The World Athletics Diamond League season opener in Xiamen delivered a whirlwind of excitement and record-breaking performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The spotlight shone on China's Zhang Mingkun, who wowed the crowd with an 8.18-meter leap to secure the men's long jump title. As Zhang shared, "It was my first time in Xiamen and competing in such a high-level event. I didn't jump well initially, but luckily I found my rhythm on the fifth attempt."
The field events were equally electrifying. In the men's triple jump, Olympic silver medalist Zhu Yaming settled for silver after Jamaica's Jordan Scott soared to a personal best of 17.27 meters. Over in the throwing events, Chinese athlete Su Lingdan grabbed bronze in the women's javelin with a mark of 61.62 meters, while Greek Elina Tzengko set an event record at 64.75 meters to clinch gold. Veteran shot putter Gong Lijiao also added a bronze to her tally with a season-best toss of 19.62 meters, remarking that consistency is key in avoiding injuries.
The track events gifted the audience with a mix of new talent and seasoned performance. Liu Junxi impressed by setting a personal best in the men's 110m hurdles with a time of 13.24 seconds, behind the US’s Tinch Cordell who clocked a world-leading 13.06 seconds. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Chen Yujie made a striking Diamond League debut in the women's 200m, setting a new Asian youth record with a run of 22.99 seconds.
The sprinting action was just as intense. South African Akani Simbine dazzled in the men's 100m with a lightning-fast 9.99 seconds, even as home favorite Xie Zhenye posted a season-best 10.23 seconds. Norwegian star Karsten Warholm stole the show in the newly introduced men's 300m hurdles, delivering a world best time of 33.05 seconds. Warholm praised the vibrant atmosphere in Xiamen, noting how the city's hospitable vibes and ideal weather made for a memorable week.
Not to be outdone, the pole vault event saw world record holder Armand Duplantis defend his title with a height of 5.92 meters despite challenges posed by the wind. In the women's high jump, Ukraine's Yaroslava Mahuchikh emerged victorious after clearing 1.97 meters, with Australia's Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers closely following.
Rounding off the day, three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon from Kenya powered through the women's 1,000m in 2:29.32, just 0.23 seconds shy of the world record, setting an inspiring tone for the season ahead. With a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging stars, the Xiamen Diamond League opener truly captured the spirit of competitive athletics, leaving fans excited for what the season holds. 🏃♂️🔥
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China's Zhang Mingkun wins men's long jump at Diamond League in Xiamen
cgtn.com
