Changing of the Guard Helping to Promote the Javelin

WRITTEN FOR THE EXXONMOBIL BISLETT GAMES / IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE, OSLO MEDIA TEAM

Four of the world’s finest javelin throwers gathered at the official press conference ahead of tomorrow’s ExxonMobil Bislett Games and IAAF Diamond League at Oslo’s Thon Hotel Opera in front of the assembled international media this afternoon, and much of the talk was about the surprising world-leader.

Egypt’s Ihab Abdelrahan threw an incredible 89.21m lifetime best and Area Record to win May’s Shanghai IAAF Diamond League, and his eye-catching six-metre improvement this season is understandably the current hot topic in men’s javelin.

The 25-year-old 2008 world junior silver medallist explained:

“I’m not surprised as my coach told me I could throw over 87m so I’m happy.

“I used to train alone in Egypt but now I train with my coach in Finland, he has changed my technique.”
Seventh in last summer’s IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Abdelrahan – with possibly even more from him to come as he learns the event - continued:

“I had an ankle injury in Shanghai and it twisted again in Beijing but it’s better now.

“I feel happy and good - I’ve been watching YouTube videos (of the javelin greats) to learn.”

World champion, Vitezslav Vesely of the Czech Republic is returning from a long-term knee injury but the 31-year-old is in positive mood:

“I had a big problem with my knee but it’s getting better. It was a problem in 2013 but it’s better than expected now so I’m waiting for a better result, hopefully tomorrow,” he revealed.

Fourth in the 2012 London Olympics, Vesely is a 88.34m thrower at his best and he boasts a season’s best of 83.80m from his third place finish in Shanghai.

The winner of May’s Prefontaine Classic and Eugene IAAF Diamond League, he continued:

“In January, I couldn’t run 100m without pain – the muscles around my knee were like a baby’s muscles. I started walking and running barefoot so now it’s ok.

“I’m not in my best shape as I missed a lot of training but I still think I can throw well.

“I’m taking care of my legs – this season is not as important as the next three and everything is dictated by my knee.”

On his fierce rival’s startling performance, Vesely offered:

“When I saw Ihab’s throw, I thought it is still possible in my career, I still believe there is space to get better.

“His throw is good for javelin, it makes it more attractive.”

Another former champion hoping to regain his form here in Oslo is 2007 world champion, Tero Pitkamaki of Finland.

The 31-year-old world silver medallist was only sixth in Shanghai and he admitted that sleep has eluded him recent days but for a positive reason:

“I had a baby boy yesterday - baby and mother are well. I’m super happy and tired, and haven’t slept for the past three nights.”

The 2008 Olympic bronze medallist who has an impressive 91.53m lifetime best from the 2005 season, continued:

“I had some problems in South Africa in February and March and then had an elbow operation on the first of April so I’ve not done much throwing since but I’m getting better.

“My biggest goal was yesterday but I want the gold medal from Zurich (at the European Championships in August) and to throw 90m is my aim.”

On the current world-leader, the Olympic fifth placer admitted:

“I knew he could throw over 85m but it was a good surprise – I need to improve my throwing to beat him.”
2004 and 2008 Olympic champion, Andreas Thorkildsen agreed that Abdelrahan will be the man to beat tomorrow:

“Ihab’s a serious competitor – he’s come up through the ranks but it was a big surprise, he’s a big guy who can throw far.

“It was a good throw with nice flight and he has a bright future,” he said.

The 32-year-old Norwegian finished runner-up in Eugene with 80.52m and has fine memories of Oslo’s Bislett Stadium, having registered his superb 91.59m lifetime best there in 2006.

The 2009 world champion and two-time European champion explained his hopes ahead of competing in front of his home crowd:

“I’m healthy – Eugene was difficult so I have higher expectations tomorrow, I hope to be a lot more comfortable on the run-way and I hope we have nice weather, competition and results.

“I can't promise 89m but I’m able to. It’s still early (in the season) but it’s interesting that new countries are coming up.”

Change of Event Keeping Eaton ‘Sharp’

WRITTEN FOR THE EXXONMOBIL BISLETT GAMES / IAAF OSLO DIAMOND LEAGUE MEDIA TEAM

The first official press conference ahead of tomorrow’s ExxonMobil Bislett Games and IAAF Diamond League welcomed decathlon superstar, Ashton Eaton and local hurdler, Oyvind Strommen Kjerpeset at Oslo’s Thon Hotel Opera in front of the assembled international media this morning.

Eaton - the Olympic and world decathlon champion and world record-holder – is enjoying remarkable success in his new event, the 400m hurdles this season and will tackle his fifth race in the Norwegian capital tomorrow evening against Norway’s seven-time national champion, Strommen Kjerpeset who is seeking to improve his 49.95 national record in front of the home crowd support.

Having recorded an impressive 49.07 personal best in Hengelo on Sunday behind Olympic bronze and world silver medallist, Javier Culson at the FBK Games, Eaton now lays in ninth position on the IAAF world ranking list for the 2014 campaign and explained:

“I was good at it (the 400m hurdles) and was always curious so tried it and I needed a break from the past few years especially ahead of the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons.

“The 400m is my base training so we just took a step further with the hurdles and that’s why I chose that event.

