For years, Asian javelin has revolved around a handful of familiar names. On a stunning night in Rome, a new one crashed into that conversation with extraordinary force.

Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage produced the throw of his life at the Diamond League, launching the javelin an astonishing 92.62 metres and sending shockwaves through world athletics.
The 23-year-old unleashed the monster throw on his second attempt, instantly rewriting history. Not only did he obliterate his previous personal best of 89.37m, but he also became just the fourth Asian athlete ever to cross the iconic 90-metre mark.
The result was spectacular: victory in Rome, a new Sri Lankan national record, and the world-leading throw of the 2026 season.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Pathirage’s 92.62m effort now stands as the second-longest throw ever produced by an Asian athlete, surpassed only by Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem. In one breathtaking moment, the Sri Lankan leapfrogged India’s Neeraj Chopra and Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Chao-tsun on the continent’s all-time list.
The throw also vaulted him into the sport’s rarefied air. Pathirage is now the eighth-best javelin thrower in history, while his Rome effort ranks among the greatest throws ever recorded globally.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the speed of his rise.
Just a year ago, Pathirage was celebrating his first major breakthrough on the international stage. In 2025, he became the first Sri Lankan male javelin thrower to reach a World Championships final, finishing seventh and hinting at bigger things to come.
The signs were already there this season. Throws of 89.37m in Diyagama and 89.28m at the Kip Keino Classic suggested that something special was brewing. Rome was where all that promise exploded into reality.
The throw wasn’t just a personal best. It was a statement.
A statement that Sri Lanka has produced a genuine world-class javelin star. A statement that the race for global medals just became far more crowded. And a statement that one of athletics’ most exciting disciplines has a powerful new contender.

In a golden era dominated by giants, Rumesh Pathirage has announced himself in the loudest way possible.
One throw. 92.62 metres.
History.

The women’s 200m at the Rome Diamond League is packed with Olympic medallists, national record holders and some of the fastest women on the planet. From reigning Olympic champion Julien Alfred to sprint stars Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Favour Ofili, the race promises fireworks on the famous Stadio Olimpico track. Here’s a closer look at the athletes to watch.

1. Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia)

Julien Alfred arrives in Rome as one of the biggest names in global sprinting. The Saint Lucian made history by winning Olympic gold in the 100m at Paris 2024, becoming her nation’s first-ever Olympic champion. Known for her explosive starts and exceptional top-end speed, Alfred has also developed into a formidable 200m runner capable of challenging the world’s best. Her rise from collegiate standout to global superstar has been remarkable, and every appearance now attracts immense attention. In Rome, she will be aiming to continue her dominance against another elite international field.

2. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (United States)

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has established herself as one of the United States’ most consistent sprinters in recent seasons. Renowned for her powerful acceleration and aggressive racing style, she has become a regular fixture on the Diamond League circuit. Jefferson-Wooden has enjoyed success across both the 100m and 200m, showcasing impressive versatility. Her ability to maintain speed through the final stages of a race makes her a dangerous competitor against any field. With championship ambitions firmly in sight, Rome presents another opportunity to sharpen her form against world-class opposition.

3. Favour Ofili (Nigeria)

Favour Ofili remains one of Africa’s most exciting sprint talents. The Nigerian star has produced standout performances at both collegiate and international levels, earning a reputation as a fearless competitor capable of challenging established stars. Blessed with tremendous natural speed and strength, Ofili has consistently delivered fast times over 100m and 200m. She continues to carry the hopes of Nigerian sprinting into major global competitions. A strong showing in Rome would further reinforce her status as one of the leading contenders heading into the championship season.

4. Anavia Battle (United States)

Anavia Battle has steadily built a reputation as one of America’s most reliable sprint performers. The former collegiate standout has translated domestic success into strong international results, frequently competing against the world’s elite. Battle’s strength lies in her smooth running mechanics and ability to remain composed under pressure. She has become a regular presence in high-level sprint races and continues to push towards new personal bests. The Rome Diamond League offers another valuable chance to test herself against Olympic and World Championship medallists.

