For the first time in the history of the shot put event at the unusual venue in the Zurich city centre, the men’s and the women’s Samsung Diamond League final events will be staged on the same occasion. Even though New Zealander Valerie Adams has already secured her victory in the Diamond Race, the two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion has prepared her stop at the largest train station of Switzerland carefully: After all, since she has been staying in Magglingen for quite some time, she regards her Swiss fans as her home crowd.
Adams’ last defeat dates back to 2010, when she placed second – at Zurich Main Station. In the 28 competitions that followed, the athlete, who works with the Swiss coach Jean-Pierre Egger, remained unbeaten. Her results in Lausanne and Lucerne indicate that living and training in Switzerland seem to work out perfectly for her. The Athletissima meeting record of 20.95m even earned her the necessary points to win the Diamond Race even before the last event of the series. Will Adams be able to excel again?
Post-Olympic showdown
At the Olympic Games, a mere three centimetres separated two-time Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski (POL, 21.89m) and world champion David Storl (GER, 21.86m). The two of them will meet again in the shot put arena set up at Zurich Main Station. They will be challenged by Reese Hoffa (USA). The Olympic bronze medallist and current overall leader in this year’s series will need a third place to win the Diamond Race. But he will no doubt try to claim the top of the podium this time around.
A young Swiss talent sharing the arena with the superstars
18-year-old Swiss talent Gregori Ott will be in the competition for the second time. He became a crowd favourite during his first appearance last year, throwing a U18 national record (20.00m; 5kg shot). Instead of the regular 7.26kg shot, he will use a 6kg shot this year, trying be to break his own U20 record of 17.51m. “It’s such an honour to be part of this extraordinary event again,” the young athlete commented. He will be cheered on by the crowd – and by the superstars of his event.
Weltklasse Zürich at Zurich Main Station (Wednesday, 29 August)
Noon to 2 p.m. All-comers shot put event (presented by Radio 24 and Migros)
5 p.m. Warm-up women, presentation of athletes
5.30 p.m. Samsung Diamond League final event, shot put women
6.15 p.m. Award ceremony women
6.30 p.m. Warm-up ment, presentation of athletes
7 p.m. Samsung Diamond League final event, shot put men
8.15 p.m.: Award ceremony men, closing show
28 August, 2012
