The third edition of the Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athlétisme in Rabat has concluded, marking the official completion of 20% of the Diamond League season. While the early rounds of this prestigious athletics circuit often struggle to attract the biggest names, the Rabat meet showcased some remarkable performances from both established stars and emerging talents. Valarie Sion claimed her 21st Diamond League victory in the discus throw, while Kenny Bednarek demonstrated his prowess with a commanding 19.69 seconds in the 200m, leaving a formidable field in his wake. Yared Nuguse also shone brightly, securing his fifth career Diamond League victory in the 1500m, a feat that sets him apart as the most successful American distance runner in the competition's history. Hometown favorite Soufiane El Bakkali capped off the event with a spectacular win in the steeplechase, marking his sixth triumph at this venue in nine years, and clocking the second-fastest time of his career.
However, the meet was not without its notable absences. After two victories in China, Shericka Jackson opted out of the 200m, and Masai Russell was a no-show in the non-Diamond League 100m hurdles. The ongoing absence of top athletes like Femke Bol and Keely Hodgkinson has somewhat dulled the excitement in the 400H and 800m events, yet this has opened avenues for other competitors to shine. World champion Collen Kebinatshipi, fresh off a sub-44 performance in Xiamen, was also missing from the 400m, allowing Jacory Patterson to defend his title from the previous year and secure his fourth career Diamond League win.
Critics may view this as a disappointing trend, questioning where all the stars have gone in a year that promises an emphasis on regular-season racing. Nonetheless, the bright side of this situation is that Rabat witnessed a plethora of breakout performances from athletes long overdue for recognition. Over the past two seasons, Emma Zapletalova has made significant strides in her 400m hurdles performance, lowering her personal best from 54.28 seconds to under 53 seconds. The 26-year-old Slovakian secured a bronze medal at the World Championships in Tokyo last September and finished second to Bol at last year's Diamond League final. Until now, however, she had yet to clinch a Diamond League victory. In Rabat, she not only won but did so with an impressive time of 52.82 seconds, decisively beating Anna Cockrell, setting the world lead, and entering the top-20 all-time for her event.
Similarly, Audrey Werro, a promising 800m runner from Switzerland, has often found herself overshadowed by Keely Hodgkinson. Although she secured significant achievements in 2025, including a victory in the Diamond League final in Zurich, she has consistently raced in Hodgkinson's shadow. Werro finished second in two high-stakes indoor races, including a record-setting event in France. However, she has now embarked on her outdoor season with renewed vigor, winning in Rabat with a time of 1:56.56 against formidable competitors like reigning World champion Lilian Odira. Her racing style is characterized by a strong start and an ability to maintain pace, which suits the fast-paced Diamond League format.
In a surprising twist, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the reigning 800m World champion, also faced defeat in Rabat, with Max Burgin taking the victory. The 24-year-old Brit showed remarkable bravery by leading from the start, and despite Wanyonyi's efforts to close the gap, Burgin's early move proved too much to overcome. This win marked Burgin's second career Diamond League victory, his first since his breakout performance in London in 2023. Although he has faced Wanyonyi in eight head-to-head matches, both of his wins have come in Rabat, indicating a strong affinity for this venue.
Lastly, Cambrea Sturgis emerged victorious in the 200m, clocking in at 22.21 seconds. Although pre-race favorite Shaunae Miller-Uibo had a disappointing start and finished fourth, the competition turned out to be between Sturgis and fellow American Kayla White, who came in second with a time of 22.28 seconds. Sturgis, a former NCAA champion, has struggled since turning professional but has shown remarkable improvement this season, finishing in the top two in 11 of her 12 open races. Her recent performances indicate a resurgence, culminating in her first Diamond League victory, arguably the most significant win of her career thus far.
The absence of several elite athletes does not detract from the extraordinary performances witnessed in Rabat; rather, it highlights the talent that has been simmering just beneath the surface. These emerging stars will undoubtedly add new dimensions to the narratives of the season, providing exciting matchups when established competitors like Shericka Jackson and Keely Hodgkinson return. As these winners from Rabat prepare to challenge the best in their respective events, they do so with newfound confidence and the knowledge that they are capable of competing at the highest level.
As reported by citiusmag.com.
