This archive report was first published on 15 August 2020.
On August 15, 2020, the Monaco Diamond League kicked off the new season in a unique setting, with the Stade Louis II hosting the event under COVID-19 protocols.
Organizers allowed 5,000 fans, led by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, and journalists into the 16,000-capacity stadium, ensuring that fans worldwide could enjoy the action through broadcast.
A total of 28 media houses were cleared to broadcast the event, and the Wanda Diamond League Facebook and YouTube channels also provided coverage to authorized countries.
As required by governments and sports governing bodies, all 128 athletes and officials underwent COVID-19 tests before the event.
The 5,000 fans in attendance were required to wear masks and maintain social distance, while athletes in field events, such as high jump, triple jump, and pole vault, were advised to keep a one-meter social distance.
East African athletes stole the show, setting World Records, World Leads, and Meet Records in several events.
Kenyan athletes dominated the men's 800m and men's 5000m races, with Hellen Obiri winning the women's 5000m, Faith Kipyegon winning the women's 1000m, and Timothy Cheruiyot winning the 1500m.
Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei broke the 5000m World Record, set by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele 16 years ago, with a time of 12:35.36.
As the night drew to a close, the lights in the stadium briefly went out, but the action continued, with Monaco delivering one World Record, three Area records, 11 World Leading times, two Diamond League Records, and nine National Records.
