The upcoming Diamond League Final in Brussels presents a significant opportunity for a Canadian trio of athletes as they vie for top honors and a $30,000 prize in their respective events. Sprinter Audrey Leduc, middle-distance runner Marco Arop, and shot put star Sarah Mitton are set to compete for the coveted trophy on Friday. However, teammate Andre De Grasse, initially listed for the men’s 200 meters, withdrew due to a personal commitment ahead of the Ultimate Championship.
Participants in the Diamond League Final earned their spots through the Road to the Final, accumulating points at 14 series meetings held across four continents from April to August. The event will feature 40 reigning world and Olympic champions, showcasing their talents at the King Baudouin Stadium for the 50th edition of the Allianz Memorial Van Damme meet.
Sarah Mitton, aiming for her second Diamond League Trophy in three years, will strive for victory in the shot put event in Belgium. Last year, Mitton was disqualified from her title following a successful protest regarding a technicality in her winning throw.
On the other hand, Marco Arop, who clinched bronze at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, will be looking to secure a top spot in the Final after a strong performance a year ago in Zürich. Audrey Leduc, making her Diamond League Final debut, earned her place with a third-place finish in Rabat earlier this year.
Notably, the absence of women’s shot put in Budapest means Sarah Mitton won’t have a chance to compete there. However, standout athletes like Mondo Duplantis, Valarie Sion, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi will be aiming to claim Diamond League titles in their respective disciplines. Additionally, a men’s one-hour race featuring Frenchman Jimmy Gressier was canceled due to an injury, disrupting the planned record-breaking attempt.
As the excitement builds for the Diamond League Final, non-Canadian athletes such as Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Alison dos Santos, and Masai Russell will add to the competition’s intensity. Meanwhile, Rory Linkletter, the Canadian Olympian in the men’s marathon, will focus on the upcoming World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen.
Overall, the anticipation is high for the thrilling contests and standout performances expected at the prestigious Diamond League Final in Brussels.