5. Amy Hunt (Great Britain)

Amy Hunt has long been regarded as one of Britain’s brightest sprint prospects. After enjoying success as a junior athlete, she has gradually established herself at the senior level through strong relay performances and individual breakthroughs. Hunt possesses exceptional raw speed and has continued to mature into a consistent international competitor. Her performances in recent seasons have demonstrated growing confidence against elite opposition. Rome provides an important opportunity for the British sprinter to continue building momentum and showcase her progress on one of athletics’ biggest stages.

6. Dina Asher-Smith (Great Britain)

Dina Asher-Smith remains one of the most accomplished sprinters in British athletics history. A world champion, Olympic medallist and multiple European champion, she has spent nearly a decade competing at the highest level. The British star is particularly dangerous over 200m, where her powerful bend running and strong finish have delivered numerous international medals. Her experience and championship pedigree make her a constant threat regardless of the field. Asher-Smith arrives in Rome looking to add another strong performance as she continues her pursuit of global success.

7. Jaël Bestué (Spain)

Jaël Bestué has emerged as one of Spain’s leading sprint talents. The Spanish athlete has consistently lowered her times and become an important figure in her country’s sprint programme. Known for her technical efficiency and determination, Bestué has represented Spain at major international championships and continues to gain valuable experience against elite competition. Competing in a Diamond League field of this calibre offers a significant challenge, but it also provides an opportunity to demonstrate her continued progression on the international stage.

8. Hélène Parisot (France)

Hélène Parisot has become a key member of France’s sprinting squad through a series of strong domestic and international performances. The French athlete combines speed and resilience, making her a competitive presence in both individual and relay events. Parisot has steadily improved her standing within European sprinting and continues to seek breakthrough performances against the world’s best. Racing in Rome against Olympic champions and global medallists represents another important step in her development as she looks to establish herself among the continent’s top sprinters.

9. Elisa Valensin (Italy)

Elisa Valensin enters the Rome Diamond League as one of Italy’s most promising young sprint talents. Still early in her senior career, she has already attracted attention with impressive performances at youth and junior levels. Competing against a field filled with established global stars will provide invaluable experience for the Italian athlete. Supported by a passionate home crowd, Valensin will be looking to make the most of a rare opportunity to race some of the fastest women in the world. Rome could mark another important milestone in her development.

If you’re dreaming of representing India at the Asian Games, anti-doping education is no longer optional.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has reiterated that athletes must complete anti-doping education before being approved to compete at the Asian Games, making it one of the most significant athlete education initiatives in world sport.

Speaking at the 2026 WADA Asia/Oceania Ministerial Intergovernmental Meeting in Beijing, the OCA highlighted the success of the programme, which has recorded compliance rates of over 97 percent at recent Asian Games events.

The initiative was first introduced ahead of the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games, where athletes were required to complete WADA’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL) programme before receiving participation clearance.

For athletes, the message is simple: knowing the anti-doping rules is now considered just as important as meeting qualification standards.

The OCA believes education is the first line of defence against doping violations, helping athletes understand topics such as prohibited substances, supplement risks, testing procedures and Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).

At the Beijing meeting, OCA Director of Medical and Anti-Doping Services Nadia Al Shamali presented the organisation’s anti-doping framework, which is built around three pillars: education, prevention and testing.

With the next Asian Games cycle underway, athletes targeting continental competition are encouraged to complete their anti-doping education well in advance and stay updated on WADA regulations.

After all, talent and hard work can get you to the start line—but understanding the rules ensures you stay there.

All Times Eastern

Diamond League Rome 2026 Start Lists

Women’s Pole Vault

Men’s Javelin Throw

Men’s Triple Jump

Men’s High Jump

Women’s 400m Hurdles

Men’s Shot Put

Women’s 100m Hurdles

Men’s Long Jump

Women’s 5000m

Men’s 110m Hurdles

Women’s 400m

Women’s 200m

Women’s 1500m

Men’s 100m

The opening day of the Delhi State Open Summer Athletics Championships 2026 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium saw some strong performances across senior, U20, U18 and U16 categories. This event usually attracts athletes from neighbouring states of haryana, Punjab and UP but the first day did not see any spectacular results.

