The wonderful history between athletics and the City of Light continues. Following the last two remarkable editions of the Wanda Diamond League Meeting de Paris, punctuated by four world records and the best performance of all time in the world, then the unforgettable Paris Olympics in August 2024, the planet’s top athletes will convene at Charléty on Friday 20 June.
Among them, three talented hurdlers are due to compete on the blue track south of the capital. Cyréna Samba-Mayela, in the 100 m hurdles, will race in France for the first time since winning Olympic silver. The French record holder (12’’31), who joined Tonja Buford-Bailey’s training group in Austin (Texas) in the autumn, has chosen to skip the indoor competitions to prepare for an eagerly awaited summer season in which she hopes to further prove herself. Her presence will be celebrated by an expected audience of nearly 20,000 spectators keen to see her secure a win for the first time on home soil.
“Competing in Paris, in front of a French crowd and my loved ones, will naturally be extra special, admits the 24-year-old European champion. Less than a year on from the incredible Olympic experience, I’m looking forward to showing what I’m made of on the Charléty track and reliving the thrilling atmosphere.”
Grant Holloway, crowned Olympic champion in the 110 m hurdles, is returning to Paris with fond memories. The American, with his flamboyant style, excelled during his last participation at the Wanda Diamond League Meeting de Paris in 2023, bagging victory in 12’’98. For a repeat performance on 20 June, the 27-year-old athlete will notably have to outpace France’s best hurdlers. Wilhem Belocian is the first of the Blues on what appears to be an ever-expanding list of entries in the high hurdles. Silver medallist in the 60 m hurdles during the European and World Indoor Championships in March, he has his sights on a stand-out performance in the open air.
“The winter season finally enabled me to fully express myself, beams the 29-year-old from Guadeloupe. This summer, the objective will be to continue this momentum and validate my two indoor medals. I need to regularly compete against the very best athletes and the Meeting de Paris will give me a great opportunity to do just that.” Competing against Grant Holloway, who has recorded the second-best performance in the world of all time in 12’’81, he’s clearly on the right track.
