by Alfonz Juck
ZURICH (SUI): Six Olympic winners in six events on the day one of the Diamond League Final at Weltklasse Zurich. Conica produced a 560 m long oval for special 5000 m races in the city center at Sechselautenplatz. Excitement connects US duel Crouser-Kovacs in men’s shot put, men’s high jump has the co-Olympic winners Barshim and Tamberi, and very open situation in the women’s pole vault. Technical events will be staged in the classic format; all competitors will have 6 attempts. Spectators will have free entry.
Short previews day 1
Men
5000m – First and second in Brussels on Friday, Jacob Krop (12:45.71) and Grant Fisher (12:46.96) renew their rivalry. A strong Ethiopian contingent also competes, including Berihu Aregawi, Yomif Kejelcha and Olympic 10,000m champion Selemon Barega.
High jump – Despite a recent loss in Lausanne, Mutaz Essa Barshim starts as the big favorite, especially in the absence of Sanghyeok Woo. Gianmarco Tamberi comes after his wedding last week as he postponed the honeymoon.
Shot put – The Big Three will be in action: Ryan Crouser (23.12m), Joe Kovacs (22.89m) and Tom Walsh (22.31m).
Women
5000m – The line-up features world champion Gudaf Tsegay and world silver medallist Beatrice Chebet along with world leader Ejgayehu Taye (14:12.98). Olympic champion Sifan Hassan also continues her return to competition.
Shot put – World champion Chase Ealey (20.51m) takes on European champion Jessica Schilder (20.24m) and world indoor champion Auriol Dongmo (19.82m).
