The top contenders to win the prestigious competition are the new world champion Shawn Barber (Canada) and runner-up Raphael Holzdeppe (Germany). Both were able to clear 5.90 in Beijing last week. And both of them have attempted to break the magical 6m barrier on several occasions this season.
Raphael Holzdeppe ready to try new things
For the German silver medallist of Beijing and 2013 world champion, the event at the largest train station in Switzerland represents an opportunity to get revenge. The 25-year-old athlete is looking forward to the competition: “I have never jumped at a train station before. But I like the idea of trying new things. Zurich is famous for its fantastic crowd, and I hope that the fans at Zurich Main Station will be just as great as they are at Letzigrund Stadium”.
Four medallists of the Beijing world championships
A number of world-class athletes will challenge the two top favourites on the eve of the IAAF Diamond League final event: The Polish jumpers Pawel Wojciechowski and Piotr Lisek, for instance, are in terrific shape: Their 5.80m results in Beijing earned them a bronze medal each. Thus, as many as four pole vault medallists of the recent championships will be competing in Zurich.
High-flying show for fans
At Zurich Main Station, the show and music will play an even bigger role than at Letzigrund Stadium competitions one day later. „The event will focus on one specific discipline of our sport, and the setup allows us to stage the event differently. We intend to treat fans to a wonderful show,“ Meeting Director Christoph Joho explained. To provide them with some extra motivation, athletes will be able to request a song for their competition. “However, despite all additional features, the pole vaulters will be performing at the highest level. The event is an official competition, the arena has been homologated, and any records that might be set will be valid,“ Christoph Joho specified.
Cooly to try personal best
Cooly will of course be part of the event’s cast. The popular mascot will try to improve its personal best of 3m. The result dates back to the European Athletics Championships 2014. This year, Cooly will perform during the athletes’ warm-up between 5pm and 6pm.
All seats sold – free admission to standing area
All seats for the event have been sold. However, visitors and passers-by will have the opportunity to watch the show from up close. Standing areas (free admission) on both sides of the run-up track will enable them to see the action and cheer the athletes.
Weltklasse Zürich Village to open on Tuesday – all-comers‘ pole vault event on Wednesday
The Weltklasse Zürich Village at Zurich Main Station will open its doors on Tuesday, 1 September at 3.30pm. There will be many activities for sports enthusiasts and athletics fans, including an all-comers’ pole vault event on Wednesday (noon-2pm).
Visitors will be able to test their run-up speed and compare it to the results of the top stars. In addition, they will have the opportunity to inspect and hold the athletes’ instrument – the pole. All participants will enjoy a free lunch offered by Migros.
Weltklasse Zürich at Zurich Main Station – Programme of Events
Tuesday, 1 September: Weltklasse Zürich Village (3.30pm – 8pm)
Wednesday, 2 September: Weltklasse Zürich Village (11am – 6pm)
Wednesday, 2 September: All-comers‘ pole vault event (noon – 2pm)
Wednesday, 2 September: Pole vault men (warm-up starting at 5pm; official competition starting at 6pm)
<link http: zurich.diamondleague.com lists_results_2015 external-link-new-window external link in new>Timetable and entry lists
