Following the completion of the 14 league meetings in the series, six South African athletes have made the grade, booking their places in the 2025 Diamond League final to be held in Zurich on Wednesday and Thursday.
While some disciplines will be held on Wednesday, all six SA athletes will compete in their events on the second day of competition on Thursday.
Three of the country’s fastest men – national record holder Akani Simbine, former Olympic semifinalist Shaun Maswanganyi and junior sensation Bayanda Walaza – will line up in the men’s 100m sprint.
Simbine was particularly impressive in the league meetings during the annual series, winning three races in the short dash in the early stages of the campaign.
Three SA women will also turn out in Zurich. World indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso lines up in the 800m contest, Olympic semifinalist Zeney van der Walt goes in the 400m hurdles event, and Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ane du Plessis is in the javelin throw.
In addition, though she won’t be challenging for a Diamond League title, Rogail Joseph will compete in the women’s 400m hurdles B race on the pre-programme.
National men’s 400m champion Zakithi Nene also qualified for the final, but he will not compete while recovering from a niggling injury.
Schedule of SA athletes (Thursday, 28 August)
6.12pm – 400m hurdles women B race (Joseph)
7.45pm – javelin throw women (Du Plessis)
8.27pm – 100m men (Simbine, Walaza, Maswanganyi)
8.35pm – 400m hurdles women (Van der Walt)
9.09pm – 800m women (Sekgodiso)
* Featured image of Zeney van der Walt by Cecilia van Bers
