The 2024 Wanda Diamond League season reaches its highly anticipated climax with the final taking place in Brussels, Belgium, from September 13 to 14. This prestigious track and field event, held at the Allianz Memorial Van Damme stadium, brings together the world’s best athletes, competing for titles in 32 Diamond disciplines. After a season spanning 14 meetings across five continents, the world’s elite athletes will battle it out for the coveted Diamond Trophy, a cash prize, and the title of Diamond League Champion in their respective events.
This year’s final promises to be especially exciting, featuring a mix of seasoned champions, emerging talents, and dramatic rivalries. For track and field enthusiasts, the Diamond League Final is not only an event to witness top-tier performances but also a showcase of athletic excellence, determination, and global competition.
The Road to Brussels: A Season of Outstanding Performances
The Diamond League, established in 2010 by World Athletics (formerly the International Association of Athletics Federations or IAAF), is the premier global circuit of track and field competitions. The 2024 season kicked off in April and featured 14 meetings held across cities like Doha, Rome, Oslo, Paris, London, and Zurich. Over the course of the season, athletes earned points based on their performances, which determined their qualification for the final in Brussels.
Key moments from the 2024 season include jaw-dropping performances in the sprints, jumps, throws, and middle-distance races. One of the highlights was the incredible sprinting prowess displayed by Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and the USA’s Noah Lyles, both of whom have dominated their respective fields and are expected to shine in Brussels.
The field events have been equally spectacular, with high jumpers, pole vaulters, and javelin throwers achieving personal bests and even world-leading marks throughout the season. Athletes like Sweden’s Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, the current world record holder in the pole vault, and Venezuela’s Yulimar Rojas, the reigning Olympic champion in the triple jump, have been among the standout performers. Their participation in Brussels adds to the sense of anticipation surrounding the final.
What to Expect in Brussels: The Final Showdown
The Wanda Diamond League Final is spread over two days, with 16 Diamond disciplines being contested on each day. On September 13, Friday, the competition opens with the women’s discus throw at 19:11 local time (GMT+2), followed by a two-hour broadcast window starting at 20:00, featuring key events such as the women’s 400 meters. The next day, September 14, the programme kicks off with the women’s javelin throw at 18:52, with the final broadcast window again beginning at 20:00, showcasing marquee events like the men’s 400 meters hurdles.
One of the most eagerly awaited events is the men’s 100 meters, where sprinters like Noah Lyles and Ferdinand Omanyala are set to compete. Lyles, fresh off his impressive performances at the World Championships in Budapest, is aiming to cap off his season with a Diamond League title. Meanwhile, Omanyala, one of Africa’s fastest men, will be looking to challenge the American for the crown.
The women’s 400 meters is another highlight, where fans can expect a fierce battle between Olympic and World Championship medalists. Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic has been one of the dominant figures this season, consistently posting world-leading times. She will face strong competition from the likes of Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek and the USA’s Talitha Diggs, both of whom have had remarkable seasons.
In the middle-distance events, the men’s 1500 meters promises to be a nail-biting contest. Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway, one of the most accomplished middle-distance runners in recent history, will be seeking to defend his Diamond League title. Ingebrigtsen has been in sensational form, breaking records and winning titles with ease, and is the clear favorite in Brussels. However, he will face tough opposition from Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot, a former Diamond League and World Champion, who is eager to regain his crown.
Field events will see heavyweights like Yulimar Rojas in the women’s triple jump and Armand Duplantis in the men’s pole vault competing for top honors. Both athletes are known for their consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in major finals, making them the ones to watch.
The Diamond Trophy: What’s at Stake?
The Diamond League Final is more than just a competition—it’s the pinnacle of the track and field season. Each event winner in Brussels will take home the Diamond Trophy, a prestigious award that represents dominance in their discipline over the course of the season. In addition to the trophy, winners will receive a cash prize of $30,000, adding further incentive to perform at their best.
For many athletes, the Diamond League Final offers a chance to end their season on a high note. While some may have already peaked at the World Championships, others view the final as an opportunity for redemption or to make a statement ahead of next year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Given the caliber of athletes involved, the final is expected to produce world-leading performances and possibly even world records.
The Spectacle of Athletics: Why the Diamond League Final Matters
The Diamond League is more than just a series of track and field competitions—it’s a global showcase of athletic talent, where athletes from different countries and backgrounds come together to compete at the highest level. Over the years, the league has played a crucial role in raising the profile of athletics, drawing in new fans and providing a platform for emerging talents to make their mark on the world stage.
The final in Brussels is a fitting conclusion to the season, offering spectators a chance to witness unforgettable moments of athletic achievement. With the spotlight on athletes like Fraser-Pryce, Lyles, Ingebrigtsen, Duplantis, and Rojas, the stage is set for two days of intense, high-quality competition that will captivate fans around the world.
As track and field continues to evolve, the Diamond League remains an essential part of the sport’s ecosystem, fostering innovation and ensuring that athletics remains a major player in the global sporting landscape. The 2024 final in Brussels will be no exception, providing a thrilling end to another remarkable season of the world’s oldest and purest sport.
How to Watch
Fans worldwide can tune in to the Diamond League Final through various broadcasters and livestreams. In Europe, the event will be available on networks like VRT in Belgium, while in the United States, CBC will provide coverage. For those who prefer online streaming, the Wanda Diamond League’s YouTube page will feature live coverage of select events, depending on regional broadcasting rights. With the event spanning multiple time zones, fans are encouraged to check local listings to ensure they don’t miss any of the action.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Athletic Excellence
The 2024 Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels is shaping up to be a spectacular event, with the world’s best athletes vying for supremacy in their respective events. Whether it’s the blistering speed of the sprinters, the endurance of the distance runners, or the technical brilliance of the field event athletes, there is something for every athletics fan to enjoy. As the competition unfolds over two days, it promises to deliver thrilling performances, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments. With Olympic dreams and the coveted Diamond Trophy on the line, the stage is set for a truly memorable conclusion to the 2024 athletics season.