“The 110m hurdles was fun (when he ran a 13.3 personal best for sixth place at the Prefontaine Classic and Eugene Diamond League last month) and I’d love to do the long jump and the pole vault at a meet.

“When it’s something new, you can stay sharp as you focus on getting better - not fall into bad habits and routines. It’s now about new approaches, staying athletic and learning something new.”

The 26-year-old American’s form has evidently been given a new lease of life following a few high-pressured years where he has captured every major championship title on offer, with the two-time world indoor heptathlon champion improving his time over the 400m barriers by almost a full second this summer.

“When 2013 finished, I was very tired mentally as I’d put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, it’s a lot of stress on the mind, I felt tired and needed a change and now I’ve done that, I’ll have no problem competing until 2020 when I’m 32,” Eaton revealed.

“It’s impossible to say what will happen - I didn’t know two years ago that I’d break the world record.

“Who knows if I’ll do the decathlon until 2020, I’ve taken the event as far as I could and so I now want to do that in other events but I’ll do the decathlon until 2016
at least.”

On his recent change of discipline, he continued:

“I’ve been watching videos of other athletes who are of the same height and speed as me to watch their stride pattern, and I was watching a video of my last race at breakfast this morning to get excited for tomorrow’s race.”

Eaton - who will next compete in the IAAF World Challenge in Ostrava on Tuesday the 17th – insisted that his multi-event form will not be affected despite focusing on just the one event this summer:

“I don’t think I’m losing my edge in the other events, even though I’m not competing in them, I still practise them in training – I’m just learning to be an athlete,” he said.

“My (training) times in intervals have actually got faster I think because I’m forced to be more aggressive as you have to focus on the number of steps (between the hurdles) and training for it is the same pain I feel in the 400m, it’s always in my hamstrings.”

Often described as the ‘Superman of athletics’, Eaton continued:

“My goal is always to set a personal best – it’s easy for me as I know it’s only temporary as I don’t see myself doing this (event) in the Olympics or World’s so I have an advantage over my competitors.

“My only plan is to race well and to finish each race as number one.”

“There was a big difference in the smoothness of my race (in Hengelo) – I’m learning to be more fluid.”

Arguably one of the star attractions on show in Oslo, Eaton however was his usual modest self:

“I don’t feel like a big star, I just feel like me. I’m just a normal person who’s happened to found what they’re good at and who loves doing it, but I don’t do it to be the biggest star.”

Meanwhile, Strommen Kjerpeset spoke of his hopes for tomorrow evening’s race.

The 22-year-old Norwegian record-holder with a 49.95 clocking last summer has recorded 50.78 this season and explained:

“I’ve been practising since February but my last competition didn’t quite work out as I wanted so I’m hoping to fix that tomorrow.

“I’m hoping for a personal best – a Norwegian record would make me happy.

“My goal is the European Championships in Zurich (in August) – I want to do well there, I’m hoping to make the final but I’ve been struggling with a foot injury which has held me back, but there’s a long time to go.”

Eaton was happy to offer his rival some advice ahead of their clash:

“It’s very important to keep changing - if you fail in your plan, learn from it.

“Change is key - always adapt to be successful and don’t be afraid – to do the same thing and expect different results doesn’t make sense.”

PREVIEW: IAAF Rome Diamond League/Golden Gala – Rome, Italy

The fourth leg of the 2014 IAAF Diamond League arrives in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening, where the crème de la crème of world athletics will gather to compete in the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea.

Below is a summary of the headline acts to look out for in the Italian capital…

Men’s 100m -

2004 Olympic champion, Justin Gatlin contests the 100m following victory in last weekend’s Eugene Diamond League with a wind-aided 9.76.

The 32-year-old world silver medalist currently leads the world list with a swift 9.87 from Beijing last month and the American looks set to add a sixth straight win over the distance to his season resume.

His main challenger will come in the form of world bronze medalist, Nesta Carter.

The Olympic and world 4x100m relay champion from Jamaica clocked 9.89w for fourth place in Eugene, whilst France’s Jimmy Vicaut – fresh off a 9.89w third place finish in Eugene – should also provide stiff opposition.

British duo, Adam Gemili and Richard Kilty – the Olympic semi-finalist and world indoor 60m champion, respectively – start in a field which also boasts evergreen St Kitts and Nevis sprinter, Kim Collins – the 2003 world champion – and Jamaica’s Kemar Bailey-Cole.

Women’s 100m -

Olympic and world champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce suffered a major blip over 200m in Eugene, finishing last whilst carrying a hamstring injury but if the 27-year-old Jamaican has recovered in time, she should easily add Rome to her victory in Doha last month.

World 100m and 200m runner-up, Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast won this event in the 2012 meeting ahead of Fraser-Pryce and will be keen to take advantage of her rival’s vulnerability.

Third in Doha, Jamaica’s Kerron Stewart also contests as does Olympic 4x100m relay champion, Tianna Bartoletta Madison and her US team-mates, Barbara Pierre, Octavius Freeman, Janeba Tarmoh and Alexandria Anderson. 

