WANDA DIAMOND LEAGUE - RABAT 2025
- therookiereporters
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
The 2025 Diamond League in Rabat, Morocco, delivered an electric evening of world-class athletics, highlighted by stunning performances and record-breaking feats. Rabat 2025 was a night of speed, strength, and spectacle and a clear sign that this Diamond League season is one to watch.
Payton Otterdahl Sets New World Lead with 21.97m in Men’s Shot Put
American shot putter Payton Otterdahl brought the firepower to Rabat, launching the shot a massive 21.97 meters, marking a new world lead for 2025. Otterdahl, who has steadily climbed the global rankings in recent years, found his rhythm early in the competition and uncorked the big throw on his fourth attempt.
His technique looked crisp and explosive, and the confidence was evident as he commanded the ring throughout the event. With this throw, Otterdahl has firmly positioned himself among the top contenders this season and raised expectations heading into the championship stretch. The 22-meter barrier now looks well within reach.
Femke Bol Breaks Meeting Record with 52.46 in Women’s 400m Hurdles
Dutch superstar Femke Bol put on a masterclass in the women’s 400m hurdles, running a blazing 52.46 seconds to set a new meeting record in Rabat. From the moment the gun went off, Bol established her dominance - gliding over the hurdles with effortless stride patterns and closing the final 100 meters with trademark poise and power.
The reigning world and European champion continues to redefine consistency in this event, and her Rabat performance is her latest statement of intent for the 2025 season. With a time that already challenges the year’s best, Bol is clearly in championship shape and the world record talk is never far behind when she races.
Akani Simbine Sprints to 9.95 in Men’s 100m
South Africa’s Akani Simbine showed why he's still one of the most reliable sprinters on the global stage, taking the win in the men’s 100 meters with a time of 9.95 seconds. A clean start and powerful transition phase allowed Simbine to separate from the field by the 70-meter mark, and he maintained his form to dip under the 10-second barrier once again.
Simbine exploded out of the blocks and never relinquished the lead, holding off a quality field with his clean, composed sprinting form. The sub-10 second performance is a welcome return to form for Simbine, who continues to be one of Africa’s most reliable and consistent sprinters on the global stage.
With this result, Simbine not only secures valuable Diamond League points but also puts himself firmly in the conversation as a medal contender once again in what promises to be a stacked 100m season.
Tshepiso Masalela Sets New World Lead with 1:42.70 in Men’s 800m
Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela delivered a career-defining performance in the men’s 800 meters, stopping the clock at a blistering 1:42.70 - a new world lead for 2025 and one of the fastest times seen in recent years.
Masalela ran with confidence and tactical maturity, staying close to the pacemaker through the first lap before exploding into the final 200 meters with a devastating kick. His long stride and perfect positioning allowed him to surge clear in the home stretch, crossing the line with authority and sending a clear message: he’s a serious gold medal threat this season.
This performance not only broke his personal best but also solidified his place among the world’s elite in an event stacked with depth. With this kind of form, Masalela is now firmly in the conversation for Diamond League and World Championship titles.
Shericka Jackson Sprints 100m Season with 11.04 Victory
Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson made a smooth and composed return to the 100 meters, clocking 11.04 seconds to take the win in Rabat. While not a world lead, it was a strong and strategic early-season race for the reigning 200m world champion.
Jackson got a solid start, stayed relaxed through the drive phase, and pulled away in the final 30 meters to secure the victory. Known for her range across the sprints, this 100m outing serves as a sharp tune-up as she ramps up toward faster times later in the season.
Her trademark poise and control were on display, and as always, Jackson appears to be peaking with perfect timing as she eyes another dominant campaign across the 100m and 200m.
Jacory Patterson Impresses with 44.37 in Men’s 400m
American quarter-miler Jacory Patterson turned heads in Rabat with a commanding performance in the men’s 400 meters, clocking 44.37 seconds - one of the fastest times of his career and a potential game-changer in his Diamond League ambitions.
Patterson attacked the backstretch with aggression and maintained excellent form around the final bend, using his strength and speed endurance to hold off late challengers down the home straight. The time not only earned him the win but also sent a strong signal to his U.S. rivals ahead of a competitive championship season.
With performances like this, Patterson is establishing himself as more than just a contender - he's proving he can challenge for podium finishes at the highest level.
Jonah Koech Clocks 3:31.43 to Break Meeting Record in Men’s 1500m
America’s Jonah Koech proved he's ready to be a major contender in 2025, blazing to victory in the men’s 1500 meters with a stunning time of 3:31.43 - setting a new meeting record in Rabat.
From the gun, Koech positioned himself strategically in the leading group, staying composed through the opening 800 meters. As the pace lifted in the final lap, Koech surged forward with confidence, using his speed and endurance to separate from a strong field. His final 200 meters were pure class, holding off challenges and stopping the clock with a personal best and meet-best mark.
