This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
On July 9, the world of track and field will come together in a unique and ambitious meet, featuring athletes competing in eight disciplines at seven venues across the globe.
Organised by the Zurich Diamond League, the event was originally scheduled for the Zurich Diamond League but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the organisers have now found a way to host a live event, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“We would like to present a live event at Weltklasse Zurich level even this year. Therefore, we have been looking for creative ideas and working on new formats,” said co-meeting director Christoph Joho.
The meet will feature eight three-way competitions, four for men and four for women, pitting Europe against the United States and the rest of the world.
One of the highlights of the meet will be a women's 150m race featuring six-time Olympic champion Allyson Felix, Bahamian Olympic 400m gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and Switzerland's 200m world bronze medallist Mujinga Kambundji.
However, due to the pandemic, the athletes will be competing in different locations. Felix will run in California, Miller-Uibo in Florida, and Kambundji in Zurich.
“This new format will hopefully give the fans something fun to look forward to during a time that has been really difficult for everyone,” said Felix.
Other notable athletes competing in the meet include world 200m champion Noah Lyles, who will run the 200m, and Canadian sprinter Andre de Grasse, who will compete in a rarely-run 100 yards event.
The event will be televised and will last for 90 minutes.