Men’s 200m – 

Panama’s 24-year-old 2009 global silver medalist, Alonso Edwards has made a recent return to form with a 20.00 clocking last month and he will face Olympic sixth placer, Christophe Lemaitre of France.

22-year-old American, Dedric Dukes is the only man to dip under 20-seconds so far this season with 19.97 in Florida in April, and other notable names include World bronze medallist, Curtis Mitchell of the USA and European champion and Olympic fifth placer, Churandy Martina of the Netherlands.

Men’s 400m – 

World champion and 2008 Olympic champion, LaShawn Merritt will be looking to repeat his 2013 victory and arrives in Rome following a thrilling battle against fierce rival, Kirani James in Eugene – with the pair sharing the same world-leading 43.97 as Merritt had to settle for the runner-up spot.

The American will match up against the Dominican Republic’s 20-year-old Olympic silver-medalist, Luguelin Santos and world indoor champion, Pavel Maslak of the Czech Republic.

Other stand-out names include 2010 European champion, Kevin Borlée and Saudi Arabia’s Yousef Ahmed Masrahi.

Men’s 800m –

Just five days since their nail-biting battle in Eugene, Botswana’s Nijel Amos and Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia will clash once again.

Amos, the 20-year-old Olympic runner-up, stormed to a 1:43.63 world-lead in holding off Aman, the world indoor and outdoor champion in thrilling fashion last weekend and their rematch will make for fascinating viewing.

Women’s 800m – 

Cuba’s 18-year-old Sahily Diago is enjoying a breakthrough campaign with a recent 1:58.14 world junior record and world-lead, and she will be making her international debut in Rome.

Her toughest challengers will arrive in the form of Kenya’s world champion, Eunice Sum – who was victorious in Doha – and Janeth Jepkosgei, the 2007 world champion.

South Africa’s 2009 global champion and Olympic silver medallist, Caster Semenya and US trio, Chanelle Price, the world indoor champion, Brenda Martinez, the global bronze medallist and world junior champion, Ajee Wilson also contest.

Men’s 1500m - 

Following his world-leading 3:29.18 metric mile in Doha, two-time world champion, Asbel Kiprop heads into this event as the favourite.

The 24-year-old Kenyan will face his countryman, Silas Kiplagat – the 2011 global runner-up – and Djibouti’s Ayanleh Souleiman, the world indoor champion and winner of the Bowerman Mile in Eugene.

World indoor runner-up, Aman Wote of Ethiopia also takes part, as does world indoor 3000m champion Caleb Ndiku - who set a 13:01.71 world-leading time over 5,000m with victory in Eugene.

Women’s 5000m -

Ethiopia’s world indoor 3000m champion, Genzebe Dibaba was the revelation of the indoor season with world record-breaking performances over 1500m, 3,000m and two-miles, and despite only finishing sixth over 3,000m in Doha, the 23-year-old should not be discounted against returning to top form.

She will be up against world silver medallist, Mercy Cherono of Kenya who placed second in Doha and won the two-mile event in Eugene and her team-mate, Almaz Ayana – the global bronze medallist

Men’s 3000m steeplechase -

Two-time Olympic and three-time world champion, Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya heads a tight battle over the barriers.

The 32-year-old was victorious in Doha, one place ahead of 2008 Olympic champion, Brimin Kipruto - who in addition to the added presence of 2004 Olympic bronze medallist, Paul Kipsiele Koech in the field – will ensure a thrilling battle between the East African trio.

Women’s 100m Hurdles –

For the first time ever in an IAAF Diamond League meeting, Olympic champion Sally Pearson will go head-to-head with world champion, Brianna Rollins and the pair are evenly matched ahead of this mouth-watering duel.

Australia’s Pearson, the 27-year-old 2011 world champion – registered a swift 12.59 in the southern hemisphere season, whilst American, Rollins – five years her junior – scorched to a 12.58 world lead in Beijing last month.

Amongst those hoping to upset the proceedings are Olympic bronze medalist, Kellie Wells of the USA, Britain’s world indoor and outdoor bronze medalist, Tiffany Porter and the USA’s 2008 Olympic champion, Dawn Harper-Nelson. 

Women’s 400m hurdles – 

Jamaica’s world indoor champion, Kaliese Spencer recorded a fine 54.29 world-lead en route to winning in Eugene and the 27-year-old will take on the US pair, Lashinda Demus, Georganne Moline and Dalilah Muhammad.

Demus – the 2011 world champion and 2012 Olympic runner-up – should turn out to be the pick of the American pile ahead of world silver medalist, Muhammad and Olympic fifth placer, Moline.

Other names to watch include Britain’s Eilidh Child – the world fifth placer - and the Czech Republic’s 2012 European runner-up, Denisa Rosolova, who makes her seasonal debut in the event.

Men’s high jump - 

With three men having cleared the iconic 2.40m height this season, the men’s high jump is shaping up to be the most exciting discipline of the summer.

In arguably one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the season, Russia’s Olympic champion Ivan Ukhov – who cleared 2.41m whilst winning in Doha – will battle with world champion, Bogdan Bondarenko of Ukraine, who leapt 2.40m on his season’s debut in Tokyo last month.

The 21-year-old 2.45m world record held by Cuba’s Javier Sotomayor could well be in threat this summer and any of the three aforementioned athletes could be the man to take it.