This performance firmly establishes Koech as one of the season’s rising stars in the metric mile - a discipline packed with global talent. With this new benchmark, he’s declared himself a serious threat on the Diamond League circuit and beyond.
Beatrice Chebet Destroys Field with 8:11.56 - New Diamond League Record in Women’s 3000m
In one of the most jaw-dropping performances of the night - and perhaps of the season - Beatrice Chebet delivered an astonishing 8:11.56 in the women’s 3000 meters, smashing the Diamond League record and coming within striking distance of the world record.
Chebet was relentless from the opening lap, staying close to the pacemakers before taking control with over a kilometer to go. Her stride was smooth, her rhythm perfect, and her final 800 meters were simply unmatched. She crossed the line over 10 seconds ahead of her closest rival, delivering not only a dominant victory but also a time that redefines what’s possible in the event.
This run now ranks among the fastest 3000m performances in history and sends an emphatic message to her rivals ahead of the global championships. Chebet, already a world medalist and one of Kenya’s brightest talents, has taken another massive leap - and in Rabat, she made it clear that 2025 could be her defining season.
Courtney Lindsey Clocks 20.04 for Men’s 200m Victory
American sprinter Courtney Lindsey put in a strong performance in the men’s 200 meters, stopping the clock at 20.04 seconds to secure the win in Rabat. Lindsey, known for his raw speed and powerful drive phase, came off the bend with a slight lead and held his form down the straight to fend off late challengers.
Though just shy of the sub-20 barrier, the time was an excellent season opener for Lindsey, showing he’s rounding into form and ready to compete with the world’s best on the Diamond League circuit. With sharper race execution in the coming weeks, he looks capable of dipping into the 19s very soon.
Tsige Duguma Shines with 1:57.42 in Women’s 800m
Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma continued to rise in the women’s 800 meters, running a smooth and confident race to finish in 1:57.42 - one of her best-ever performances over two laps. Duguma stayed tucked in the leading pack through a brisk first 400 meters before unleashing her kick in the final 200m.
Her ability to time the move perfectly and hold strong through the finish highlighted her growing tactical strength and raw speed endurance. The performance places her among the top contenders in the event this season and affirms Ethiopia’s growing presence in the 800m world.
Elina Tzengko Throws 64.60m in Women’s Javelin
Greece’s Elina Tzengko, the European champion and rising star in the women’s javelin throw, delivered a solid series in Rabat, highlighted by a best throw of 64.60 meters. The mark earned her a podium finish and continued her consistent showing at the international level.
Tzengko, still just in her early twenties, showed great control and rhythm in her run-up and release, and her technique continues to evolve. The throw keeps her competitive on the Diamond League leaderboard and suggests she’s closing in on that elusive 65+ barrier that defines the elite tier.
Katie Moon Clears 4.73m to Take Pole Vault Win
American Olympic and World Champion Katie Moon opened her 2025 Diamond League campaign with a commanding win in the women’s pole vault, clearing 4.73 meters with ease. Moon, one of the most consistent vaulters in the sport, looked in great early-season form, clearing her heights with room to spare.
Though she did not push beyond 4.80m in Rabat, her technique, composure, and confidence were all on full display - hallmarks of an athlete with championship pedigree. With more meets ahead, she’ll be eyeing bigger bars soon.
Soufiane El Bakkali Runs 8:00.70 - New World Lead in the Men’s 3000m Steeplechase
In what was the most emotionally charged moment of the evening, Soufiane El Bakkali delivered a stunning run in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, stopping the clock at 8:00.70 to set a new world lead in front of an ecstatic Moroccan crowd.
The reigning Olympic and World champion looked controlled and tactical in the early laps, letting the pacemakers do their job before taking over in the final kilometer. Once in the lead, El Bakkali turned up the pace with precision, gliding over barriers and attacking the water jump with ease. His final lap - smooth, powerful, and defiant - sealed both the win and a commanding statement to the rest of the world.
The performance not only thrilled his home fans but also confirmed that El Bakkali remains the man to beat in the steeplechase. The Rabat crowd, on their feet from the final 400 meters, erupted as he crossed the line, knowing they had just witnessed something special.
Hamish Kerr Clears 2.25m in Men’s High Jump
New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr continued his reliable rise among the world’s top high jumpers, clearing 2.25 meters in a competitive men’s high jump field. The Commonwealth champion showed good technical form throughout the evening, navigating the earlier heights with confidence.
Though he fell just short of challenging the season’s best marks, Kerr’s consistency continues to be his strength. The Rabat performance adds another solid result to his growing 2025 campaign, and with his ability to build through the season, higher bars and podium finishes remain well within reach.
Kerr's presence in every top-tier competition is a testament to his evolution, and Rabat was yet another reminder that he remains a major contender heading into the summer’s global championships.
Article written by: Ioanna Ntontsef
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