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Lausanne: 5 things to look out for

Today, many athletes compete in the penultimate round of the Diamond Race. With the Olympics over, the quest for the Diamond Trophy is reaching its climax: here are five things to keep an eye on in Lausanne.

1. Big clash for javelin trio

The women’s javelin is one of the closest Diamond Races this season, with Madara Palameika leading the line with a seven-point advantage over Sunette Viljoen and Kathryn Mitchell in joint second. All three women go head-to-head in Lausanne, with Diamond Trophy holder Barabara Spotakova also in the field. Only victory for Palameika can stop this Diamond Race from blowing wide open just before the final. 

2. Last chance for Barshim?

Four of the top five in the men’s high jump Diamond Race go head to head in Lausanne this evening. Second placed Erik Kynard will be looking to close the gap on Bogdan Bondarenko, while Robbie Grabarz and Mutaz Essa Barshim try to keep the pace. For Diamond Trophy holder Barshim, who sits in fifth, points in Lausanne are crucial as he attempts to defend his title. 

3. Thompson to the top?

After he Olympic double, Elaine Thompson is the woman to beat in the 100m and 200m. Currently two points behind Dafne Schippers in the 100m Diamond Race, Thompson has a chance to pull away with the lead in the Dutchwoman’s absence in Lausanne. That would set up a thrilling showdown when the two women go head to head in the Brussels final next month. 

Congratulations @athleticbaby____, #Olympic champion over #100m! Will it be the #DiamondTrophy next? #DiamondRace #Rio2016 #DiamondLeague

A photo posted by IAAF Diamond League (@diamondleagueathletics) on Aug 13, 2016 at 6:50pm PDT

4. McLeod going for perfection

Omar McLeod said at yesterday’s press conference that he loved the hurdles because it’s so hard to reach perfection. The Olympic and World Indoor Champion could complete a perfect season by wrapping up the Diamond Trophy, but he will have to catch Orlando Ortega. Currently 10 points behind the Spaniard, McLeod will be after a victory tonight to get within touching distance of Ortega ahead of the final.

@_warrior_child_ is taljing about hurdles, flats, world records and humility. Watch live at diamondleague.com/livestream

A photo posted by IAAF Diamond League (@diamondleagueathletics) on Aug 24, 2016 at 2:15am PDT

5. Niyonsaba’s chance

Just 12 points behind Diamond Race leader Caster Semenya, Francine Niyonsaba is one of the favourites in the women’s 800m at Athletissima. Victory for Niyonsaba would put huge pressure on Semenya, shortening the gap between the two of them to just two points ahead of the final. 

Where to watch Silesia 2025

The meeting will be streamed in a number of territories on the Wanda Diamond League YouTube page , as well as via broadcasters around the world.

For information on broadcast coverage, select the country you are in from the dropdown menu and the information