Additional names to look out for include Olympic bronze medallist, Derek Drouin of Canada who also has a 2.40m clearance to his name this season, Qatar’s world indoor champion Mutaz Essa Barshim and the USA’s Olympic runner-up, Erik Kynard.

The field in Rome will be the first time since 1992 that five athletes with personal bests of 2.40m or higher will be on the same start list.

Men’s triple jump –

2012 world indoor champion and Olympic runner-up Will Claye took the honours in Eugene over his American team-mate, Christian Taylor – the Olympic champion – and Russia’s world indoor champion, Lyukman Adams and same order may be replicated again in Rome.

22-year-old Claye leapt 17.66m albeit an illegal wind allowance and Taylor should benefit from his recent foray into one lap sprinting – having recorded a fine 45.17 of late.

Women’s triple jump - 

Colombia’s world champion, Caterine Ibarguen won in Doha and the 30-year-old finished one place ahead of Ukraine’s world indoor runner-up, Olga Saladukha of Russia.

The field also includes Russia’s world indoor champion, Ekaterina Koneva.

Women’s javelin -

Australia’s 29-year-old global silver medallist, Kim Mickle had to settle for the runner-up position in Doha behind surprise winner, Martina Ratej of Slovenia, but world record holder and twice Olympic champion, Barbora Spotakova makes her eagerly anticipated return to action following childbirth and may finish top of the pile.

The 32-year-old also faces Germany’s Olympic bronze medallist, Linda Stahl and 2011 world bronze medallist, Sunette Viljoen of South Africa.

Women’s shot put – 

Two-time Olympic and four-time world champion, Valerie Adams will be eager to maintain her impressive winning streak following her 47th straight victory in Doha last month and she arrives in Rome in imperious form.

The only woman who could possibly upset the 29-year-old from New Zealand is Germany’s world silver medallist, Christina Schwanitz.

Other entrants include China’s Gong Lijiao – the Olympic bronze medallist – Russia’s Olympic runner-up, Yevgeniya Kolodko and the USA’s world indoor bronze medallist, Michelle Carter.

Men’s discus -  

Germany’s Robert Harting and Poland’s Piotr Malachowski renew their rivalry, with 29-year-old Harting expected to gain the advantage.

The Olympic and world champion will battle the world runner-up in addition to world and Olympic bronze medallist, Gerd Kanter of Estonia and Olympic runner-up, Ehsan Hadadi from Iran.


*Full entry lists were not available at the time of writing.

PREVIEW: Prefontaine Classic/Eugene IAAF Diamond League – Oregon, USA

The Prefontaine Classic, the longest-running international invitational athletics meeting in the USA, celebrates its 40th birthday this weekend as the IAAF Diamond League travels to Oregon for the third leg of the summer-long season.

Taking place at the historic Hayward Field, which will also host July’s IAAF World Junior Championships, the Pre Classic - as it is affectionately known – will spread across Friday evening (30th May) and Saturday afternoon (31st May).

A plethora of world-class stars have confirmed their attendance and here is a run-down on the top names to watch out for:

Sprints - 

Jamaica’s two-time Olympic 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce starts as the favourite to take the women’s 200m event.

Having captured the world indoor 60m crown in Sopot, Poland in March, the 27-year-old world outdoor 100m, 200m and 4x100m champion faces world bronze medallist, Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria.

The world championship long jump runner-up stole the honours in both events at the Shanghai Diamond League a fortnight ago and finished second behind Fraser-Pryce over 100m in the Doha leg a week earlier.

Another key name who is expected to feature is Olympic champion, Allyson Felix of the USA.

Additionally part of the Olympic-winning 4x100m and 4x400m relay squads, the three-time world 200m champion has not competed over the half-lap event distance since pulling up injured in August’s world championships final in Moscow, but should utilise the home crowd support to rediscover her form.

World 100m and 200m silver medallist, Murielle Ahoure of Ivory Coast and local girl, English Gardner – the 100m fourth-placer in Moscow – also contest.

In the men’s 100m, the USA’s Justin Gatlin looks the man to beat.

The 32-year-old world championship runner-up and Olympic bronze medallist currently leads the world rankings with a swift 9.87 clocking from Beijing a week ago, and following his victory in Shanghai, the American looks set to take his fifth win in Eugene.

Nesta Carter – part of Jamaica’s Olympic, world and recent IAAF World Relays 4x100m winning teams – finished second in Shanghai after claiming global outdoor bronze last summer.

Others to look out for include 2009 Pre Classic winner, Mike Rodgers of the USA, world 200m fourth-placer, Nickel Ashmead of Jamaica and France’s European indoor 60m champion, Jimmy Vicaut.

The men’s one lap contest features a thrilling head-to-head battle between world champion, LaShawn Merritt and Kirani James, the Olympic champion.

Merritt, the 27-year-old 2008 Olympic champion won in Doha and was part of the USA’s winning 4x100m squad at the IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas last weekend, whilst James – the 2011 world champion and at six years younger – will be hoping to halt his rival from claiming his fifth Pre Classic victory.

The 400m field also includes the USA’s global silver medallist, Tony McQuay, world indoor champion, Pavel Maslak of Poland, Chris Brown of the Bahamas and Belgium’s Jonathan and Kevin Borlee.

