Following an explosive kickoff to the season in Shanghai, Keqiao, and Xiamen during May, the Diamond League's journey transitioned to Africa and Europe as summer approached. Records continued to shatter in Rabat, Rome, and Stockholm, with athletes like Audrey Werro and Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage emerging victorious, setting a compelling tone for the remainder of the season.
Rabat: El Bakkali Achieves Five Consecutive Wins
The Diamond League meeting in Rabat is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, particularly when Soufiane El Bakkali competes in the men's 3000m steeplechase. As a two-time Olympic and world champion, El Bakkali has established a reputation for triumphing on home turf, and 2026 was no exception. He faced a fierce challenge from reigning Diamond League champion Frederik Ruppert but ultimately secured victory with a world-leading time of 7:57.25, igniting jubilant celebrations among the local fans. This win marked his fifth consecutive victory at the Moroccan leg of the Diamond League and his sixth overall, reinforcing his status as one of the most successful athletes in the event's history. The meeting also showcased a remarkable performance by several US athletes, with Kenny Bednarek, Jacory Patterson, and Yared Nuguse each breaking meeting records. Joe Kovacs triumphed over Ryan Crouser in the shot put, and Valarie Sion extended her winning streak in the discus throw. Additionally, Slovakian athlete Emma Zapletalová celebrated her first Diamond League victory, signaling the beginning of a competitive race to succeed Femke Bol as the leading figure in the women’s 400m hurdles.
Rome: Pathirage's Breakthrough Moment
While Noah Lyles dazzled the crowd at the first European meeting of the season in Rome, it was Sri Lankan athlete Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage who truly captured attention. Lyles, having already secured a sixth Diamond League title the previous season, opened his 2026 season with a convincing win in the men's 100m. However, the spotlight shifted to Pathirage at the Stadio Olimpico, where he made a sensational debut on the international stage by clinching his first-ever Diamond League victory. After previously finishing second in Rabat, the 23-year-old javelin thrower showcased his extraordinary talent with a world-leading throw of 92.62m, propelling him to eighth place on the all-time list. Meanwhile, on the track, Julien Alfred delivered a powerful performance, securing a victory over world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the women’s 200m, clocking a time of 21.93 seconds and ending Jefferson-Wooden’s impressive 13-month unbeaten streak, setting the stage for an ongoing rivalry as the season progresses.
Stockholm: Werro's Remarkable Achievement
The excitement of the season escalated further during the BAUHAUS-Galan in Stockholm, which unfolded as one of the most memorable events in Diamond League history. A significant upset occurred in the men’s pole vault, alongside a groundbreaking win in the women’s 800m. Mondo Duplantis, who had previously broken the world record at home, arrived at Stockholm with high expectations. However, just a week before his wedding, the Olympic and world champion struggled to find his form and ultimately could not surpass 5.80m, marking his first defeat in three years and allowing his Australian counterpart, Kurtis Marschall, to celebrate his first Diamond League victory. Yet, the evening belonged to Audrey Werro, who achieved a stunning win in the women’s 800m, setting a new Diamond League record with a time of 1:53.98, making her the third-fastest woman in history and surpassing British rival Keely Hodgkinson in the race for the world record. This victory not only heralded a new era in the women’s 800m but also signaled the promising trajectory of Werro's career in 2026.
As reported by diamondleague.com.