Medal Table Snapshot

Here’s a complete list of the top three finishers in every event held on June 2.

Men’s 10,000m

🥇 Gaurav Mathur (West Delhi) – 30:05.57
🥈 Rohit Kumar (South West Delhi) – 31:34.50
🥉 Ganesh (New Delhi) – 33:17.79

Women’s 10,000m

🥇 Uma Pandey (North West Delhi) – 42:56.16 (only finisher)

Men’s 400m

🥇 Tushar Manna (New Delhi) – 47.04
🥈 Arun Kumar (South West Delhi) – 48.82
🥉 Saurabh Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 49.69

Women’s 400m

🥇 Shireen Ahluwalia (Chandigarh) – 58.33
🥈 Priya (North West Delhi) – 1:00.27
🥉 Tiya (South Delhi) – 1:03.84

Men’s 1500m

🥇 Rahul (South West Delhi) – 3:47.46
🥈 Shailabh (West Delhi) – 3:47.54
🥉 Prakash Kumar (East Delhi) – 3:47.70

Women’s 1500m

🥇 Ruhi Bohra (Central Delhi) – 4:41.98
🥈 Sangam (South Delhi) – 4:51.89
🥉 Nishtha Mishra (New Delhi) – 4:54.94

Men’s Long Jump

🥇 Vishnu Siva Sankar (South Delhi) – 7.08m
🥈 Jayant Chaudhary (South West Delhi) – 6.82m
🥉 Ritik Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 6.76m

Men’s Pole Vault

🥇 Hardik Sejwal (South Delhi) – 4.00m
🥈 Mayank (Haryana) – 3.80m (only two competitors)

Men’s Discus Throw

🥇 Arjun (New Delhi) – 55.50m
🥈 Arvind Sharma (North East Delhi) – 52.11m
🥉 Aman Chauhan (Haryana) – 50.36m

Men’s Hammer Throw

🥇 Devang (North Delhi) – 63.71m
🥈 Amar Singh (North East Delhi) – 48.16m (only two competitors)

Women’s Shot Put

🥇 Srishti Vig (North West Delhi) – 16.55m
🥈 Simranjeet Kaur (North West Delhi) – 14.46m
🥉 Versha Gulia (South Delhi) – 10.67m

                                                   Boys U20

400m

🥇 Yugank Choudhary (Uttar Pradesh) – 48.24
🥈 Aryan Upadhyay (Central Delhi) – 48.28
🥉 Vaibhav Bhardwaj (Uttar Pradesh) – 48.91

1500m

🥇 Shekhar Singh Gujjar (South West Delhi) – 4:05.63
🥈 Vikrant Bhati (Uttar Pradesh) – 4:08.75
🥉 Mo. Yusuf (Uttar Pradesh) – 4:09.95

Long Jump

🥇 Jyotishman Boruah (Assam) – 6.85m
🥈 Mohit (Haryana) – 6.81m
🥉 Naman Yadav (Haryana) – 6.48m

Pole Vault

🥇 Sumit Kumar (South Delhi) – 2.90m (only competitor)

Discus Throw

🥇 Vansh (Haryana) – 52.82m
🥈 Yash Dabas (North West Delhi) – 52.29m
🥉 Ayush (Uttar Pradesh) – 48.24m

                                                     Boys U18

400m

🥇 Dev Khaiwal (Uttar Pradesh) – 49.51
🥈 Aditya (Haryana) – 49.56
🥉 Manvit Gahlot (Haryana) – 50.59

1000m

🥇 Satyam Gautam (East Delhi) – 2:33.42
🥈 Abhishek Kumar (Bihar) – 2:35.38
🥉 Nitin Kumar (South Delhi) – 2:35.75

High Jump

🥇 Naitik Kumar (South West Delhi) – 1.78m
🥈 Ginesh Bidla (Central Delhi) – 1.78m
🥉 Rajat Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 1.70m

Discus Throw

🥇 Dheeraj Sahu (Haryana) – 54.53m
🥈 Dev Chauhan (Haryana) – 52.55m
🥉 Jaivardhan Singh Bhati (Rajasthan) – 50.91m