Hurdles – 

World 110m hurdles champion, David Oliver will be hoping to replicate his winning ways from Doha and the 32-year-old American has a fine history in Eugene, winning in both 2010 and 2013.

His closest challenge will come from world record holder and Olympic champion, Aries Merritt and a third USA athlete, Ryan Wilson – the global silver medallist.

Other notable names include 2011 world champion, Jason Richardson of the USA, Shanghai runner-up, Pascal Martinot-Lagarde of France and Russia’s world bronze medallist and Doha second-placer, Sergey Shubenkov.

Ashton Eaton, the Olympic and world decathlon champion and world record holder, is Eugene-based and is an interesting entrant in the high hurdles.
Middle distance –

Olympic 800m champion and world record holder, David Rudisha makes his hotly-anticipated return to competition following a long-term knee injury in his debut appearance in Eugene.

The 25-year-old’s comeback will be a baptism of fire as he faces three of the nine fastest men in history, the quickest of whom being Ethiopia’s Mohamed Aman.

The 20-year-old world indoor and outdoor champion took advantage of his rivals’ absence in 2013 and this will be the pair’s first meeting in a full year.

The USA’s Olympic fourth-placer, Duane Solomon and Botswana’s 20-year-old Olympic silver medallist, Nijel Amos are expected to feature highly, whilst world indoor silver and bronze medallists, Adam Kszczot of Poland and Great Britain’s Andrew Osagie also compete.

2012 world indoor victor and three-time Eugene winner, Abubaker Kaki of Sudan makes his season debut and France’s European under23 champion, Pierre Ambroise-Bosse start.

The Pre Classic’s signature event, the Bowerman Mile should be an easy affair for world 1500m champion and 2008 Olympic champion, Asbel Kipop.

The 24-year-old Kenyan has won this prestigious event on three occasions and arrives in Eugene following victory in Doha and the Bahamas (in the 4x1500m).

His fiercest challengers will be compatriot, Silas Kiplagat – the 2013 Eugene winner and world indoor 1500m champion, Ayanleh Souleiman of Djibouti.

The loaded field also includes Ethiopian duo, world indoor runner-up, Aman Wote and world outdoor bronze medallist, Mekonnen Gebremedhin, Kenya’s Bethwell Birgen and local man, Matthew Centrowitz.

Meanwhile, the women’s 1500m contest has been described as Eugene’s ‘best field ever’, with Sweden’s world indoor and outdoor champion, Abeba Aregawi leading the way.

Undefeated in her specialist event in 2013, the 23-year-old took the metric mile victory in Shanghai and will be challenged by Kenya’s Hellen Obiri.

The 2012 world indoor 3,000m champion and 2014 runner-up won the 3,000m event in Doha and was part of the winning 4x1500m team in the Bahamas.

World 800m bronze medallist, Brenda Martinez of the USA should figure prominently whilst her team-mate, world runner-up Jenny Simpson and Kenyan trio world 800m champion, Eunice Sum, Faith Kipyegon and 2008 Olympic champion, Nancy Langat additionally race.

Ethiopia’s 19-year-old world indoor runner-up, Axumawit Embaye and Britain’s 2011 world silver medallist, Hannah England complete the impressive line-up.

In the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, Kenya’s Milcah Chemos starts as the favourite.

The 28-year-old world champion has won twice in Eugene and will face her compatriot and global runner-up, Lidya Chepkurui and bronze medallist, Sofia Assefa from Ethiopia who placed second in Shanghai.

Shanghai third-placer and world fourth-placer, Hiwot Ayalew of Ethiopia also contests, as does Tunisia's Olympic silver medallist, Habiba Ghribi and Kenyan pair Purity Kirui and Fancy Cherotich.

Long distance –

The men’s 5,000m will see a clash between 39-year-old Bernard Lagat of Kenya and his younger rivals, namely his team-mate, Edwin Soi and Ethiopia’s Yenew Alamirew.

2007 world 1500m champion, Lagat has won five times in Eugene but never in this event and despite his advancing years, took the 3,000m silver medal in Sopot.

24-year-old Alamirew claimed the honours in Shanghai and Soi won this event in 2013, but the trio will not have the contest all the own way, with Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet – the 20-year-old world silver medallist - also contesting.

Additional names set to impress include Kenyan pair Isiah Koech, the world bronze medallist, and Caleb Ndiku – the world indoor 3,000m champion, as well as the USA’s Ben True.

Great Britain’s double Olympic and world 5,000m and 10,000m champion, Mo Farah will act as the honorary starter.

Kenya’s Mercy Cherono heads the women’s two-mile field, having placed runner-up over 3,000m in Doha.

The 23-year-old world 5,000m silver medallist will run against Bahrain’s two-time world 1500m champion Maryam Jamal – the Olympic and world indoor bronze medallist – and world bronze medallist, Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia.

Local girl, Sally Kipyego – the Olympic 10,000m runner-up – will come down in race distance, whilst other notable names include her compatriot, Viola Kibiwot and Ethiopia’s Belaynesh Oljira, the world 10,000m bronze medallist.

