“The new system will add to the appeal of the Diamond League series and to the magnetism of the two finals in Zurich and Brussels,” said Co-Meeting Director Christoph Joho.
12 Diamond League meetings will serve as qualifying competitions for the two final. Until last summer, athletes collected points at all meetings, including the finals, and the winners of the Diamond Race did not necessarily have to win their event at Weltklasse Zürich or the Memorial Van Damme meeting. As of 2017, collecting points throughout the IAAF Diamond League season will be necessary to qualify for the finals. Just like in international championships, the outcome of the final competition will then determine the IAAF Diamond League overall winner. “The new system creates a clear, comprehensible road to the final. Athletes will now be hunting for a spot in the IAAF Diamond League final,” Co-Meeting Director Andreas Hediger explained.
More excitement, more drama – and more prize money at final competitions
The two finals held at Weltklasse Zürich and Brussel’s Memorial Van Damme will represent the highlight of the IAAF Diamond League season. The new system offers more excitement and more drama: All finalists have the same chance to win, and they can earn a considerably higher amount in prize money: 100 000 US dollars will be awarded in each event, with winners securing 50 000 US dollars. The amount of prize money awarded in Weltklasse Zürich, will increase from 480 000 US dollars to an overall 1.6 million US dollars. All in all, athletes will be able to win 3.2 million dollars in prize money at the two finals in Zurich and Brussels.
Read more on the new IAAF Diamond League format in <link http: www.diamondleague.com news single-news detail iaaf-diamond-league-adopts-championship-style-model external-link-new-window external link in new>the news article.