                                                  Girls U20

400m

🥇 Riya Bisht (North West Delhi) – 58.35
🥈 Vanshika Chandila (Haryana) – 1:03.03 (only two finishers)

1500m

🥇 Saloni Dixit (South West Delhi) – 5:01.98 (only finisher)

                                                  Girls U18

400m

🥇 Manya (North Delhi) – 1:00.05
🥈 Khanak (Haryana) – 1:00.92
🥉 Kamakshi Pal (North West Delhi) – 1:01.55

1000m

🥇 Anuprati Mishra (South West Delhi) – 3:08.98
🥈 Priyanshi (East Delhi) – 3:10.90
🥉 Pratigya (Uttar Pradesh) – 3:17.99

High Jump

🥇 Madhu Bala (Haryana) – 1.40m
🥈 Hansika Saini (Uttar Pradesh) – 1.35m (only two athletes recorded)

Discus Throw

🥇 Avishka Yadav (North East Delhi) – 39.58m
🥈 Dimpy Saini (Uttar Pradesh) – 38.19m
🥉 Manya Puri (West Delhi) – 36.17m

Javelin Throw

🥇 Shreya Sharma (Uttar Pradesh) – 33.42m
🥈 Mansi Kumari (North West Delhi) – 31.65m
🥉 Nishika Baisla (South West Delhi) – 29.30m

                                                  Boys U16

Long Jump

🥇 Sandeep Gurjar (Uttar Pradesh) – 4.54m
🥈 Sujeet Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 4.41m
🥉 Divyanshu Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) – 4.37m

Shot Put

🥇 Abhishek Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) – 15.87m
🥈 Harsh Tomar (Uttar Pradesh) – 14.65m
🥉 Yuvraj Samdhyan (Haryana) – 14.64m

Javelin Throw

🥇 Vikash Rathee (Haryana) – 66.50m
🥈 Shivam Tomar (Uttar Pradesh) – 58.76m
🥉 Yash Mitaan (Haryana) – 57.97m

                                                  Girls U16

600m

🥇 Monika (Uttar Pradesh) – 1:38.81
🥈 Ruchika (Uttar Pradesh) – 1:41.13
🥉 Ayushi (Uttarakhand) – 1:41.18

Long Jump

🥇 Siya Malik (East Delhi) – 3.77m (joint gold)
🥇 Priyanshu, daughter of Narender (Rajasthan) – 3.77m (joint gold)
🥉 Sandhya (North West Delhi) – 3.63m

Shot Put

🥇 Urvashi Yadav (South West Delhi) – 12.10m
🥈 Gauravi Lamba (Uttar Pradesh) – 10.37m
🥉 Deepanshi Kharb (South West Delhi) – 10.34m

Javelin Throw

🥇 Harshita Tomar (Uttar Pradesh) – 35.79m
🥈 Anjali Kalwaniya (Rajasthan) – 35.54m
🥉 Ritika Khokhar (South West Delhi) – 34.52m

KM Deeksha, India’s fastest 1500m athlete, has been issued a notice after her sample showed the presence of a banned substance. However, she has not been issued a provisional suspension as reported by The Tribune.

Speaking out for the first time, the national record holder clarified that while she has received a notice regarding an adverse analytical finding, she has not been handed a provisional suspension, contrary to ongoing media reports.

“I have full confidence”

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) issued Deeksha a notice after her sample reportedly showed the presence of stanozolol—an anabolic agent strictly prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list.

Responding to the allegations, Deeksha clarified her current legal standing and expressed full faith in her clean record:

“Bhaiya, I had applied for B-sample testing. Yesterday, I was at the NADA office for the opening of my B sample for testing. Everyone in the news started saying that I am banned. I am not banned; this is an adverse finding.

I have been an RTP (Registered Testing Pool) athlete for the last three years and have given multiple tests. I am talking to you with full confidence because I know I have done nothing wrong.“

Deeksha also specified that the finding stems from an out-of-competition test conducted on February 26, 2026, in Bhopal, as per official NADA website data, rather than her most recent in-competition test in April.

