1. Schippers sneaks into the lead
Dafne Schippers is the name on everyone’s lips ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio, and the Flying Dutchwoman may also have the Diamond Trophy in her sights. Third in the women’s 100m Diamond Race, she was lagging behind in the 200m before a stunning performance in Oslo. A meeting record, Diamond League record and victory saw her take ten points to surge up the rankings and claim first place.
Not just a #DiamondLeague record, not just a MR… @dafneschippers has also taken the lead in the 200m #DiamondRace! pic.twitter.com/ltQ6j0KgzI
— IAAF Diamond League (@Diamond_League) June 9, 2016
2. Lavillenie and Perkovic stay steely
Renaud Lavillenie is chasing a seventh consecutive Diamond Trophy this season, and in the face of unprecedented competition from Shawn Barber and Sam Kendricks, has had to fight so far. That continued in Oslo, where Lavillenie made two fouls on his first height. The legendary Frenchman rallied, however, and beat Barber to take a ten point lead in the Diamond Race. Equally dominant in recent years has been Sandra Perkovic, who was brilliant once again as she took another victory and an 18 point lead.
3. Röhler out for more Zürich joy
The Diamond Trophy proved cathartic for Thomas Röhler two years ago, as he bounced back from disappointment at the European Championships in Zürich to claim the Diamond Trophy in the same city weeks later. He may be on course to do so again after a brilliant display in Oslo put him nine points ahead in the 2016 Diamond Race. With the final set for Zürich again, it could be a happy déjà-vu for the German
4. Brianna rolls into the lead
Last year’s women’s 100m Hurdles was an all-american affair in the Diamond Race, and this season is no different. It was Kendra Harrison who led ahead of the Bislett Games, but that was set to change as Brianna Rollins put in a wonderful performance to take victory and sneak two points ahead of Harrison in the standings. Diamond Trophy holder Dawn Harper Nelson remains in third.
A fine performance from @Bri_Rollin, which sees her take the lead in the #DiamondRace! #OsloDL pic.twitter.com/KWogkBCxxz
— IAAF Diamond League (@Diamond_League) June 9, 2016
5. McPherson on Miller’s tail
Shaunae Miller had established a relatively comfortable lead in the Diamond Race prior to Oslo, but that was blown away at Bislett. The women’s 400m Diamond Race is now a thrilling affair, after Stephanie-Ann McPherson’s victory took her to within a single point of Miller at the top. With Natasha Hastings just four points behind her in third, it is shaping up to be a fine battle for the Diamond Trophy.