Herculis Diamond League, Monaco… when will it stop producing world records!
Music for the ears and a feast for the eyes of Prince Albert who came for this Herculis, annual track and field meet at Stade Louis II, part of the Diamond League.
This is a great introduction to the final preparations of these world class athletes as they get ready for the Olympics in Paris in two weeks time. It’s the final stretch before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. These future Olympians are in full preparation. They have had the opportunity to test themselves under the best possible conditions with this Monaco stage of the Diamond League!
The biggest names in athletics, including Karsten Warholm and Dina Asher-Smith don’t always win when faced with fields of this class. But they were able to fine-tune their skills at the Stade Louis II before heading to the Stade de France to aim for the most prestigious of rewards: the Olympic gold medal.
So whose form is peaking at the right time including the 10 European champions, US , African and Australian greats come to test their mettle. The European champions announced for the meet included:
Dina Asher-Smith
Karsten Warholm
Ciara Mageean
Jakob Ingebrigtsen
Nadia Battocletti
Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal
Ana Peleteiro-Compaoré
Gianmarco Tamberi
Gabriel Tual and
Victoria Hudson
World Records Tumble at Monaco
But who is setting the pace in the world and breaking records in Monaco just in time for the Olympics?
Starting with the latest world record set in the 2000 metres in Monaco:
Jessica HULL (AUSTRALIA) 2000m Women – 1st – 5:19.70 World Record
“I definitely felt Paris ́s race all week in the legs. So the goal was just to be strong, even if my legs were very heavy. I ran at a different pace and level of fatigue I have never been at before. It was incredible, when I was on my own in the last lap, everyone was cheering for me. The wavelights also helped, I was just looking at the lights hoping that they don ́t catch me. It is amazing to be called a world record holder now. The last 200m were a long way, I didn ́t want to let down the spectators. I ran hard for this record, I worked extremely hard for this too. There are for sure some women who can run that 5:19, but for now I have my place in the history books. I am running so fast now, because I have been healthy for four years and have a really strong body now.”
And then there were three other giant performances with World Leading Times showing their best form in Monaco in the men’s 400 metres, 800 metres and 1500 metres peaking for the Olympics
Quincy HALL from the US
Djamel SEDJATI from Algeria and
Jacob INGEBRIGTSEN from Norway
Quincy HALL (USA)
400m Men – 1st – 43.80
“…I knew I could run fast. After the American trials I knew I needed to step up my game a little bit and that it would be enough to run this fast. I feel like I have a lot more in my tank. I just need to start strong and then I can finish strong as well…”
Djamel SEDJATI (ALGERIA) 800m Men – 1st – 1:41.46 setting a Diamond League Record
“ ….It ́s the fourth time I run a World Lead and the second time an Algerian Record, I have worked really hard for that. Now I am thinking of the World Record, I hope to run it at the Olympic Games. I have two more weeks to prepare it. I will focus on that and put in the necessary work so that I can achieve my goal….”
Jakob INGEBRIGTSEN (NORWAY ) 1500m Men – 1st
“I feel amazing. It is truly amazing how we as athletes develop ourselves and we run even faster at almost every competition we participate at. I really enjoy competing in Monaco, especially when a lot of Norwegian fans are here. That helps me a lot. I will continue doing what I have been always doing. I will continue developing physically and continue believing in my training. I see that I am increasing my potential every year. It is really important for athletes to believe in what they are doing. When you achieve great result, it is easier to be confident for the future competitions. I am excited about Paris. I feel strong, I will do my best and hopefully bring home the gold medal.”
Let’s follow these Monaco world beaters and see if they can also win gold at the Olympics.