Financial Struggles and State Transfer

Deeksha, who is employed by the Indian Railways, hails from Uttar Pradesh but has competed for Madhya Pradesh since 2019, training at the state-sponsored DSWY Academy in Bhopal.

Her recent absence from major competitive meets sparked initial speculation. She has not raced since winning gold (4:25.74s) at the Indian Athletics Series 2 in Jaipur on April 5, 2026, and notably skipped last month’s National Senior Athletics Federation Cup—a vital qualifying platform for the Commonwealth Games.

However, Deeksha explained that her absence and recent exit from the Bhopal academy are tied to deep financial strain and a desire to return to her home state for better institutional backing.

“Yes, I have asked for an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from MP, as I am financially struggling. I am under a loan burden of ₹6 lakh, even after winning so many medals and setting a national record,” Deeksha revealed. “I have received the NOC from MP and submitted the documents to Uttar Pradesh, but I have not received any update yet. If you win a medal at the Asian Games while representing UP, you receive good cash incentives.”

DSWY Academy chief coach SK Prashad confirmed her departure, noting, “She requested an NOC from the MP Athletics Association. She left the academy in April 2026 after the Jaipur meet.”

Furthermore, a handwritten application dated April 1, 2026, addressed to the Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Department shows Deeksha stating that the Railways department was no longer permitting her to continue training at the academy.

The Science: Why Stanozolol Raises Eyebrows

The reported substance, stanozolol, is an anabolic steroid that assists athletes with muscle building and recovery. Its presence has surprised experts, as it is highly unusual to find it in middle- and long-distance runners.

  • Usage Profile: Stanozolol is predominantly utilized by sprinters.
  • Off-Season Recovery: In longer-distance disciplines, it is sometimes misused during the off-season to facilitate quicker muscle recovery between punishing training blocks.
  • The Distinction: Unlike traditional endurance-boosting substances like Erythropoietin (EPO), stanozolol provides no direct improvement to an athlete’s oxygen-carrying capacity.

Deeksha currently holds India’s standard-setting 1500m national record of 4:04.78s, which she clocked with a third-place finish at the Sound Running Track Fest in Los Angeles, shattering the previous record of 4:05.39s held by Harmilan Bains. Her career now rests on the fast-approaching laboratory analysis of her B-sample.

 

When it comes to sports, Haryana is a powerhouse that immediately comes to mind. Whether it is wrestling, boxing, or athletics, Haryana has consistently produced world-class champions, dominating both national and international arenas. Interestingly, while the state is India’s foremost medal cradle, the grassroots management of these sports often relies more on sheer passion and community effort than state-of-the-art infrastructure.

NNIS Sports travelled to Kurukshetra, the historic land of the Mahabharata, to cover the 16th Haryana State Senior Athletics Championships at Guru Dronacharya Stadium. The two-day event carried immense weight; participation was mandatory for athletes aiming for the Interstate Championships 2026, which serve as the final selection trials for the upcoming Asian Games.

The championship provided a realistic look at the operational challenges faced by state sports bodies. When we met Rajkumar Mittan, Secretary of the Haryana Athletics Association, he acknowledged our presence with a knowing smile: “Nahi, badhiya hai. Aap apna kaam kar rahe ho, hum apna.” (No, it’s good. You are doing your job, we are doing ours.) Mittan, a former athlete himself, was referring to NNIS Sports’ track record of highlighting areas of improvement in the state’s athletic ecosystem. “Bhai, story sab kar dete hain. Kabhi aao dekho hum kaise karwate hain,” (Everyone does a story. Come sometime and see how we manage to pull it off), he added jocularly.

As the event unfolded, his words began to make sense. Managing a state-level championship with limited resources is a masterclass in improvisation. For perspective, Haryana is the home state of Neeraj Chopra, India’s first-ever Olympic track and field champion. Inside the stadium, a massive poster of Chopra holding his javelin serves as a beacon of inspiration. However, the day-to-day execution of the sport requires modern technical support.

During the men’s 200m final, Haryana’s athletics secretary was seen standing on a chair with his phone held high. At first, it appeared he was simply recording the race. But once the event ended, the reality became clear. Photo Finish and digital timing was there but seven to eight officials gathered around mobile phones to video review the finish before announcing the final results and deciding who had become the state’s fastest man.

