HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Diamond League 2026: China Opener With Top Stars

BBC Sport •
×

The Diamond League season kicks off in China with world-class athletes competing in the premier one-day meeting series. Originally scheduled for Doha, the opening event moved due to Middle East conflict concerns. British stars Amy Hunt and Ben Pattison join global names like Armand Duplantis and Faith Kipyegon, promising an exciting start to the 15-stop circuit that culminates in Brussels in September.

Hunt, fresh off a world silver medal, will face tough competition in the women's 200m against Jamaica's Shericka Jackson and American Sha'Carri Richardson. Pattison, Britain's second-fastest 800m runner in history, aims to end his medal drought after illness disrupted his Olympic preparations. The 24-year-old targets European and Commonwealth medals this summer after claiming surprise bronze at the 2023 world championships in Budapest.

Pattison expressed his determination to add more major silverware to his collection, acknowledging he doesn't want to be remembered solely for his early breakthrough. "I don't like the fact that people still reference Budapest," he stated, emphasizing his goal of securing two medals at upcoming championships. The Shanghai/Keqiao event airs live on BBC Two from 12:00 BST on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the athletics calendar.