Brussels Diamond League Preview: Richardson and Fraser-Pryce Set for Epic Showdown
The 2025 Brussels Diamond League, officially known as the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, promises to be a thrilling showcase of elite athletics this Friday at the King Baudouin Stadium. As the penultimate stop before the Diamond League Final in Zurich, this event is crucial for athletes vying for points, bonuses, and wild card entries to the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
Fans can catch all the action live on SuperSport Variety 3, SS Africa 1, and GOtv starting at 8 PM.
Key Events and Athletes to Watch
This year’s event features a star-studded lineup in the sprints, highlighted by the highly anticipated clash between world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, world leader Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, and sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. This race marks the first time these three sprint powerhouses will compete against each other, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.
South Africans to Keep an Eye On
– Akani Simbine (Men’s 100m): Simbine has been in exceptional form this season, posting multiple sub-10 second times, including a 9.90 at the Botswana Grand Prix. He aims to prove himself against top competitors as he eyes the Diamond League Final and the World Championships in Tokyo.
– Bayanda Walaza (Men’s 100m): The 21-year-old sprint sensation stunned the competition earlier this year at the Kip Keino Classic and recently clinched double gold in the 100m and 200m at the World University Games in Berlin.
– Retshidisitswe Mlenga (Men’s 100m): Mlenga has steadily gained momentum this season, finishing in 10.15 seconds behind top sprinters in Botswana. He is also part of the 4x100m relay squad that medaled at the World University Games.
– Prudence Sekgodiso (Women’s 800m): Sekgodiso is South Africa’s middle-distance star, having won gold at the 2025 World Indoor Championships. With a personal best of 1:57.26, she is a strong contender in any 800m race.
– Zeney van der Walt (Women’s 400m Hurdles): Currently ranked in the top 8 of the Diamond League standings, Zeney aims to secure a spot in the Zürich final and gain momentum for the World Championships.
Other African Stars to Watch
– Letsile Tebogo (Botswana, Men’s 200m): The Olympic champion and world record hopeful will face formidable opponents, including Christian Coleman and Joseph Fahnbulleh.
– Favour Ofili (Nigeria, Women’s 100m): With a personal best of 10.87 seconds, Ofili is poised to make an impact in the sprinting events.
– Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya, Men’s 100m): With a personal best of 9.77 seconds, Omanyala is a strong contender in the sprint category.
– Diribe Welteji (Ethiopia, Women’s 1500m): Part of a talented Ethiopian contingent, Welteji will be key in the middle-distance events.
