Diamond League Final Set to Thrill in Brussels with Star-Studded Line-Up

The 2023 Diamond League season culminates this weekend at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium, where the world’s best athletes will compete for the final time this year. With Olympic champions, world record holders, and rising stars in action, the two-day finale promises to deliver high-octane performances, beginning Friday evening.

Leading the British contingent is Olympic silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith, who takes centre stage in the men’s 400m on Friday. Hudson-Smith will face fierce competition, including Zambia’s Paris 2024 bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga and 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James. Also lining up for Britain is Charlie Dobson, making for a thrilling final race on day one.

The women’s 100m promises to be one of the marquee events of the weekend, featuring a high-profile showdown between Olympic champion Julien Alfred of St Lucia and Sha'Carri Richardson of the United States, the Paris silver medallist. Britain's Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita are also in the mix, adding further excitement to this blockbuster race.

The men’s 1500m, though missing Britain's Josh Kerr, will not lack intensity. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, fresh off his Paris Olympic gold, leads the field, with strong challenges from American duo Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse, who took Olympic bronze. Britain's Elliot Giles will also contest this highly anticipated race, rounding out a stacked line-up.

In the men’s 200m, Botswana's 21-year-old Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo will headline the field, facing stiff competition from a formidable American contingent, including Kenny Bednarek, making the sprint one of the most anticipated clashes of the meet.

The pole vault world will be watching as Sweden’s Armand Duplantis attempts to push the boundaries once more. Having already broken the world record three times this year, Duplantis may attempt to extend his record yet again. Britain’s Molly Caudery, looking to put her Olympic disappointments behind her, will aim to deliver a strong performance in the women’s pole vault.

Britain’s middle-distance runners will also be aiming for success. Melissa Courtney-Bryant is set for action in the women’s 1500m, while Ben Pattison faces a tough test in the men’s 800m against Kenya’s reigning Olympic champion, Emmanuel Wanyonyi. Georgia Bell will run an ambitious 800m-1500m double, with Jemma Reekie joining her in the shorter event. Neita and Amy Hunt will be back on the track for the 200m on Saturday.

Adding intrigue to the weekend is the special appearance of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 400m hurdles Olympic champion and world record holder. Although she didn’t compete in Diamond League events this season, organisers have set up invitational 200m and 400m races for the 25-year-old American. McLaughlin-Levrone has her sights set on breaking Sanya Richards-Ross’ American record in the 400m.

The line-up for the Diamond League final has been determined by points accumulated across 14 events during the season. Each event winner will walk away with a coveted trophy and £24,000 in prize money.

With world-class athletes from across the globe converging on Brussels, the Diamond League final promises to be a fitting end to a season full of spectacular performances.