1. High jump to hit the big time (High Jump M)
With 12 places up for grabs in the IAAF Diamond League Final, we can expect a star-studded field to compete for the Diamond Trophy at the end of the season. After two qualifying meets, only twelve athletes have managed to score points, meaning all of them currently occupy a qualifying position. After Oslo, though, some jumpers will have to drop out of the top 12. With Bohdan Bondarenko and Derek Drouin looking to get their first points on the board, the others in an outstanding field will be hoping not to fall out of the qualifying positions. Mutaz Barshim and Robbie Grabarz will be looking to consolidate their positions at the top, but stars such as Guowei Zhang find themselves lower down the standings, and need points if they are to stay on course on the Road To The Final.
2. Star-studded sprint battle for key points (200m W)
Oslo is set to be a key moment on the Road To The Final in the women’s 200m too. Dafne Schippers has the opportunity to take the lead in the standings, sitting just one point behind Elaine Thompson. Also present in Oslo will be Murielle Ahouré, who is yet to pick up any points yet, and will want a high-scoring finish to propel her into the top eight and a qualifying position.
3. Crucial moment in 400m Road To The Final? (400m M)
In the men’s 400m, Lashawn Merrit leads the pack, but the battle lower down the standings is still very much open, and the race in Oslo could be a crucial moment in deciding who makes the top eight. Pavel Maslak sits just inside the qualifying positions on six points, while Matthew Hudson-Smith will attempt to muscle his way in on the top eight with three points or more. Oslo is also a chance for the Borlée brothers to pick up their first points on the Road To The Final.
4. Semenya leads charge for qualifying positions (800m W)
Just as she did last year, Diamond Trophy holder Caster Semenya is dominating the standings in the women’s 800m. On 16 points at the top of the table, another win in Oslo could widen the gap between her and ninth place, and see her effectively book her place in the IAAF Diamond League Final. Francine Niyonsaba and Melissa Bishop, meanwhile, will be looking to finish ahead of the likes of Lynsey Sharp to avoid dropping out of the top eight.
5. Clement to continue title defence (400mH M)
Olympic champion and Diamond Trophy holder Kerron Clement is one of the headliners in Oslo, and he faces a key moment on his Road To The Final. Currently in mid-table with just 5 points, Clement must take advantage of his status as favourite, and pick up maximum points if he is to create a little breathing space in the bid for qualification spots.