News27 Aug 2013


Yodel fan Adams eager to continue winning streak at Zurich Main Station – IAAF Diamond League

FacebookTwitterEmail

Valerie Adams at Zurich Main Station (© Weltklasse Zurich)

The world’s best shot putters will compete at Zurich Main Station for the fourth year in a row as part of the Weltklasse meeting. Held on Wednesday (28), on the eve of the IAAF Diamond League meeting at Letzigrund Stadium, the athletes – both men and women – will compete in a special arena at the majestic ticket hall of the station.

Starting at 5.30pm with the women’s event, the athletes will be supported by a cheering crowd – and by the music of their choice.

Five World Championships finalists will try to challenge Valerie Adams. The two-time Olympic champion from New Zealand just scored her fourth consecutive World Championships title in Moscow. On Wednesday, she could record her third consecutive win in Zurich. Over the past three years, the leader in the 2013 Diamond Race has been unbeaten in 40 consecutive competitions.

During that time, Adams has been coached by Jean-Pierre Egger, the former coach of three-time World champion Werner Gunthor. She feels at home in Switzerland, as her choice of music for the event illustrates: “Ku-Ku Jodel” by the Swiss folksy family band Oesch’s die Dritten.

Medallists and Metallica

When the men enter the ring at 7.10pm, the background music will change dramatically.

World bronze medallist Dylan Armstrong has selected Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” to create his ideal competition ambience. The Canadian will be one of eight Moscow finalists to compete in the post-championship showdown at Switzerland’s largest train station.

Armstrong, World silver medallist and world leader Ryan Whiting, and two-time Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski will all challenge David Storl. The 23-year-old German managed to successfully defend his World title and he intends to call the tune again in Zurich.

Concluding Diamond League contest for women

The women’s Shot Put will be the IAAF Diamond League final event. Adams can secure her diamond by winning her 41st competition in a row. World silver medallist Christina Schwanitz is the only one with a slim chance to snatch the precious trophy from her.

Whiting currently leads the Diamond Race in the men’s competition, but their final event in the Diamond League series will take place in Brussels next week.

Organisers for the IAAF

2013 IAAF Diamond League calendar
Doha, QAT – 10 May
Shanghai, CHN – 18 May
New York, USA – 25 May
Eugene, USA – 1 Jun
Rome, ITA – 6 Jun
Oslo, NOR – 13 Jun
Birmingham, GBR – 30 Jun
Lausanne, SUI – 4 Jul
Paris, FRA – 6 Jul
Monaco, MON – 19 Jul
London, GBR – 26-27 Jul
Stockholm, SWE – 22 Aug
Zürich, SUI – 29 Aug
Brussels, BEL – 6 Sep