The 2024 Wanda Diamond League was a season to remember, filled with outstanding performances and world records. Among the brightest moments were delivered by African athletes, who dominated the track and field events with jaw-dropping feats.
Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon once again showcased why she is one of the most remarkable middle-distance runners of all time. At the Paris Diamond League on July 7, Kipyegon shattered her own 1500m world record, stopping the clock at 3:49.04.
Just two months later, at the Brussels final, she claimed her fifth Diamond trophy, breaking a 21-year-old meeting record with a time of 3:54.75 in the women’s 1500m.
Kipyegon’s consistency throughout the season and her multiple world record performances solidified her status as the queen of middle-distance running.
Fellow Kenyan Beatrice Chebet also made history this season. In Eugene, she became the first woman to run under 29 minutes for the 10,000m, setting a new world record with a time of 28:54.14.
Chebet capped her stellar season with another impressive victory at the Zurich meeting on September 5, winning the women’s 5000m in a world-leading 14:09.52. Her dominance over long distances has marked her as a future legend in distance running.
Another rising star from Kenya, Faith Cherotich, delivered memorable performances, adding to Kenya’s formidable presence in the Diamond League.
She continued to show promise in her young career, competing with resilience and determination, making her one to watch for the future.
In the men’s category, Emmanuel Wanyonyi stamped his mark on the global stage with a stunning 800m victory at the Lausanne meeting on August 22.
Wanyonyi, who had just won Olympic gold, clocked 1:41.11, the second-fastest time ever recorded over two laps, equaling the legendary Wilson Kipketer. His performance was a highlight of the post-Olympic competitions, signaling the arrival of a new middle-distance sensation.
These African stars not only set records but also created unforgettable moments, proving their prowess on the international stage. As the 2024 Diamond League season draws to a close, athletes like Kipyegon, Chebet, Cherotich, and Wanyonyi have left an indelible mark, ensuring that the legacy of African athletics continues to thrive in global competitions.