 

“We face a distinct crunch when it comes to technical funding,” Mittan explained candidly. “Deploying a full electronic technical team with international-standard equipment requires a budget of ₹2.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per event. Without dedicated grants for these specific logistics, we have to rely on manual, yet careful, methods.”

Resource optimization was visible across other disciplines too. Due to a limited number of standard hurdles on-site, athletes competing in the 100m, 110m, and 400m hurdles ran in smaller, staggered pairs, with final rankings calculated by precisely comparing timings across all heats. In the field events, the long jump pit required manual monitoring without advanced plasticine foul indicators, and logistical constraints meant that decathletes, after completing nine events at Kurukshetra, travelled to nearby Karnal Stadium (around 40 km away) to safely complete the pole vault event.

Mittan clarified that the issue isn’t a lack of intent or basic infrastructure, but rather the availability of highly specialized equipment.

“In Haryana, the government has done an excellent job of laying down multiple synthetic tracks. The infrastructure is there. However, there is a logistical gap in specialized equipment like pole vault landing cushions, high jump mats, and steeplechase barriers at every single venue. We brought hurdles from Karnal Stadium for this event, but heavy pole vault cushions cannot be easily transported. Hence, the circular proactively advised athletes to utilize the Karnal facility,” Mittan explained.

Despite these logistical hurdles, Haryana’s athletes continue to dominate, regularly topping the medal charts at the Federation Cup and Interstate Championships. When asked what drives this unstoppable conveyor belt of champions, Mittan credited the ecosystem.

“Sports is in Haryana’s DNA. The credit goes entirely to the dedication of the athletes, the grit of their coaches, and the support of their parents. While we appreciate the synthetic tracks provided by the state, we hope to collaborate closely with the sports department to ensure mandatory specialized equipment is permanently stationed at these venues. If we can produce champions now, imagine what they will achieve with top-tier equipment.”

To sustain this momentum, sports administrators emphasize the need for a more streamlined channel of communication with state authorities. Mittan noted that administrative transitions often slow down the approval of financial assistance and grants for sports associations. According to him, the association operates largely through self-funding and personal contributions from its members to ensure that athletes do not miss out on vital competitive exposure.

“Since taking over as secretary in 2019, we have had to manage things largely independently, often contributing from our own pockets to ensure the events take place smoothly,” he shared, mentioning how members frequently transport personal equipment to venues in their own vehicles.

When asked what keeps them going despite the administrative uphill climb, Mittan’s face lit up.

“Almost 99 percent of our association members are former athletes. I competed at the state level for nearly a decade. We know the hardships. We simply do not want the current generation to face the roadblocks we faced. The passion for the sport binds us together. Even if resources are tight, our team will always show up for the athletes, because athletics is in our blood.”

As the sun set over the Guru Dronacharya Stadium, the championship concluded successfully. The passion of Haryana’s sports community remains undisputed but for the state to retain its crown as India’s sporting superpower, a synchronized effort between passionate ground officials and structural government support will be the ultimate winning formula.

 

The men’s 100m at the Rome Diamond League promises to be one of the fastest races of the season, featuring Olympic champions, world champions, continental record holders and some of the sport’s most exciting young talents. Here’s a closer look at the nine sprinters set to line up.

🇺🇸 Noah Lyles (USA)

Noah Lyles enters Rome as the biggest name in the field and one of the most recognizable faces in world athletics. The American sprint superstar won the 100m gold medal at the Paris Olympics and has established himself as the dominant force in global sprinting. Known for his explosive finishing speed and charismatic personality, Lyles has won multiple world titles across the 100m and 200m.

His personal best of 9.79 seconds places him among the fastest men in history. While he is often associated with the 200m, Lyles has worked tirelessly to improve his start and acceleration, transforming himself into a genuine 100m champion. Rome will be another opportunity for him to test himself against an elite field as he builds toward the World Championships. Whenever Lyles is on the start line, expectations are high and entertainment is guaranteed.

