Weltklasse Zürich returns to Sechseläutenplatz with five Olympic champions
On Wednesday evening, Sechseläutenplatz will once again transform into an arena for world-class athletics. Six technical disciplines are on the programme as the Wanda Diamond League crowns its champions in pole vault, shot put, women’s high jump and men’s long jump, right in front of Zurich’s Opera House.
A true celebration of field events is what fans can look forward to on Wednesday between Bellevue, the Opera House, the Bernhard Theater and the shores of Lake Zurich. No fewer than four Olympic champions will compete in six disciplines as Weltklasse Zürich makes its third appearance on the city’s largest public square, following 2021 and 2022.
Spotlight will inevitably fall on Mondo Duplantis. The Swedish pole vault phenomenon, raised in the US, has broken the world record 13 times and has won every major possible title – on global and continental level. His personal best now stands at 6.29 m. But don’t count out Greece’s Emmanouil “Manolo” Karalis, who is in brilliant shape, taking his first Diamond League win at Athletissima Lausanne earlier this summer and raising his national record to 6.08 m. Can he upset the king of pole vault?
In terms of medals, Miltiadis Tentoglou is Duplantis’s equal. The Greek long jump star, who states he would rather finish last with a big distance than first with a poor result, is a double Olympic champion and world and European gold medalist. Tentoglou is also a master of drama, often snatching victory on his very last attempt. Five rivals will try to deny him another fairy-tale finish – among them Simon Ehammer. The Appenzell native, Switzerland’s only Diamond Trophy winner to date, has yet to produce an 8-meter jump at Weltklasse Zürich. The national record holder is determined to change that in 2025 and challenge the long jump god from Greece.
Angelica Moser takes flight on home soil
In a late addition, the women’s pole vault has been moved to Sechseläutenplatz as well. Forecasted heavy rain forced organisers to reschedule the event in order to guarantee athlete safety and ensure the Wanda Diamond League final goes ahead as planned. For Swiss fans, this is an unexpected treat. They will see Angelica Moser, who won gold at every youth level and is now European champion both indoors and out. Competing for LC Zürich, she will take on none other than Katie Moon, Olympic champion of 2021.
The evening’s programme will be rounded off by women’s high jump, featuring Olympic champion and world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh, as well as the shot put competitions.
