The Herculis Diamond League meet in Monaco is the place where records are shattered, champions roar and the Stade Louis‑II sizzles under the Mediterranean night sky.
Stage Is Set: Monaco Magic
On July 11, 2025, the legendary Herculis meet delivered pure glory once again. Think of it as athletics’ version of a Formula 1 Grand Prix, precision, power, and sheer spectacle rolled into one.
Bol Blazes, Duplantis Defies, Wanyonyi Tests World Records?
Femke Bol: In the 400 m hurdles, she didn’t just win—she owned. Clocking a world-leading 51.95 s, she surpassed both the 16‑year-old meet mark and stamped her authority on the season.
Mondo Duplantis: The Swedish pole vault phenom soared effortlessly over the 6.05 m bar—only to stumble in his ambitious quest at 6.29 m to extend another world record. The crowd held its breath; he nearly delivered.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi: In a masterclass of middle-distance dominance, the Kenyan blitzed the 800 m in 1:41.44, setting not only the meet record but flirting with Rudisha’s iconic WR line.
Other Electrifying Highlights
Noah Lyles vs Letsile Tebogo: In a great rematch , Lyles, ever the star, reclaimed supremacy in the 200 m—19.88 to Tebogo’s 19.97, signalling, “I’m back.” And Monegasque licensee Téo Andant, set his personal best for the crowd in 20.69 seconds.
Julien Alfred (St. Lucia) rebounded beautifully with a powerful 10.79 in the women’s 100 m.
Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) affirmed his dominance in the 5000 m, crossing in 12:49.46, with France’s Jimmy Gressier hot on his heels.
Trey Cunningham, Cordell Tinch, and Ja’Kobe Tharp swept the top three in the 110 m hurdles, delivering a delightful American showcase.
Nelly Chep Chirchir of Kenya coasted to a stellar 2:29.77 in the women’s 1000 m.
Centre Stage Moments
In a delightful crossover of speed on track and tarmac, 17-year-old Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout stole the spotlight in the U23 200m, blazing to victory in 20.10 seconds. The young prodigy’s performance was reported watched keenly from the stands by none other than his compatriot, Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri, who had earlier made a stylish entrance alongside Prince Albert II. It was a Monaco moment through and through, royalty, racing, and raw talent all converging at full throttle.
Shot Put: Jessica Schilder topped 20 m with a hefty 20.39 m, with Chase Jackson and Canada’s Sarah Mitton not far behind.
High Jump Upset: Olympic champ Hamish Kerr stumbled at 2.27 m. Enter Woo Sang‑hyeok (KOR), who clinched it at a soaring 2.34 m.
Triple Jump: Jamaica’s Jordan Scott flew to a personal best 17.52 m, a breathtaking career moment.
Steeplechase Drama: Two-time Olympic champ Soufiane El Bakkali outpaced Japan’s national-record setter Ryuji Miura in an 8:03‑timed thriller.
The Vibe: Monaco on Fire
From the regal hush before Duplantis’s 6 m jump to the thunderous applause at Lyles’s and Bol’s victories, the evening sparkled with drama, heart-stopping athletic theatre, and the timeless allure of Monaco’s golden coast. Athletics enthusiasts were treated to both raw medal-level excellence and groundbreaking performances.
Why It Mattered
Dominance Mode: Bol extends her hurdle win streak, so many diamond races unbeaten!
Record Chasers: Duplantis teasing 6.29 m, Wanyonyi challenging Rudisha, and Monégasque fans whispering “next time…”
Deep Talent Pool: From up-and-coming prodigies to reigning superstars, Herculis reminded us why it remains the “jewel in the crown” of athletics.
