1. Ibargüen launches title defence (Triple Jump W)
For the last four years, nobody has been able to keep Caterine Ibargüen from winning the Diamond Trophy. The Colombian has been dominant across all competitions in the women’s triple jump, and the IAAF Diamond League has been no exception. Earlier this year, she told diamondleague.com that she was confident of winning a fifth Diamond Trophy under the new format this season. She begins her campaign in Rome, with former Diamond Trophy holder Olga Rypakova among those looking to land an early blow to Ibargüen’s hegemony.
2. Röhler ready for the very best (Javelin M)
Thomas Röhler has set the bar extremely high for this season’s javelin competition, throwing an incredible 93.90m at the season opener in Doha. If that is to be the tone for the rest of the season, then we are in for a cracking Road To The Final in the men’s javelin. Röhler will have to pull out all the stops again in Rome, as he faces some tough competition including Diamond Trophy winners from 2015 and 2016 Tero Pitkämäki and Jakub Vadlejch, and Kenyan star Julius Yego. All of these throwers will expect to reach the Final later this year.
3. Morris vs Stefanidi – Round Two (Pole Vault W)
Last year may have been the year of Katerina Stefanidi, with the Greek pole vaulter claiming both the Diamond Trophy and Olympic Gold, but 2016 finished with a high point for rival Sandi Morris, who managed to clear 5 metres in Brussels last September. That constellation set this year’s women’s pole vault up to be one of the most thrilling duels of the season, with Stefanidi and Morris the favourites to win the Diamond Trophy at the end of the summer. Stefanidi took first blood with victory in Doha, and Morris will be looking to pick up all eight points herself against the Greek in Rome.
Ready for #RomeDL, pole vault fans? Katerina Stefanidi picked up 8 points in Doha, can she do it again against Sandi Morris at @goldengala_roma? #RoadToTheFinal
4. Bett to face Diamond legends (800m M)
Kipyegon Bett won his first ever IAAF Diamond League meeting in Shanghai last month, establishing himself as an unlikely candidate to compete for the Diamond Trophy this season. In Rome, he will face another tough test, as past Diamond Trophy winners David Rudisha, Nijel Amos and current holder Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich line up to boost their points tallies. The men’s 800m could prove to be one of the most open competitions on the Road To The Final.
5. Dibaba out to reclaim long distance title (5000 W)
2015 was the last time Genzebe Dibaba won the Diamond Trophy in any discipline, overcoming a spirited challenge from Almaz Ayana to win the title in the 5000m. A year later, it was Ayana’s turn to shine, as she eased to a comprehensive season win over the same distance. Dibaba will be looking to reclaim her crown this season, and with Ayana set not to run in Rome, her compatriot has the chance to pick up eight points and catch current leader Hellen Obiri.