Diamond League Season Heats Up as Rome Hosts Crucial Penultimate Event

As the 2024 Diamond League season nears its climax, all eyes will be on Rome this Friday, where the world’s top athletes will compete in the penultimate meeting of the series. With the Diamond League final just weeks away, the stakes are higher than ever, as athletes make their last push to secure a spot in the winner-takes-all showdown in Brussels from 13-14 September.

Rome’s meeting, the 13th of the season, serves as a pivotal moment for those looking to accumulate the final points needed to qualify for the prestigious Diamond League final. The Zurich event, scheduled for 5 September, will offer athletes their last opportunity to make the cut and earn a chance to compete for the coveted Diamond Trophy. Along with the trophy, each of the 32 champions across the 16 disciplines in Brussels will take home a prize of £24,000, adding extra incentive to perform at their best.

Among the British athletes in action in Rome is Daryll Neita, who will be looking to build on her strong performances this season and secure her place in the final. The Rome event marks a crucial stage in the series, which has seen competition across four continents since it kicked off in Xiamen, China, in April.

The 2024 season has already produced some breathtaking performances, including Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s stunning world record in the 3,000 meters, where he shattered the previous mark by more than three seconds at the Silesia Diamond League last week. Meanwhile, Armand Duplantis continued to redefine the limits of pole vaulting by breaking his own world record, further highlighting the level of excellence on display this season.

Fans will have the chance to watch the drama unfold live, with the action from Rome being broadcast on BBC Two from 20:00 to 21:00 BST and on BBC Three from 21:00 to 22:00. Coverage will also be available via the BBC Sport website and app, ensuring that viewers don’t miss a moment of the excitement as athletes battle for their place in the Diamond League final.

As the season draws to a close, the pressure is on for those still in the hunt for a place in Brussels. With everything on the line, the Rome meeting promises to deliver thrilling performances and set the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024 Diamond League season.