Weltklasse Zürich 2025 on Sechseläutenplatz
Let us look back on the unforgettable moments of Weltklasse Zürich 2025 at Sechseläutenplatz. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Zurich's city centre, we witnessed spectacular competitions, incredible performances and an enthusiastic crowd cheering on athletes from all over the world.
From impressive jumps to shot put records, this evening showed why Weltklasse Zürich is a highlight in the athletics calendar. Let's relive the best moments and immerse ourselves in the emotions of an extraordinary event!
Roaring crowd helps Simon Ehammer win a Diamond Trophy on Sechseläutenplatz
Weltklasse Zürich returned to Sechseläutenplatz for another “celebration of field events” after three years on Wednesday night. 7 000 fans frenetically cheered the athletes, most notably Simon Ehammer, who won his second diamond in the long jump, and Nicola Olyslagers, who set a new Oceanian record in the best high jump competition of the year.
Everything fitted perfectly in the long jump at 6.52pm – the crowd, the wind, the approach, the takeoff, the flight, the landing. A beautiful performance with a brilliant result: Appenzell’s Simon Ehammer broke the magic 8m mark for the first time at Weltklasse Zürich. His 8.32m were a huge leap and a great triumph. Not just for the decathlete, who managed to become a long jump Wanda Diamond League champion for the second time already. His achievement also represented a long-awaited premiere at Weltklasse Zürich. It was the very first win for a Swiss star in Zürich since the Diamond League was founded in 2010.
The audience knew how to celebrate the occasion, letting the newly crowned champion bathe in a sea of flags. Ehammer was most thank thankful for their support, stressing that the fans had helped him block out previous performances at Weltklasse Zürich. He commented that he even made peace with the bad luck that had seemed to follow him at previous meetings, and that he was more than happy to benefit from his good luck this time around.
The air is getting thinner for the pole vault highflyer
A test jump to familiarise himself with the equipment, skip some of the heights, complete jump after flawless jump, and win the competition. This is how Mondo Duplantis typically proceeds. However, one of his opponents, Emmanouil Karalis (GRE), has started to come dangerously close to the 13-time world record holder. On Sechseläutenplatz, they both cleared the 6.00m, Duplantis in his first attempt, Karalis in the second. Usually in control of things, the Swedish superstar’s competition suddenly seemed less solid at 6.10m. He concluded the competition with three failed attempts, just like his Greek challenger. Could this be a harbinger of a highly contested final at the upcoming world championships? The Zurich podium was completed by Sam Kendricks (USA)
Fourth at the US trials, but Wanda Diamond League’s number one
Shot putter Joe Kovacs translated his fond memories of Sechseläutenplatz into another great win. He had won at the spectacular venue before. His winning result in 2022 – 23.23m – is still his personal best today, placing him second in the all-time top list. Today, the US American with Hungarian family roots secured his fourth diamond (22.46m). Even though he had placed “just” fourth at the US trials and may miss the world championships in Tokyo, he is a champion in the most prestigious meeting series in the world.
High jump women: A top jumper from down under
As expected, the competition was a duel between Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Nicola Olyslagers, both clearly determined to gain air superiority in Zurich. Things did not turn out as expected, however. It was not Mahuchikh, the Olympic Games champion in 2021 and 2024, who prevailed on Sechseläutenplatz, but her tough opponent and two-time silver medallist Olyslagers. The Ukrainian world record holder and the Australian world indoor champion competed at the highest possible level. Up to 2.02, both cleared every height in the first attempt, but then, Mahuchikh suffered from nerves. The three-time Wanda Diamond League champion did manage a season’s best (2.02.m) but then failed to clear the 2.06m.
Olyslagers, in turn, jumped higher in her “second home” than ever this summer – and higher than any woman from down under at all – 2.04m, a national record, an Oceanian record, and a first diamond. The electrifying atmosphere also gave wings to Morgan Lake (GBR), who placed third. The former world U20 champion in the heptathlon and the high jump became the first female British athlete to clear the magic 2m mark. (Photo: Keystone-SDA)
Pole vault women: US sweep in the heart of Zurich
The women’s pole vault competition had been held in the afternoon already. Katie Moon, Olympic champion in 2021 and defending world champion was the only competitor to get to 4.82m. “The crowd gave me the extra energy I needed,” she said, thanking the fans. It was her first win at Weltklasse Zürich and her second Diamond Trophy (after claiming a first diamond in Eugene in 2023).
Moon’s fellow countrywomen Sandi Morris and Emily Groove (both 4.75m) completed the podium in the heart of Zurich – a US sweep. Local hero Angelica Moser, a member of the Zurich track club LC Zürich, became “the best of the rest”. For once, she was able to get to the venue by hopping on a commuter train. Maybe not entirely back to feeling in prime condition after the recent national championships (4.80m), the European champion had to settle for 4.63m and, just like last year, for fourth place.
Jessica Schilder named Wanda Diamond League Champion 2025
Jessica Schilder (NED) has been declared the winner of the Wanda Diamond League women's shot put competition. This decision was made following a successful protest against Sarah Mitton's (CAN) result.
Mitton initially achieved a result of 20.67 m in the second round. However, a protest was lodged within the 30-minute window. After review by the referees, it was determined that Mitton had stepped out of the throwing circle before her shot landed. This invalidated her result.
Schilder's attempt of 20.26 m was therefore the longest of the competition. The first-time final winner will be awarded the Diamond Trophy on Thursday evening during the award ceremony at the Letzigrund Stadium. She will then be available for interviews in the mixed zone.
