Rabat

Rabat Hosts Elite Athletes for the 2026 Diamond League

PUBLISHED May 29, 2026

The vibrant city of Rabat is set to welcome some of the world's finest athletes this Sunday, May 31, as it hosts the third leg of the 2026 Diamond League. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex will serve as the backdrop for the international return of top French athletes Agathe Guillemot, Azeddine Habz, Marie-Julie Bonnin, Gabriel Tual, and Anaïs Bourgoin, among others, following successful events in Shanghai and Xiamen.

French Athletes to Shine in Rabat

The summer athletics season has commenced with great enthusiasm, and while many elite competitors have yet to make their initial appearances on the track, we can expect a number of them to showcase their talents in Rabat. The evening promises to be filled with thrilling races, high jumps, and impressive throws, so mark your calendars for a night of exceptional athleticism.

A total of twelve French athletes will participate in this prestigious event, and their performances will be closely monitored, especially with the European Championships in Birmingham just a little over two months away, scheduled from August 10 to 16, 2026. Notably, Agathe Guillemot will return to her preferred distance in the women's 1500m, aiming to capitalize on her status as the French record holder (3:56.69) and a bronze medalist from the European Championships in Rome. With her eyes set on a podium finish, Guillemot will face formidable competition, including compatriot Bérénice Cleyet-Merle and Ethiopia's double indoor world champion Freweyni Hailu.

On the men's side, Azeddine Habz enters the race as the top contender, having recently shattered the French record at the Paris Meeting on June 20 with a time of 3:27.49. Following a smooth return during the Interclubs on May 17, where he clocked 3:38.25, Habz is poised to deliver a much faster performance this Sunday. He will be joined by American Yared Nuguse, the bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, and Portuguese world champion Isaac Nader, promising a fierce battle for victory.

Exciting Events and Expectations

The focus will also be on Gabriel Tual and Anaïs Bourgoin in the 800m events. Tual, boasting a personal best of 1:41.61 from 2024, is set to challenge the reigning Olympic and world champion, Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi. After an impressive gold medal win at the European Championships in Rome, Tual is expected to be among the favorites in Birmingham later this summer. Meanwhile, Anaïs Bourgoin, the sole French representative in the women's 800m, aims to improve upon her remarkable 1:57.81 performance from 2025 as she competes against top-tier athletes like Kenya's Lilian Odira and Switzerland's Audrey Werro.

Marie-Julie Bonnin, a pole vault sensation, will also take center stage. The talented 24-year-old recently set a French record with a height of 4.76m in February and is eager to elevate her performance against fierce competitors such as American Sandi Morris and Australia's Nina Kennedy. The men's 3000m steeplechase promises to be another highlight, featuring several French athletes, including Alexis Miellet, returning from an injury, and Djilali Bedrani, both of whom are expected to put on an exhilarating show.

With a lineup that includes Olympic champions and world record holders, the Rabat meeting is sure to deliver a spectacle of international caliber. Top athletes like Botswana's Letsile Tebogo and American Quincy Hall in the sprints, along with the returning Ryan Crouser in the shot put, are just a few of the names that will grace the track, ensuring an unforgettable evening.

Fans can catch all the action of the Rabat Meeting on Sunday, May 31, starting at 8 PM (delayed broadcast) on L'Équipe Live.

The event schedule for the Rabat Meeting is as follows: