Weltklasse Zürich at Zurich Main Station has been an exciting prelude to the international meeting at Letzigrund Stadium for many years. On the eve of Weltklasse Zürich, arguably the most spectacular event of the sport takes centre stage. This year, its female stars will catapult themselves to headspinning heights. The best among them will be trying to clear the bar at almost 5 metres.
Star-studded line-up, competition wide open
The line-up is illustrious, the outcome of the competition wide open: Olympic, world, and European champion Katerina Stefanidi (GRE) is the only athlete who won twice in this year’s IAAF Diamond League series, while Sandi Morris (USA), Alysha Newman (CAN), and Anzhelika Sidorova (ANA) each prevailed once. Sidorova is the world leader with a season’s best of 4.86m, but Eliza McCartney (NZL/4.85) and Sandi Morris (4.85) are close on her heels. Stefanidi, IAAF Diamond League champion of the past three years, cleared 4.83 this summer.
The spotlight will be turned on Sandi Morris more than once, this week. The US-American indoor world champion will be an athlete and a musician at this year’s edition of Weltklasse Zürich: Together with sprint star Noah Lyles (USA) and the Swiss band Baba Shrimps, she will be performing “Souvenir”, their official Weltklasse Zürich song, during the closing show at Letzigrund Stadium. Take a listen (here).
Two representatives of the Zurich club
Two members of the Zurich athletics club LCZ will try and challenge their international colleagues: Angelica Moser, currently the country’s strongest pole vaulter continued her series of successful trips to major junior events at the U23 European athletics championships. In six competitions, she claimed six gold medals. Nicole Büchler is the holder of the national record (4.78m) and the first Swiss pole vaulter to have won an IAAF Diamond League competition.
Free admission to standing area at Zurich Main Station arena
At Weltklasse Zürich at Zurich Main Station, commuters and fans will be able to experience the fascinating event from up close on Wednesday 28 August (starting at 5pm). All seats at the temporary arena are sold, but there is still the opportunity to watch the competition from a standing area. Admission is free.
