Upload a Photo Upload a Video Add a News article Write a Blog Add a Comment
Blog Feed News Feed Video Feed All Feeds

 

Folders

 

 

Event Schedules Set for Pre Classic and adidas Grand Prix

Published by
DyeStatPRO.com   Dec 28th 2015, 2:35pm
Comments

Key Matchups All But Certain in Eugene and New York City

By Scott Bush

While the start of the 2016 Diamond League season is still over four months away, it’s never too early to start getting excited for the world’s biggest and best track and field meets. Earlier this month, the IAAF released the event lineups for each Diamond League event, which includes the Nike Prefontaine Classic and adidas Grand Prix.

Nike Prefontaine Classic – May 27-28

Men’s Track Events: 100m, 800m, 3,000m/5,000m, 400m hurdles

Women’s Track Events: 200m, 400m, 1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase, 100m hurdles

Men’s Field Events: Pole vault, triple jump, shot put, javelin

Women’s Field Events: High jump, long jump, discus

adidas Grand Prix – June 18

Men’s Track Events: 200m, 400m, 800m, 3,000m steeplechase, 110m hurdles

Women’s Track Events: 100m, 800m, 3,000m/5,000m, 400m hurdles

Men’s Field Events: High jump, long jump, discus

Women’s Field Events: Pole vault, triple jump, shot put, javelin

Things to Get Excited For

There are four events to take place in Eugene and another four in New York City fans should anticipate incredibly talented fields.

Men’s 100m (Pre): While it’s highly unlikely we’ll see a Justin Gatlin versus Usain Bolt matchup, do not be surprised to see some combination of Gatlin, Asafa Powell, Trayvon Bromell, Andre De Grasse, Jimmy Vicaut, Tyson Gay and Mike Rodgers. Even if the field hosted four of these men, it’s likely fans will see a sub-9.85 clocking from at least one of them. Bolt has never competed at Pre, but in an Olympic year, don’t be surprised to see race organizers dump some additional dollars into attracting the biggest head-to-head matchups.

Women’s 400m (Pre): Last year, Allyson Felix showed she was the top 400 meter runner in the world. While Felix eyes the sprint 200m/400m double in Rio, you can bet she’ll get one of her best tune-ups prior to the USA Outdoor Championships at Pre. A clash between Felix, Francena McCorory and Sanya Richards-Ross would be fantastic and if race organizers manage to include Shaunae Miller and Shericka Jackson, who finished second and third to Felix at the World Championships this year, that’s an Olympic-caliber race right there.

Women’s 100m hurdles (Pre): The biggest surprise at the World Championships in 2015 was easily the disappointing results of the American women over the 100m hurdles. The five fastest women in the world in 2015 were Americans and in the Diamond League, Jasmin Stowers, Sharika Nelvis and Dawn Harper Nelson simply dominated. Beijing was their downfall though, as Brianna Rollins finished fourth as the highest U.S. finisher. Look for the Americans to enter 2016 with a chip on their shoulder, eyeing domination at Pre in front of their home country fans.

Men’s Triple Jump (Pre): Arguably the best rival in track and field comes in the men’s triple jump, with American Christian Taylor and Cuban Pedro Pablo Pichardo doing things no two men have ever done in the event. Taylor nearly broke the world record with his gold medal jump in Beijing of 18.21m, while cracking the 18 meter barrier three times total, with Pichardo breaking it twice. The two men held the top 13 best jumps in the world in 2015 and gave no indication this would change in the year ahead.

Men’s 400m (adidas): Remember the men’s 400m final at the World Championships this year? The one where 23 year old Wayde van Neikerk of South Africa became the fourth fastest one-lapper in history, LaShawn Merritt set a PR in second and Kirani James finished third? It was the fastest 400 meters from top to bottom, and honestly, such a great race should set up the event to be one of the most anticipated throughout 2016. It’ll be interesting to see which stars compete in NYC, but even if it’s half the top finishers in Beijing, this has the makings to be extremely fast.

Men’s 800m (adidas): Boris Berian has more experience behind him and Nick Symmonds and Duane Solomon will have a base beneath them, meaning Americans should be able to contend once again on the world stage over 800m. Expect to see the great David Rudisha in New York, as well as Nijel Amos, Ayanleh Souleiman, Adam Kszczot and Oregon Track Club Elite’s Mohammed Aman. Those gentlemen, in addition to the trio of Americans, could very well make the two lap event the most dramatic of the entire event.

Women’s Pole Vault (adidas): There is some serious star potential in the women’s pole vault these days. Jenn Suhr continues to be one of the very best in the world, but she’s now being chased by young stars Sandi Morris and Demi Payne. But it’s just not the American who should show up in New York, with Yarisley Silva of Cuba, Nikoleta Kyriakopoulou of Greece and Fabiana Murer of Brazil all capable of cracking the 4.80m barrier, challenging for the win and setting themselves up as the favorite heading into the Olympic Games. This could be the last large clash before the Olympics, meaning it’ll be must-see action.

Women’s Shot Put (adidas): While the shot put isn’t as deep as many other events, this event will be one to watch if legendary New Zealand thrower Valerie Adams is fully healthy and has a base of training to work from. Germany’s Christina Schwanitz ruled the world in the shot put in 2015 and will not want to simply give her crown back to Adams. These two, along with China’s Lijiao Gong and America’s Michelle Carter, could make the women’s shot put the marquee field event of the weekend in the Big Apple.

More news

History for Eugene Diamond League - Nike Prefontaine Classic
YearResultsVideosNewsPhotosBlogs
2024     1    
2023 1 119 11 1093  
2022 1 107 12 550  
Show 34 more
 
+PLUS highlights
+PLUS coverage
Live Events
Get +PLUS!