On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Doha Diamond League showcased a spectacular evening of athletics, with reigning world and Olympic champions delivering outstanding performances across various disciplines. The star of the night was undoubtedly Kenya’s Mary Moraa, who orchestrated a tactical masterclass in the women’s 800m, securing a season’s best time of 1:57.91.
World 800m champion Mary Moraa demonstrated her strategic prowess and athletic excellence by holding off a formidable challenge from Britain’s world indoor silver medalist, Jemma Reekie. Moraa finished 0.51 seconds ahead of Reekie, who clocked in at 1:58.42. Benin’s Noelie Yarigo also impressed, finishing third with a time of 1:58.70.
Reekie acknowledged after the race that not matching the pace was a mistake, one she plans to learn from moving forward. Moraa remarked that the windy and hot conditions might have impacted her performance. With less than 50 meters remaining, Reekie was close behind Moraa, but Moraa’s strong final push secured her a half-second victory.
This year, Moraa has been honing her speed, competing in seven 400m races, including a 50.57 win at the African Games in March. Reekie finished second with a time of 1:58.24, placing her fifth in the world rankings this year. Former Diamond League pacemaker and World Indoor bronze medalist Yarigo claimed third in a race where seven women broke the 2:00 barrier. Moraa’s next major test will come in two weeks at the Pre Classic, where she will compete against Keely Hodgkinson and Athing Mu.
Beatrice Chebet’s Dominance in the 5000m
Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet mirrored Moraa’s triumph with an equally stunning performance in the women’s 5000m. The race featured a high-caliber field, including Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye, Medina Eisa, and Melknat Wudu. The initial 2000m was paced at 5:48, led by Taye. However, in the final 200 meters, Chebet unleashed an explosive sprint to clinch victory with a world-leading time of 14:26.98, setting a new meeting record for the event.
Freweyni Hailu’s Narrow Win in the 1500m
In the women’s 1500m, Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu appeared set for a comfortable victory, having built a substantial lead with one lap remaining. However, she faced a fierce challenge in the final 200 meters from Australia’s Jess Hull and fellow Ethiopian Diribe Welteji. Hailu managed to maintain her lead, finishing in 4:00.42, just ahead of Hull, who clocked 4:00.84.
Steven Gardiner’s Commanding Performance
Olympic champion Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas continued his dominance in the men’s 400m. Fresh from his success at the World Athletics Relays, Gardiner delivered a commanding performance, finishing in 44.31 seconds. He edged out Zambia’s Commonwealth champion Muzala Samukonga by 0.31 seconds.
Molly Caudery’s Pole Vault Victory
In the pole vault, Britain’s Molly Caudery, the reigning world indoor champion, triumphed on countback over Australia’s world champion Nina Kennedy. Both athletes cleared a best height of 4.73m, but Caudery’s consistent performance secured her the win.
Brian Komen’s Triumph in the 1500m
The men’s 1500m saw an exciting duel between Kenya’s rising star Brian Komen and his illustrious compatriot, Timothy Cheruiyot. Komen emerged victorious with a time of 3:32.43, narrowly beating the 2019 world champion Cheruiyot by 0.24 seconds. Reynold Cheruiyot completed the Kenyan trifecta, finishing third in 3:32.96.
Angelina Topic’s High Jump Success
Serbian teenager Angelina Topic, the youngest competitor in the field by five years, showcased her exceptional talent in the women’s high jump. Clearing all heights up to 1.94m on her first attempts, Topic secured a remarkable victory.
The Doha Diamond League provided a thrilling night of athletics, highlighting the prowess of both seasoned champions and emerging talents. Mary Moraa’s tactical brilliance, Beatrice Chebet’s record-breaking sprint, and the impressive performances across the board set the stage for an exciting season ahead in the world of track and field.