The men’s 10,000m will be held on the traditional ‘Distance night in Eugene’ on Friday and Galen Rupp from nearby Portland is hoping for a home victory over the 25 laps.

The 27-year-old Olympic silver medallist will take on Kenya’s world bronze medallist, Paul Tanui and his team-mate and Olympic fifth-placer, Bedan Karoki.

Two more Kenyans, Kenneth Kipkemoi and Emmanuel Bett should feature highly, as should Ethiopia’s world junior champion, Yigrem Demelash and Birhan Nebebew.

Jumps –

The USA’s Brittney Reese will be looking to reverse her bad luck in Eugene in the past with victory in the women’s long jump here, following her Olympic and world championship wins in recent seasons.

The 27-year-old opens her season in Oregon and is matched up against her team-mate, Janay DeLoach Soukup – the Olympic bronze medallist and world indoor champion, Eloyse Lesueur of France.

Others of note include Serbia’s world indoor and outdoor bronze medallist, Ivana Spanovic, Russia’s two-time European indoor champion, Darya Klishina and Great Britain’s 2012 world indoor bronze medallist, Shara Proctor.

The women’s high jump features Olympic silver medallist, Brigetta Barrett of the USA.

The 23-year-old world silver medallist opens her outdoor campaign in Eugene and will duel with Olympic champion, Anna Chicherova of Russia and her team-mate and world champion, Svetlana Shkolina.

Additional top names include joint world indoor champions, Kamila Licwinko of Poland and Russia’s Mariya Kuchina, plus Spain’s world indoor bronze medallist, Ruth Beitia.

World pole vault record holder, Renuad Lavillenie will be looking to add to his victory in Shanghai and the Olympic champion will attempt to win the Diamond League Trophy for the fifth consecutive year this summer.

The 27-year-old will jump against world champion and Olympic bronze medallist, Raphael Holzdeppe of Germany and his compatriot, Malte Mohr – the world indoor runner-up.

Greece’s Konstadinos Filippidis succeeded Lavillenie as the world indoor champion in Sopot and will be joined by the bronze medallist, Jan Kudlicka of the Czech Republic.

Throws – 

The USA’s world indoor champion, Ryan Whiting goes up against Germany’s two-time world champion, David Storl in the men’s shot put contest.

The 27-year-old Whiting placed third in Shanghai following his world indoor victory, whilst his 23-year-old rival claimed the world outdoor crown in Moscow.

Keen to upset expectations is Poland’s two-time Olympic champion, Tomasz Majewski and the USA’s Reese Hoffa – the 2007 world champion in this battle of the big men.


*At the time of writing, the entry lists for the women’s discus, men’s triple jump, women’s 400m hurdles, women’s 400m and men’s javelin were unavailable.

PREVIEW: IAAF World Relays – Nassau, The Bahamas

The inaugural IAAF World Relays will take place in The Bahamas this weekend, as teams from more than forty nations comprising in excess of 500 athletes immerse on Nassau for the innovative two-day event.

With an impressive prize purse of $1.4 million on offer, sprinters and middle-distance runners alike are set to contest the 10-event programme in the Bahamian capital on Saturday and Sunday.

Athletics powerhouses USA, Jamaica, Kenya and Russia are set to compete with strong squads in a timetable featuring the men’s and women’s 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m and 4x1500m.

The top eight teams in the 4x100m and 4x400m, meanwhile, will automatically qualify for the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

In the men’s events, several star performers will be in action including world 100m champion, Yohan Blake named in Jamaica’s 4x100m team, global 400m victor, LaShawn Merritt in the 4x400m for the USA and Kenya’s world 1500m champion, Asbel Kiprop who contests the rarely-run 4x1500m.

4x100m

With the past five major championship titles and the current world record (36.84) to their name, Jamaica are evidently a supreme dominant force to be reckoned with, and in addition to Blake ‘The Beast’, they include Kemar Bailey-Cole, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater on their team.

Their fierce rivals, the USA, should provide stiff competition and the Americans have Mike Rodgers, Trell Kimmons and Marvin Bracy in their corner.

The British team have admitted to having not practised much recently but will be looking to seek redemption for losing their global bronze medal through disqualification in Moscow last summer.

With world indoor 60m champion, Richard Kilty at the helm, the Great Britain outfit will also be leaning on Dwain Chambers and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
France, meanwhile, will rely on the swift assistance from European 100m champion, Christophe Lemaitre and European indoor 60m victor, Jimmy Vicaut.

4x200m

Jamaica again, are heavy favourites with world 200m silver medallist, Warren Weir and team-mate, Nickel Ashmeade but the USA – who will utilise Wallace Spearman and Walter Dix – will provide a solid challenge.

Also in the hunt are strong teams from France (again with Lemaitre), Nigeria and hosts Bahamas.

4x400m

The USA quartet have a commendable strength in depth which has seen them dominant at major championships in recent years but the Bahamian team – winners of the 2012 Olympic title in London – will undoubtedly be keen to reassert their authority on home ground.

Led by world indoor 400m runner-up, Chris Brown, the Bahamas will feature their complete Olympic-winning team with Demetrius Pinder, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller also in action.

