For many African athletes, especially those from nations with limited domestic track infrastructure, the Diamond League offers competitive exposure, financial incentives, and global recognition.
By Tuka Letura
The 2025 Diamond League season officially commenced on 26 April 2025 in Xiamen, China, marking the beginning of a 15-leg journey across different cities around the world. Organised annually by World Athletics, the Diamond League is one of the most prestigious competitions in track and field, bringing together the very best athletes from across the globe.
This elite series features a wide array of events reminiscent of the Olympics — sprints such as the 100 metres, middle- and long-distance races like the 1500 metres, as well as jumping and throwing disciplines including the high jump, long jump, javelin, and discus. Hurdle races also test athletes’ speed and agility.
At each meet, athletes accumulate points based on their performances, aiming to qualify for the season-ending final. The 2025 Diamond League Final is scheduled for 27–28 August in Zurich, Switzerland, where the top performers in each category will compete for the coveted Diamond Trophy.
For Africa, a continent rich in athletic talent, the Diamond League provides a platform to affirm its global dominance in middle and long distance running, while also showcasing its growing prowess in sprints and field events. The opening meet in Xiamen was a powerful statement by African athletes, and expectations are high as the action shifts to Shanghai for the second leg.
At the Xiamen opener, several African athletes delivered breathtaking performances — not only clinching victories but also setting world-leading times and meet records. Their dominance across a range of events highlighted the continent’s remarkable depth and diversity in track and field, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. Here are some of the standout names who made their mark:
Beatrice Chebet (Kenya)
It was an unsurprising podium finish for Chebet in the women’s 5000m, as she clocked a sensational 14:27.12. Her blistering finishing kick outpaced Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, the world record holder, to secure top spot in Xiamen. Her performance set a new meeting record and established the world lead for the season.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya)
The triple Olympic champion made a triumphant return to competition by winning the women’s 1000m in 2:29.21. Though just shy of the world record (2:28.98 by Svetlana Masterkova in 1996), Kipyegon’s run reaffirmed her dominance in middle-distance racing.
Akani Simbine (South Africa)
Simbine led a swift men’s 100m sprint, taking the win in 9.99 seconds and improving his own season’s world lead. It was yet another sub-10 finish for the South African star. Finishing just behind Simbine, Kenyan star Ferdinand Omanyala posted 10.13 seconds.
Samuel Firewu (Ethiopia)
It was an all-African top five in the Xiamen men’s 3000 metres steeplechase. Samuel Firewu claimed victory with a brilliant run, clocking 8:05.61 to set a new meeting record and the world lead. He was followed closely by Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, the reigning Olympic champion, who finished second in 8:06.66 with a season’s best.
Kenya’s Simon Koech took third in 8:07.12, also posting a season’s best, while his compatriot Edmund Serem placed fourth in a personal best of 8:08.50. Rounding out the top five was Ethiopia’s Hailemariyam Amare, who ran a season’s best of 8:09.95..
Bayapo Ndori and Busang Kebinatshipi (Botswana)
Botswana delivered a commanding performance in the men’s 400m, with Bayapo Ndori and Busang Kebinatshipi both securing podium finishes. Ndori stormed to victory with a time of 44.25 seconds, setting a new meeting record in the process. His powerful stride and well-timed finish proved too strong for the rest of the field in what was a fiercely competitive race. Not far behind, fellow countryman Busang Kebinatshipi impressed by taking third place with a season’s best of 44.53 seconds.
These were statement performances that offer a glimpse of what to expect in the season ahead. For Chebet and Kipyegon, the wins confirmed their continued reign in the distance world. For Simbine, Firewu, and Ndori, they marked a strong presence in events traditionally dominated by non-Africans.
What Makes the Diamond League Special?
The Diamond League isn’t just a collection of track meets. It’s an ecosystem of high performance where consistency, resilience, and peak execution are rewarded. Athletes accumulate points based on placements at each meeting, with the top eight or twelve (depending on the discipline) qualifying for the grand final. The winner in each discipline at the final is crowned the Diamond League Champion and takes home the prestigious Diamond Trophy.
The league structure includes core events and rotating disciplines, ensuring diversity across meetings. Points earned throughout the season also impact world rankings and qualification opportunities for major championships. For many African athletes, especially those from nations with limited domestic track infrastructure, the Diamond League offers competitive exposure, financial incentives, and global recognition. Even better, it’s an annual event.
All Eyes on Shanghai: Who to Watch
With the league heading to Shanghai on 3 May, anticipation is high. The second leg promises thrilling matchups, presenting another opportunity for Africa’s best to shine.
Akani Simbine (South Africa)
Akani Simbine headlines the men’s 100m in Shanghai. After finishing in first place in Xiamen, all eyes are on him for this sprint. Coupled with his recent form, he’s the favourite to repeat his Xiamen feat.
Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya)
Fresh from his second-place finish in Xiamen, Ferdinand will also feature in Shanghai. His explosive start and drive phase make him one of the most exciting sprinters to watch.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya)
Faith Kipyegon is expected to feature again, possibly in the 1500m or 5000m, her signature events. With her form looking razor-sharp, she’ll be the favourite in whichever race she enters.
Beatrice Chebet (Kenya)
Having conquered the 5000m in Xiamen, Beatrice Chebet may look to double down in Shanghai. With Gudaf Tsegay likely to seek redemption, a rematch could produce fireworks.
Bayapo Ndori (Motswana)
In the men’s 400m, Bayapo Ndori will look to extend his winning streak. His strength in the final 100m has made him a consistent Diamond League threat.
Samuel Firewu (Ethiopia)
Samuel Firewu could return in the steeplechase, aiming to reinforce his win in Xiamen and maintain momentum against top-class competition.
Tobi Amusan (Nigeria)
After finishing just outside the top three in Xiamen, Tobi Amusan is aiming to return to the podium and, if possible, secure a win in Shanghai.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Diamond League unfolds, African athletes are expected to remain central to the narrative. While East Africa continues its dominance in distance events, Southern and Western Africa are asserting themselves in sprints and jumps.
Moreover, the league serves as a vital proving ground for both emerging and experienced talents. Each leg offers an opportunity to gain experience, challenge global stars, and make a case for future championship selection. For federations and fans alike, the Diamond League is a pulse check on form, fitness, and readiness.
The Diamond League resumes after an almost two-week break, picking up momentum in Qatar as the world’s top athletes continue their chase for glory. Here’s a full rundown of the 2025 season’s scheduled meetings and their dates:
- 26 April – Xiamen, China
- 3 May – Shaoxing, China
- 16 May – Doha, Qatar
- 25 May – Rabat, Morocco
- 6 June – Rome, Italy
- 12 June – Oslo, Norway
- 15 June – Stockholm, Sweden
- 20 June – Paris, France
- 5 July – Eugene, United States
- 11 July – Monaco
- 19 July – London, Great Britain
- 16 August – Chorzów, Poland
- 20 August – Lausanne, Switzerland
- 22 August – Brussels, Belgium
- 27–28 August – Zürich, Switzerland
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over five years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.