1. Taylor breaks Diamond League record in Eugene
Christian Taylor has dominated the IAAF Diamond League in recent years, winning the Diamond Trophy in all of the last five seasons. The American began his title defence in some style back in May, breaking a Diamond League record with his 18.11m winning jump in Eugene.
2. Merritt picks up early win in Rome
Aries Merritt’s story has captured the heart of thousands of athletics fans over the last few years, and there will have been many delighted to see him claim victory in Rome early this season. After returning from a life-saving operation, Merritt has gone on to win three Diamond League qualifying meetings this year, and now has a chance to win a first Diamond Trophy since 2012.
3. Pérez shocks Perkovic in Stockholm
Sandra Perkovic is, as her Instagram handle attests, the queen of the women’s discus. The Olympic and World Champion has won five consecutive Diamond Trophies since 2012, and will be significant favourite in Brussels as she looks to add a sixth. The task is perhaps a little tougher this season, though: in Stockholm, Yaimé Pérez managed to do what nobody could in 2016, and inflict a Diamond League defeat on the Croatian queen.
4. Lasitskene lights up Lausanne
Few athletes have been as dominant in their discipline this season as Mariya Lasitskene in the women’s high jump. Winning all six qualifying meetings, Lasitskene asserted an incredible dominance over her competitors, which was only confirmed at the World Championships in London. Her performance in Lausanne remains the standout moment, as she soared above the rest of the field to clear 2.06m, before boldly attempting the world record.
5. Thompson wins in trainers in London
After disappointment at the World Championships, Elaine Thompson will be keen to reassert her status at the top of the sprinting tree by winning the 100m Diamond Trophy in Brussels. She is certainly the favourite, having won all but one of the qualifying meetings. Among her victories was an extraordinary performance in London, which saw her ease over the line ahead of her competitors…despite wearing trainers instead of spikes.