Weltklasse Zurich 2025 is set for a spectacular two-night finale on August 27 and 28, with African athletes primed to steal the spotlight across sprint, distance, and steeplechase events in the final leg of the Diamond League.
Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) targets an undefeated 200m season, while Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon chase dominance and records in the 5,000m and 1,000m respectively. Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu looks to continue his rise in the 3,000m steeplechase, and South Africa’s Akani Simbine leads the Diamond League 100m standings into Zurich.
The “magic meet” promises fast times, fierce rivalries, and African brilliance on the global stage, broadcast live on SuperSport.
The action at the Letzigrund Stadium is poised to deliver high drama, ferocious competition, and dazzling African brilliance. Let’s spotlight five standout African athletes primed to illuminate the two-night finale.
Letsile Tebogo (Botswana, Men’s 200m)
The reigning Olympic champion in the 200m, Tebogo has carved his name into history as the first African to win Olympic gold in that event. He has stormed through the season, notching blazing sub-20 performances and multiple Diamond League victories. With his momentum peaking, all eyes will be on him to complete a flawless run in Zurich.
Beatrice Chebet (Kenya, Women’s 5,000m)
Chebet’s Paris double Olympic triumph in the 5,000m firmly established her as Kenya’s long-distance queen. Early 2025 showed she remains unstoppable: she crushed the field in Xiamen to open the Diamond League season and continues to shape as the favourite heading into the Zurich final.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya, Women’s 1,000m)
With three Olympic titles and a world record-holder in the 1,500m, Kipyegon looks to add another barrier to her legacy: the 1,000m world record (2:28.98). She’s entered Zurich with form and fire, ready to challenge history.
Samuel Firewu (Ethiopia, Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase)
The Ethiopian steeplechase prodigy, Firewu, has already defeated Olympic gold medallist Soufiane El Bakkali in Xiamen and captured a Diamond League victory there in April — posting a sizzling 8:05.61. At just 21, he embodies the next generation of African dominance in the steeplechase.
Akani Simbine (South Africa, Men’s 100m)
The South African sprint stalwart has been a model of consistency in 2025. He leads the men’s 100m Diamond League standings, winning key rounds and maintaining sub-10 form. Zurich may well be where he seals his status with the Diamond Trophy.
Why Zurich matters for these stars
Weltklasse Zurich, affectionately dubbed the “magic meet,” is famed for its electric atmosphere, fast track, and silver-lined history of record-breaking moments – a fitting stage for African stars to script further legend. Letzigrund Stadium’s capacity and legacy ensure that performances won’t just be seen; they’ll be felt.
What to watch
- Tebogo aiming to cap off an invincible season in the 200m.
- Chebet chasing seasonal dominance in the 5,000m.
- Kipyegon possibly rewriting the 1,000m record books.
- Firewu seeking to extend his record of beating global champions.
- Simbine pushing for a sprint crown in a Diamond League climax.
All told, Weltklasse Zurich 2025 promises to be a blazing finale – where African athletes are not just participants, but the marquee performers poised to shine brightest.
Athletics: Diamond League – Weltklasse Zurich
Wednesday 27 & Thursday 28 August, 17:30 & 18:30 – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Maximo 3
