One can reflect on this year's Weltklasse meeting and appreciate the superb efforts of many athletes only days after the completion of their events in the World Championships.
Certainly the most memorable moment came when Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva redeemed herself by vaulting a world record 5.06 only a week after her ignominious (and rare) failure in Berlin. Coming at the end of the evening, this spectacular moment-followed by a fireworks display-sent the sellout crowd home in a festive mood.
Five athletes shook off any lingering fatigue and produced world-leading marks for the year.
Included among this quintet were all three of the aspirants who are still alive in the Golden League jackpot race: Isinbayeva with her women's pole vault world record, Kenenisa Bekele in the mens 10000 and Sanya Richards in the women's 400. In addition, Bridgitte Foster-Hylton's world-leading performance in the women's 100 hurdles was needed for her victory in a close race, and Andreas Thorkildsen reached far past the ninety-metre mark with his winning javelin throw.
Usain Bolt showed his ability to captivate a crowd, not just by his dazzling feats on the track but also by his relaxed and appealing persona. The double world and Olympic champion showed what a force he can be, with come-from-behind drama in the late stages of both the men's 100 and the men's 4x100 relay to reap victories and delight the audience.
Also memorable was the loud audience response to the new Swiss record in the men's 4x100 relay.
The next Weltklasse edition in August 2010 will be one of the two final stages of the new IAAF Diamond League. See you next year!
