealand shot putter makes her first appearance in the series since 2018 on Sunday, as she takes on the likes of Aliona Dubitskaya, Chase Ealy and Auriol Dongmo. Though 36 years of age, Adams is still very much a force to be reckoned with, and has been in ominous form so far this year. Her 19.65 in Auckland last February was her furthest throw in five years, and only a fool would write her off as a potential title winner this year. 

Duplantis eyeing record

One athlete who might yet end up as decorated as Adams is Mondo Duplantis, who at 21 is already the world record holder and clear favourite for the Diamond Trophy and Olympic gold medal in  the men’s pole vault this year. In Oslo on Thursday, he sailed over six metres while barely breaking a sweat, before making a valiant attempt to break his own world record again at 6.19m. Though he had to make do with 6.01 in the end, Duplantis was bullish after the meet. “I really think I can get that record soon. It will come this season,” he said. Could the Swede do on Sunday what Karsten Warholm did in Oslo, and break it in front of his home crowd?

Long jump double bill

Current Diamond Trophy holder Malaika Mihambo and three-time champion Ivana Spanovic have already given us some enthralling battles on the circuit this year, and they will go head to head again in Oslo in yet another star-studded long jump field. Mihambo is the favourite, but she will also have to outjump the likes of Jazmin Sawyers, Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk and two-time Diamond Trophy winner Tianna Bartoletta. 

Though there are no Diamond League points on offer, the men’s event will also provide ample entertainment, with Juan Miguel Echevarría set to return to the stadium where he leapt a wind-assisted 8.83m in 2018. He will take on world champion Tajay Gayle.

Simmering Cheruiyot

Much of the middle-distance hype this year has been about Jakob Ingebrigtsen, yet while the young Norwegian has been making headlines, reigning world and Diamond League champion Timothy Cheruiyot has been quietly doing what he always does: picking up wins and posting fast times. HIs victory in 3:30.48 in Doha means that he goes into this meeting as the fastest man in the world this year by some distance. In Stockholm, he has another chance to prove that he remains the man to beat. 

Amazing Grace?

Experienced US star Kate Grace bounced back from disappointment at her country’s Olympic trials this week with a maiden Diamond League win in Oslo. “Tonight proved that I am doing things right with my new coach and my new training set up. Things are paying off,” she said after her victory in the 800m. Grace will be back on the track in Stockholm, so could it be two wins in two for the US star? She will have to get past the likes of Laura Muir, Jemma Reekie and Rose Mary Almanza.