Wayde Van Niekerk © Gallo Images

The 2025 Lausanne Diamond League, also known as Athletissima, is packed with compelling storylines and elite matchups as it marks the 50th edition of the event and the final stretch before the finals in Zurich.

You can catch all the action live on SuperSport Variety 3 and SS Africa 1 from 8pm.

 Key Storylines & Matchups

Shericka Jackson & Dina Asher-Smith – Women’s 200m battle.

Two of the fastest women in the world go head-to-head in the 200m.

Jackson, known for her explosive finishes, will face stiff competition from Asher-Smith and rising star McKenzie Long.

Masai Russell & Tobi Amusan – Women’s 100m hurdles

Olympic gold medalist Masai Russell and world record holder Tobi Amusan headline a stacked hurdles field, promising a thrilling race 1.

Audrey Werro & Prudence Sekgodiso – Women’s 800m

Local favourite Werro faces South Africa’s Sekgodiso in a race that could be pivotal for Diamond League points and momentum heading into the World Championships.

POLE VAULT EXTRAVAGANZA

The men’s pole vault features stars like Sam Kendricks, Renaud Lavillenie, and Sondre Guttormsen.

With Armand Duplantis holding the stadium record, the bar is literally set high.

SOUTH AFRICAN ATHLETES 

Prudence Sekgodiso – Women’s 800m.

One of South Africa’s brightest middle-distance talents.

She’ll be racing against top contenders like Great Britian duo of Keely Hodgkinson and Jemma Reekie, and Audrey Werro of Switzerland.

Akani Simbine – Men’s 100m 

South Africa’s sprint star, has been one of the standout performers in the 2025 Diamond League season.

He already won three Diamond League in Xiamen, Shanghai, and Rabat — all under 10 seconds.

His season best came at the Atlanta City Games were he clocked his season best of 9.86s.

Joane van Dyk – Javelin thrower

Top javelin thrower, is expected to be among South Africans flying the country’s flag high.

She is up against Colombia’s Flor Ruiz Hurtado, Mackenzie Little from Australia, Japanese Haruka Kitaguchi, Anete Kociņa from Latvia and Tori Peeters of New Zealand.

TOP AFRICAN ATHLETES COMPETING

Letsile Tebogo – Men’s 200m

Botswana’s sprint sensation and Olympic champion is set to face elite competition including Fred Kerley and Erriyon Knighton.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi – Men’s 800m

Kenya’s Olympic champion and one of the fastest 800m runners in history is expected to be a major contender in Lausanne.

Mary Moraa – Women’s 400m

Another Kenyan, known for her aggressive racing style and strong finishes is a favourite in the women’s 400m event.

Marie-Josée Ta Lou – Women’s 100m

Ivory Coast and Africa’s fastest woman and a consistent Diamond League performer will be leading the charge in the women’s sprints.

HISTORIC 50TH EDITION

This year’s Athletissima celebrates its 50th anniversary, adding emotional weight and prestige to every event.

Organisers have promised a showcase of the best performances in the event’s history.

 Event Highlights

August 19: Men’s pole vault kicks off the meet.

August 20: Full slate of events including:

100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 5000m

Hurdles (100m, 110m, 400m)

Steeplechase, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Javelin

4x100m relays