🇰🇪 Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya)

Ferdinand Omanyala has transformed sprinting in Africa. The Kenyan star holds the African record of 9.77 seconds and became the first Kenyan sprinter to consistently challenge the world’s best in the blue-riband event. His rise has inspired a new generation of African sprinters and expanded the continent’s presence beyond middle- and long-distance running.

Omanyala is known for his powerful drive phase and aggressive racing style. On his day, he can beat anyone in the world, as demonstrated by victories over elite fields on the Diamond League circuit. While championship success has sometimes eluded him, his raw speed remains unquestioned. Rome presents another chance for Omanyala to prove he belongs among the sport’s elite and continue his push toward a major global medal.

🇺🇸 Jordan Anthony (USA)

Jordan Anthony is one of the newest faces among the world’s sprint elite. The young American has emerged through the collegiate system and has quickly gained attention for his explosive speed and consistency. A former multi-sport athlete, Anthony possesses exceptional acceleration and has been tipped as one of the future stars of American sprinting.

The Rome Diamond League represents a significant test in his development, placing him alongside Olympic and world champions. Competing against established names such as Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo will provide valuable experience and a chance to showcase his talent on one of athletics’ biggest stages. While still building his international résumé, Anthony is regarded as one of the brightest young sprint prospects in the United States.

🇯🇲 Ackeem Blake (Jamaica)

Ackeem Blake is carrying forward Jamaica’s rich sprinting tradition. Emerging in the post-Usain Bolt era, Blake has developed into one of Jamaica’s fastest men and a regular member of the national relay squad. Known for his explosive starts and fearless racing style, he has repeatedly shown he can challenge world-class fields.

Blake’s career has been marked by steady improvement and growing confidence on the international stage. With personal best performances under ten seconds, he has established himself among the leading sprinters in the world. Rome provides another opportunity for Blake to strengthen his credentials and remind the athletics world that Jamaica remains a sprinting powerhouse even after the retirement of its greatest champion.

🇨🇲 Emmanuel Eseme (Cameroon)

Emmanuel Eseme has become one of Africa’s most exciting sprint talents. The Cameroonian has steadily climbed the world rankings through a series of impressive performances on the European circuit and at major championships. His powerful running style and ability to maintain top speed have made him a consistent threat in high-level competition.

Eseme has played a crucial role in putting Cameroon on the global sprinting map. He has repeatedly broken national records and continues to raise expectations for sprinting in his country. A strong performance in Rome would further enhance his reputation and strengthen his position among Africa’s leading sprinters.

🇿🇦 Akani Simbine (South Africa)

Few athletes in world athletics have been as consistent as Akani Simbine. The South African sprint veteran has spent nearly a decade competing at the highest level, regularly reaching global finals and running sub-10-second times. Although a major individual global title has remained elusive, Simbine’s longevity and consistency have earned widespread respect.

Simbine has become a role model for African sprinting and continues to compete with athletes much younger than himself. His starts are among the best in the world, and his experience often proves decisive in tight races. Rome offers another chance for the South African star to add a high-profile victory to an already distinguished career.

🇧🇼 Letsile Tebogo (Botswana)

Letsile Tebogo is one of the most exciting athletes in global track and field. The Botswanan sensation made history by becoming the first African athlete to win Olympic gold in the men’s 200m at Paris 2024 and has rapidly developed into a world-class performer across the sprint events.

Still only in his early twenties, Tebogo combines exceptional speed with remarkable composure under pressure. While his greatest success has come in the 200m, his 100m performances continue to improve, making him a serious contender in any field. Rome will provide another opportunity for the young star to demonstrate why many believe he could dominate sprinting for years to come.

🇮🇹 Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Italy)

Lamont Marcell Jacobs will enjoy strong home support in Rome as Italy’s most famous track athlete. Jacobs stunned the world at the Tokyo Olympics when he captured the 100m gold medal, becoming the first Italian to win the event and one of the biggest surprises in Olympic sprint history.

Since then, injuries have interrupted his momentum, but Jacobs remains one of the most dangerous competitors when fully fit. His explosive acceleration and championship pedigree make him a genuine threat regardless of the opposition. Racing in front of a home crowd, Jacobs will be highly motivated to deliver a standout performance and reignite his quest for global success.

