This week in athletics: South Africa shine at the World Relays, Diamond League matchups take shape, and Mahuchikh soars to a world lead in Doha.

World Relays Overview (WRE)

It was a standout day for South Africa at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, taking gold in both the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m, with both wins coming in world-leading times. The USA, usually dominant in relays, only managed one gold – in the mixed 4x400m. Elsewhere, Great Britain came through for victory in the women’s 4x100m, and Spain caused an upset in the women’s 4x400m, setting a national record in the process. Canada impressed in the first ever mixed 4x100m, clocking an all-time best of 40.30. A total of 30 teams booked their place at the World Championships in Tokyo next year, with GB, USA, France and Belgium all qualifying in all five events. Teams that missed out still have a shot through the top lists before the cut-off on 24 August 2025.

Diamond League Highlights (DL)

Some big names and exciting match-ups confirmed for the Diamond League over the past week. The Bowerman Mile at the Prefontaine Classic (5 July) looks stacked, with the likes of Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Yared Nuguse, Jake Wightman, Grant Fisher, and Timothy Cheruiyot all lining up. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will kick off her Diamond League season over 100m in Doha (16 May) – her first DL appearance since 2022. Over in Stockholm, Djamel Sedjati is back for the 800m, and in Rabat, Letsile Tebogo is set to run the 200m, with Hamish Kerr also competing in the high jump. Faith Kipyegon will headline the women’s 1500m in Eugene, alongside Olympic medallists Jessica Hull and Georgia Hunter Bell. And keep an eye on Gout Gout, the Aussie youngster, making his Diamond League debut in Monaco (11 July) after first racing in Ostrava.

What Gravity Challenge Recap (WGC)

At the What Gravity Challenge in Doha, Yaroslava Mahuchikh delivered the standout performance, clearing a world lead of 2.02m in the high jump and having decent attempts at 2.05m. She wrapped up the win early, going over 1.98m and 2.00m both first time. Behind her, Eleanor Patterson and Maria Zodzik both managed 1.96m, with strong depth right through the field. In the men’s event, Woo Sang-hyeok was the only one to clear 2.29m, taking the win and attempting 2.33m. Unfortunately, Mutaz Barshim didn’t compete due to a minor injury in training, and it wasn’t Hamish Kerr’s day – he finished down in 10th with just 2.20m.