The upcoming highlight of the 2025 track and field season is the World Athletics Championships beginning on Sept. 13 in Tokyo. Before the top athletes convene in Japan, they are engaged in the battle for the Diamond League championship across Europe over the next ten days.
The Diamond League serves as the elite professional tour of track and field sports. Throughout April to late summer, athletes earn points based on their performances in the 14 regular-season meets they participate in. The top point earners in each discipline secure a spot in the Final, where a winner-takes-all competition determines the Diamond League champion. Winners are awarded a prestigious trophy, significant cash prize, and an automatic entry into the world championships.
With two regular-season events remaining before the Final on August 27 and 28 in Zurich, the top performers in each field event and track race categories ranging from 100m to 800m are set to compete. Additionally, the 1,500m and longer races will have the top ten athletes, along with a wild card entry for each event. In case of tied points, the spot is awarded to the athlete with the best season performance.
A substantial prize pool of $2.24 million US awaits competitors at the Final, with winners in selected events receiving $50,000 each, while other champions earn $30,000 apiece.
Last year’s Final saw Canadian shot putter Sarah Mitton claim her first Diamond League title after a disappointing finish at the Paris Olympics. Two other Canadians, 800m runner Marco Arop and pole vaulter Alysha Newman, secured third-place finishes after their podium success at the Paris Olympics.
As the final two regular-season meets approach in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Brussels, Sarah Mitton is the only Canadian athlete confirmed for the Final. Marco Arop, the reigning men’s 800m world champion, currently stands at 10th place and needs at least three points to secure a spot in the top eight for an automatic berth in the Final.
Arop will be facing his Kenyan rival Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who clinched the Olympic gold in Paris and is pursuing his third consecutive Diamond League title. Meanwhile, other Canadian athletes are gearing up for their competitions in Lausanne and the upcoming events in Brussels.
The Lausanne meet will feature the men’s 100m event, where Olympic champion Noah Lyles will compete against Diamond League leader Akani Simbine. Spectators can catch the action live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.
In the men’s 200m standings, Aaron Brown from Canada currently holds the eighth position, while other Canadian athletes are striving to secure spots in the Final across various events. Reigning champions Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg continue to showcase strong performances in the hammer throw category.
In the upcoming Brussels meet, Canadian shot putter Sarah Mitton will face tough competition in preparation for the Final and world championships. The event organizers are promoting the women’s 100m race as the highlight, featuring top athletes like Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Viewers can watch the Brussels meet live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.