🇬🇧 Jeremiah Azu (Great Britain)

Jeremiah Azu has emerged as one of Britain’s leading sprint talents. The Welsh sprinter has enjoyed a rapid rise through the national ranks and has established himself as a key member of Great Britain’s relay setup. His strong starts and improving consistency have helped him become a regular presence in elite international competitions.

Azu’s development has been closely watched by British athletics fans, who see him as part of the country’s next generation of sprint stars. Competing against Olympic champions and world-class rivals in Rome will provide another valuable benchmark as he continues his progression. A strong performance could further cement his status as one of Europe’s most promising sprinters.

British middle-distance runner Max Burgin further cemented his place among the country’s greatest 800m athletes after producing another world-class performance at the Rabat Diamond League, clocking 1:42.98 to win the men’s 800m.

The run was yet another milestone in a remarkable resurgence for the 24-year-old, who now owns four of the 10 fastest 800m performances ever recorded by a British athlete. Even more impressively, all four of those performances have been under the coveted 1:43 barrier, a mark achieved by only a handful of runners in history.

Burgin’s personal best of 1:42.29, set in Tokyo earlier this season, ranks him second on the British all-time list and has established him as one of the leading 800m runners in the world heading into the major championships season.

His victory in Rabat showcased the consistency that has made him such a formidable competitor in recent years. After battling injury setbacks earlier in his career, Burgin has finally begun to deliver on the immense promise he displayed as a junior athlete, when he won the European U20 title and broke several age-group records.

Despite Burgin’s rapid rise, one name still sits above him in British athletics history. Former Olympic champion and current World Athletics president Sebastian Coe continues to hold the British men’s 800m record with his legendary time of 1:41.73, set in Florence on June 10, 1981.

That record will celebrate its 45th anniversary on June 10, underlining both the brilliance of Coe’s achievement and the challenge facing the current generation. However, Burgin’s recent form has sparked fresh discussion about whether the long-standing national mark could finally come under threat.

With four sub-1:43 performances already to his name and still only 24 years old, Burgin is entering the prime years of his career. As the outdoor season progresses, British athletics fans will be watching closely to see whether he can move even closer to one of the sport’s most enduring records.

For now, his victory in Rabat serves as another reminder that Britain has a genuine global contender in the men’s 800m—and perhaps the strongest challenger to Coe’s record in decades.

Jamaican long jumper Carey McLeod has been suspended for two years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after accumulating three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period, a violation of anti-doping regulations that require athletes in the testing pool to provide accurate location information and be available for out-of-competition testing.

McLeod, who won bronze at the 2024 World Indoor Championships, accepted the sanction, which will keep him out of competition until May 28, 2028. The suspension still leaves him with a chance to return in time to pursue qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The first violation occurred on June 30, 2025, when a doping control officer arrived at McLeod’s declared address in St Andrew, Jamaica, during his designated testing window between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. The officer was unable to locate him, resulting in both a missed test and a filing failure. According to the AIU, McLeod did not provide an explanation for the incident.

A second filing failure was recorded on August 9, 2025. McLeod updated his whereabouts information to indicate that he would be in Budapest, Hungary, on August 10 and 11. However, his overnight location for August 9 remained listed as Arkansas, USA. He subsequently competed at the Gyulai Istvan Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix in Budapest on August 12 without updating his whereabouts records to reflect his presence in Hungary.

The third violation occurred on May 1, 2026, when another doping control officer was unable to locate McLeod at his declared address in Clarendon, Jamaica, during a testing slot between 6:35 a.m. and 7:35 a.m. No explanation was submitted before the deadline. Later, his attorney informed the AIU that McLeod would not contest the failure and requested that it be recorded so that the case could proceed without delay.

Under World Athletics anti-doping rules, three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period constitute an anti-doping rule violation, even in the absence of a positive drug test. The regulations are designed to ensure that elite athletes remain available for unannounced testing at all times.

The ban represents a significant setback for one of Jamaica’s leading field-event athletes, who had emerged as a medal contender on the global stage in recent years.