Gianmarco Tamberi competes in Birmingham (© Getty Images)
Italy’s Olympic high jump gold medallist Gianmarco Tamberi and Britain’s world 200m champion Dina Asher-Smith have been announced for the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Birmingham on 21 May.
Tamberi, who claimed joint high jump gold alongside Mutaz Barshim at the Tokyo Olympics last summer and on Sunday (20) shared world indoor bronze with Hamish Kerr in Belgrade, will launch the defence of his Wanda Diamond League title at the second meeting of the 2022 series, the Müller Birmingham Diamond League, at the recently redeveloped Alexander Stadium.
“2021 was the year of my life so far, but I have new goals with the world and European championships ahead this summer,” said the 2021 Wanda Diamond League champion. “I finished eighth at the World Championships in Doha in 2019 and I’m so motivated by Eugene.
“The hard work has already started and I’m looking forward to getting back on the circuit and competing in Birmingham. I won the European indoor title the last time I competed in the UK (Glasgow) and the crowd support was unbelievable. After two years of almost silence due to the pandemic, to know that there will again be an electric atmosphere gives me a huge buzz and I can’t wait to get out there and jump.”
Two-time Olympic relay bronze medallist Asher-Smith, the British record-holder over 100m (10.83) and 200m (21.88), had a 2021 season disrupted by injury but will compete over 100m in Birmingham as she prepares to defend her global and European titles in Oregon in July and Munich in August, respectively.
“Last year was full of emotional ups and downs, but I think I’m a stronger athlete now because of it,” said the 26-year-old.
“I was in great shape early in the season and I was heartbroken not to be able to compete to my full potential in Tokyo, but I was also incredibly proud to come home with a relay medal and to finish my year so strongly.
“That’s behind me now, and my focus is on the busy summer ahead. I’m looking forward to returning to Birmingham for the first time since 2019 and to kickstart my season the best possible way – happy and with great home support.”
Olympic pole vault bronze medallist Holly Bradshaw will also open her Diamond League campaign in Birmingham.
The British record-holder is looking forward to making a welcome return to competitive action on home soil in Birmingham after a period of illness that led to her missing the 2022 indoor season.
“After a successful and consistent 2021 campaign I was hugely disappointed to miss the indoors, but with three major championships this summer, my priority was to rest, recover, and channel my energy into getting back to full health,” said the 30-year-old.
“After competing in front of few or no spectators throughout the pandemic, I can’t wait to open my season in Birmingham. I’ve enjoyed some fantastic performances at the Alexander Stadium over the years, and I hope I can pick up where I left off in Tokyo and give the crowd something to shout about.”
Organisers for World Athletics