3000m women: Dibaba against the best middle and long-distance runners
The world’s fastest middle- and long-distance runners will meet for a trial of strength in the 3000m. The race will most likely feature the strongest field of all times, as the entry list includes world championship medal contenders for the 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, and the 3000m SC.
1500m world record holder Genzebe Dibaba (ETH) will clearly play a leading part in the illustrious line-up. It will be her first IAAF Diamond League appearance after her sensational run in Monaco (3:50.07). In Zurich, the Ethiopian, who won her last eight races, will also be able to secure this year’s Diamond Trophy. And before returning to Europe, Dibaba will attempt to win two titles at the world championships in Beijing (1500 m/5000 m). Her fellow countrywoman and current leader in the 5000m Almaz Ayana (ETH), 2011 double world champion Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot (KEN), 2013 world championship silver medallist Mercy Cherono (KEN), and former 1500m world champion and Weltklasse Zürich 2014 winner Jennifer Simpson (USA) will all challenge Dibaba in the post-world championship clash in Zurich.
Pole vault women with the seven leading vaulters and local stars Nicole Büchler and Angelica Moser
Two local heroes will compete against the seven best pole vaulters of the world – an exciting scenario for the fans in Zurich. The list of the athletes confirmed for the competition includes current world leader Yarisley Silva (CUB), Olympic champion and world indoor record holder Jennifer Suhr (USA), 2011 world champion Fabiana Murer (BRA), as well as the German record holder Silke Spiegelburg (GER). Switzerland’s Nicole Büchler, who – with a new personal best of 4.71m – ranks among the top ten athletes herself, would like to repeat her success of last year, when she broke the national record (4.67m) and contributed a wonderful highlight to the meeting. And 17-year-old European junior champion Angelica Moser will make an early debut at Weltklasse Zürich this year.
400mh women: Hejnova, Petersen, Child – Europe’s hurdling elite determined to shine
Several athletes dominate the 400m h this year. And the fastest eight season’s bests are all within the range of 0.5 seconds. The race in Zurich seems wide open and will no doubt represent a gripping showdown after Beijing. The event’s key players will include Zuzanna Hejnova (CZE), world champion in 2013, reigning European champion Eilidh Child (GBR), and this season’s new star Sara Slott Petersen (DEN). And both Cassandra Tate (USA) and Kaliese Spencer (JAM) are contenders for the podium – in Beijing and in Zurich.