The Americans have world 400m and 4x400m champion, LaShawn Merritt for support and an interesting entrant comes in the shape of Olympic triple jump champion, Christian Taylor who set a promising 45.17 personal best in Florida last month.

Jamaica are expected to be in the mix, whilst European champions, Belgium have the three Borelee brothers – Kevin, Jonathan and Dylan on their roster.

4x800m

Three teams stand out in this event with Kenya leading the way.
Represented by Alfred Kipketer, Job Kinyor and James Magut, the Kenyans will face a strong US squad, who boast David Torrence and Duane Solomon.

Poland, meanwhile, will make use of world indoor 800m runner-up, Adam Kszczot and 2010 European 800m champion, Marcin Lewandowski.

4x1500m

Kenya again have the edge and they can boast having Kiprop, the fastest metric miler in the world in 2013 with 3:27.72, in their quest for glory.

The Kenyan outfit have already stated their intentions on claiming the world record – which, incidentally, belongs to them at 14:36.23.

Mugut, Nixon Chepseba and Silas Kiplagat will join forces with Kiprop for the favourites.

Ethiopia have access to world indoor medallists, Aman Wote and Mekonnen Gebremedhin, whilst the USA – with Olympic silver medallist, Leonel Manzano and Ryan Gregson – and Poland, with Kczszot and Lewandowski should also feature prominently.

In the women’s events, the stand-out performers include world and Olympic 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in Jamaica’s 4x100m and 4x200m quartets, Nigeria’s world 200m bronze medallist, Blessing Okagbare in the 4x100m and 4x200m and Hellen Obiri, the world indoor 3,000m champion in Kenya’s 4x1500m team.

4x100m

In addition to Fraser-Pryce’s glittering individual athletic CV, ‘The Pocket Rocket’ was also the anchor leg runner of Jamaica’s world title-winning team in Moscow and helped them to Olympic silver in 2012.

The Caribbean island’s squad features all four members from the Russian capital, with Carrie Russell, Kerron Stewart and Schillonie Calvert combining, but the USA will provide a stiff challenge.

The Olympic champions with a 40.82 world record will be without their star performers but can still rely on Alexandria Anderson, Tianna Bartoletta, LaKeisha Lawson and
Babara Pierre.

World bronze medallists, Great Britain and Northern Ireland bring in Asha Philip, Jodie Williams, Hayley Jones and Desiree Henry, whilst France and Nigeria are also expected to finish high up.

4x200m

Again, Jamaica and the USA are the dominant force with the Jamaicans registering the same athletes from the 4x100m to their roster, and the US team supplying a completely fresh foursome headed by Bianca Knight, Shalonda Solomon and Kimberlyn Duncan.

Great Britain, Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago have all entered identical teams to their 4x100m squads, and as with the previous days’ shorter sprint relay, Fraser-Pryce and Okagbare should provide the class of the race.

4x400m

The Americans will face off with the Russians and Jamaicans, and former world and Olympic 400m champion, Sanya Richards-Ross is an eye-catching member of the US outfit, having raced sparingly since the 2012 Olympic final due to health issues.

World champions, Russia pose a strong threat and Jamaica will take advantage of world indoor 400m runner-up, Kaliese Spencer and Novlene Williams-Mills.

The British team, meanwhile, can boast having world champion, Christine Ohuruogu in addition to Eilidh Child and Shana Cox.

4x800m

Kenya start as favourites, aided by the likes of world champion, Eunice Sum and 2007 global victor, Janeth Jepkosgei.

Russia enters a similar team to their 4x400m squad and the USA are supported by world indoor champion, Chanelle Price, world bronze medallist, Brenda Martinez, world junior champion Ajee Wilson and Morgan Uceny.

4x1500m

Kenya will be considered the strong favourites following their 17:05.72 world record recently and will be headed by recent African 3,000m record holder, Hellen Obiri.

Together with Mercy Cherono and Irene Jelegat, the Kenyans are the firm top contenders and will be chased by Bahrain and the USA – the latter utilising Martinez and
Uceny once again.

PREVIEW: Bupa Westminster Mile and London 10,000

Some of Britain’s finest middle and long distance runners and wheelchair athletes will gather in the capital this weekend, as London welcomes the Bupa Westminster Mile and London 10,000.

The iconic mile distance will be celebrated by marking the 60th anniversary of the first sub-four-minute mile on Saturday, as Sir Roger Bannister’s milestone 3:59.4 on a track in Oxford on May 6th, 1954 is commemorated.

In the world’s biggest one-day festival of road mile racing with 31 races in total looping around St James’ Park, a sub-four clocking in the men’s elite race would offer a fitting tribute to Bannister’s historic achievement.

The programme, organised by the Virgin Money London Marathon, includes the British Athletics One-Mile Road Championships for senior, junior and wheelchair athletes.
Bannister himself will be patron of the event and the winner of the senior men’s race will be awarded the newly-commissioned Sir Roger Bannister trophy.

The senior women, meanwhile, will compete for the Diane Leather trophy, named after the first woman to run a sub-five-minute mile, also 60 years ago.
Leather, now Diane Charles, ran 4:59.6 in Birmingham just three weeks after Bannister’s famous feat.

Six-time London Marathon champion, David Weir will aim to become the first wheelchair racer in history to break three minutes for the mile.

