By Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis, Special to TrackAlerts.Com
The Diamond League kicks off this weekend on the Asian continent with the first of two action packed meets starting in Doha, Qatar on Friday May 15, 2015. A number of exciting showdowns await fans with several Diamond Race winners from last year trying to retain their crowns.
The list includes, Novelene Williams-Mills, Justin Gatlin, Allyson Felix, Christian Taylor and Dawn Harper-Nelson.
Following on the heels of the Jamaica International Invitational Meet, where some fantastic and world leading times were witnessed, fans are wondering what the Diamond League series has in store. One feature of the meet is the men’s 100m clash, where the talkative yet combative Justin Gatlin makes his first appearance at this distance this season.
The pumped up Gatlin is exuding confidence and should get some formidable competition that will enable him to run a fast time in response to Asafa Powell’s world leading mark. Gatlin who describes himself as the same animal, but a different beast, believes the world record (9.58) is not out of reach in a recent interview.
The women’s 100m hurdles event could be the race of the meet. It is without doubt, one of the best World Championship preview events this early in the season. It should produce a number of season best times and maybe a few personal best efforts. American sensation, Jasmin Stowers (12.39), will face the only remaining world-class women she has not defeated this season in Sally Pearson (Australia) and Tiffany Porter (Great Britain).
Another cracking female 400m line-up featuring Sanya Richards-Ross and last year’s Diamond race winner Novelene Williams-Mills should provide loads of entertainment. Richards-Ross, will be aiming for her 50th sub 50 seconds clocking of her career. The men’s 400m hurdles, triple jump and 800m should be very exciting as well. The night will climax with British superstar Mo Farah more renowned at 5,000m & 10,000m, challenging some brilliant runners from Ethiopia and Kenya outside of his comfort zone. He will run the shorter distance of the 3,000m.
The meet starts at 11:04 a.m. Jamaica time. Here is the provisional entry list (selected athletes) and meet schedule:
11:04 a.m 400m hurdles Men – ( Roxroy Cato, Javier Culson, Bershawn Jackson, Felix Sanchez, LJ Van Zyl, Jeffrey Gibson, Rasmus Magi, Thomas Barr)
11:10 a.m Javelin Throw Men – ( Keshorn Walcott, Julius Yego, Vitezslav Vesely, Tero Pitkamaki)
11:15 a.m 1500m Women – ( Abeba Aregawi, Sifan Hassan, Dawit Seyaum, Kristina Ugarova)
11:29 a.m 800m Men – ( Pierre-Ambroise Bosse, Ferguson Cheruiyot, Asbel Kiprop, Mohammed Aman, Ayanleh Souleiman, Job Kinyor)
11:40 a.m Triple Jump Men – ( Pedro Pablo Pichardo, Christian Taylor, Teddy Tamgho, Nelson Evora)
11:41 a.m 200m Women – ( Jeneba Tarmoh, Tiffany Townsend, Bianca Williams, Allyson Felix, Murielle Ahoure, Anthonique Strachan, Shalonda Solomon)
11:52 a.m 100m hurdles – ( Sharika Nelvis, Kristi Castlin, Queen Harrison, Jasmin Stowers, Dawn Harper-Nelson, Sally Pearson, Tiffany Porter, Teneya Jones)
12:02 p.m 3000m SteepleChase Women ( Hiwot Ayalew, Lidya Chepkurui, Purity Kirui, Sofia Assefa)
12:23 p.m 100m Men – ( Diondre Batson, Keston Bledman, James Dasaolu, Mike Rodgers, Nesta Carter, Justin Gatlin, Kim Collins, Femi Ogunode)
12:34 p.m 400m Women – ( Christine Day, Natasha Hastings, Sanya Richards-Ross, Novelene Wills-Mills, Libania Grenot, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Francena McCorory)
12:45 p.m 3000m Men – (Hagos Gebrhiwet, Mo Farah, Yenew Alamirew, Kiplagat Koech, Yomif Kejelcha)
About the Author:
Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis is a very exciting and creative freelance sports writer specializing in the fields ofathletics and cricket. His colourful down to earth yet professional personality makes him a favourite amongst athletes and fans. Readers are often exposed to his detailed knowledge and passion which usually increase their interest in the athletes, events and the sport overall. He has a first degree in Banking & Finance and works in the financial industry. Contact Noel at [email protected]
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