The four-time gold medallist from the London 2012 Olympic Games said:

“It’s a huge challenge but I think, given the right conditions, a sub-three-minute mile is possible.

“My PB for the mile on the track is 3:16 so I need a big improvement on that. But racing on the open road rather than having to contend with the tight bends of the track will be a big help.”

Double Olympic and World 5,000m and 10,000m champion, Mo Farah has withdrawn from Sunday’s Bupa London 10,000m due to having not sufficiently recovered from his marathon debut in London last month, but will be on hand to officially start the race.

The star of British Athletics will also inspire future generations of the sport by running alongside the under 11 and under 13 boys in the London Borough Challenge races on Saturday.

He will additionally start the senior men’s and women’s mile races as Britain’s best tackle the route which starts on The Mall and finishes in front of Buckingham Palace.

2008 Olympic 1500m finalist, Andy Baddeley heads the elite men’s field and will be joined by 2013 World Championship 1500m finalist, Chris O’Hare and 2011 European under 23 1500m silver medallist, James Shane.

The women’s mile offers a strong line-up lead by Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m eighth-placer, Julia Bleasdale and World Championship 1500m finalist, Lisa Dobriskey.

Former UK 1500m champion, Charlene Thomas also contests, as does 2011 European 3,000m champion, Helen Clitheroe.

Other notable names include European junior 3,000m champion, Emelia Gorecka who is enjoying her first season as a senior athlete, Beth Potter, Lily Partridge and Katie Brough.

2012 London Marathon winner, Shelley Woods is the top entrant in the women’s wheelchair race.

On Sunday, British 10,000m track champion, Andy Vernon will face Chris Thompson who was the second British finisher in the Virgin Money London Marathon in April.

European cross-country silver medallist, Gemma Steele leads the women's entrants, with GB marathoner, Louise Damen and Tasha Doel also due to compete.

Post-race quotes from Bekele, Kipsang, Dibaba and Steel - Bupa Great Manchester Run

Kenenisa Bekele (ETH), the two-time Olympic 10,000m and four-time world 10,000m champion - 1st in 28:23 - 

"It was good, it was a little bit windy but I stayed behind them to control the race and it was good with my good sprint at the end.

"I really am quite good (after his Paris marathon) - I'm healthy so it's nice.

"I'm better but I still need to improve my speed so I'll do some speed-work and I think I have enough time to prepare myself.

"If I'm invited, I'm willing to run here again and it was great to run past the Manchester United football ground, and there are amazing supporters here.

"I really want to try the 10,000m one more time and after that, I will fully go back to the marathon.

"Maybe I will (run the marathon against Kipsang), it depends on the organisation - if someone invites me, I'm willing to run - we have competed together many times.

"We will make a plan on where to run soon - I will go back to Ethiopia after this and I do not want too much travelling, I need to prepare myself."


Wilson Kipsang (KEN), the world marathon record holder and Olympic marathon bronze medallist - 2nd in 28:28 - 

"I'm not back in full training yet - after the (London) marathon (which he won in a course record), I took a rest for one and a half weeks and I was travelling a lot so it's just been the two weeks training for here.

"It was still good for me - I knew he (Bekele) was very strong in the 10km but I prepared very well and I was feeling it in the last sprint, I could not keep up.

"Now I will prepare for the one half marathon (in the Czech Republic next month) and my next marathon in the autumn will be confirmed soon.

"When we (with Bekele) shall meet in the marathon, it shall be a nice time for me - I have a lot of experience in the marathon.

"You have a long way to try to apply the tactics so it will be nice to face him."


Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH), the two-time Olympic 10,000m and three-time world 10,000m champion - 1st in 31:09 - 

"It was a very good run, it was a bit windy and I wanted a better time than this but otherwise, it was good."

"I believe I have recovered (from her third-place finish in last month's London Marathon) - I was ready for this race.

"I didn't expect it to be fast as it was a bit windy.

"I haven't decided where I'm running next but we're working on it with my manager."


Gemma Steele (GBR), the European cross country silver medallist - 2nd in 32:10 - 

"I got a great buzz from it, it was electric coming down the home straight.

"I thought 'I'm not going to let this one go' - I was like a little jack russell when I got the bit between my teeth, that's the way I do it, I just grind it out.

"I tagged onto the other two at the front then made a break away for myself, I didn't want to underestimate myself again.

"I was disappointed with (finishing fourth) last year so I didn't want that to happen today again so it was nice to make progress and get the tactics right on the day, which is important.

"My coach (John Nutall) is in Qatar and he told me to stay with the pack today so I went against that but I'm glad I went with my gut instinct and didn't leave anything out there.

"My calf's fine now and I've switched to Nike now and their shoes are doing me the world of good.

"I showed I still have some speed but the track's not the priority - I love road running and I might do the New York mini 10km or the European Cup 10,000m next, and it's also the Bupa London 10km next week so I need to have a word with my agent and coach.

"It'll be nice to run a fast half marathon before I go to marathons. I might do the Dublin half marathon in August.

"I'm just trying to get my confidence back after the injury - I missed racing so much, I'm just happy to be back and anything's a bonus really. I'm really proud and pleased about today."