Alfred, Wanyonyi, Tsegay and Alekna Shine Bright at Electric London Diamond League
A sold-out crowd of 60,000 fans packed London’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday, July 19, for the Novuna London Athletics Meet—the 11th stop of the 2025 Wanda Diamond League—and were treated to an evening of thrilling performances and record-breaking feats. Julien Alfred stormed to a stunning 21.71 in the women’s 200m to set a world lead, national record, and meet record, while Gudaf Tsegay ran the second-fastest women’s mile in history (4:11.86), and Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Mykolas Alekna shattered meeting records in the men’s 800m and discus throw. From lightning sprints to dramatic middle-distance finishes and electrifying field events, London once again proved itself one of the premier stages for world-class athletics.
Alfred Sets World Lead and Meeting Record in London
Olympic 100m finalist Julien Alfred claimed her first 200m win of the Diamond League season in spectacular style, clocking 21.71—a world lead, Saint Lucian national record, and meet record. European champion Dina Asher-Smith came home second in 22.25, while Amy Hunt broke her personal best with 22.31 to beat Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke (22.52).
Alfred reflected: “It was a strong first 150 metres, and I managed to control it to finish strongly. I felt very comfortable and confident, which is important heading into Tokyo.”
Men’s 100 metres:
Jamaican sprint star Oblique Seville powered to victory in the men’s 100m, crossing in 9.86 ahead of Olympic champion Noah Lyles (10.00) in his season debut at the distance. Zharnel Hughes was third in 10.02.
“It’s special to run under 10 in this field,” said Seville. “London was the place I wanted to win, and I delivered.”
Women’s Mile:
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay delivered one of the performances of the night, becoming the second-fastest woman in history over the mile with 4:11.86, a world lead and meeting record. Jessica Hull set an Oceanian record (4:13.68), while Sarah Healy (4:16.26) and Sinclaire Johnson (4:16.32) notched personal and area records. Marta Zenoni smashed the Italian record in 4:17.16.
Tsegay said: “This outdoor season has been tough, but I came back stronger. The support and speedwork paid off today.”
Men’s 1500 metres:
Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech of Kenya took down Hicham El Guerrouj’s 24-year-old meet record with a blazing 3:28.82. Josh Kerr clocked a season’s best 3:29.37 for second, followed by Isaac Nader (3:31.55), Jake Wightman (3:31.58), and Jude Thomas (3:32.36).
Men’s 800 metres:
Emmanuel Wanyonyi continued his sensational 2025 campaign with a commanding win in 1:42.00, a meeting record and his fourth Diamond League win this season. Marco Arop (1:42.22) and Max Burgin (1:42.36 PB) followed, with four more men under 1:43.10.
Wanyonyi noted: “I’m training at 80%, so this performance gives me confidence to push harder heading into Tokyo.”
Men’s Discus Throw:
World record holder Mykolas Alekna launched a massive 71.70m in round three, breaking the Diamond League record. He held off Kristjan Ceh (68.37m), Lawrence Okoye (67.24m), Daniel Stahl (66.62m), and Roje Stona (64.71m).
“People said I only throw far outside stadiums—well, not anymore,” Alekna laughed. “That third round came together perfectly.”
Women’s 400m Hurdles:
Femke Bol extended her London winning streak with a 52.10 victory—her fourth Diamond League win of 2025. Jasmine Jones (53.18) and Andrenette Knight (53.79) completed the podium.
“I executed the bend better, but other parts of the race were off,” said Bol. “Still, a win is a win.”
Men’s 400 metres:
Great Britain’s Charles Dobson thrilled the home crowd with a personal best 44.14 to beat Matthew Hudson-Smith (44.27) and South Africa’s Zakhiti Nene (44.29).
Dobson: “It went exactly as planned tactically. This crowd helped me deliver something special.”
Women’s Long Jump:
Malaika Mihambo leapt 6.93m in round five to snatch victory after a shaky start. Larissa Iapichino came close with 6.92m, and Hilary Kpatcha claimed third (6.86m).
Men’s Long Jump:
Wayne Pinnock jumped 8.20m to defeat Olympic champ Miltiadis Tentoglou (8.19m), with Carey McLeod (8.10m) completing a Jamaican double on the podium.
“It’s been a hard season, so this means everything,” Pinnock said. “I won’t be in Tokyo, so the Diamond League Final is my goal.”
Women’s Pole Vault:
Olivia McTaggart cleared a personal best 4.73m to beat Katie Moon and Angelica Moser on countback. Emily Grove also cleared 4.73m for a share of second.
McTaggart: “It’s my first Diamond League podium, and I stayed calm despite the early fault. That paid off in the end.”
Women’s 5000 metres:
Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa outkicked Fantaye Belayneh to win in 14:30.57. Rose Davies (14:31.45) and Georgia Griffith (14:32.82 PB) rounded out a fast top five.
Women’s 800 metres:
Georgia Bell surged down the final stretch to win in a seasonal best 1:56.74, edging Addison Wiley (1:57.43) and Halimah Nakaayi (1:57.62).
“I felt amazing in the last 100m,” said Bell. “Running in this stadium with this crowd is just incredible.”
Women’s High Jump:
Morgan Lake cleared 1.96m to take the win for Britain. Eleanor Patterson and Christina Honsel tied for second with 1.93m, while Yaroslava Mahuchik was fourth after clearing the same height on her third attempt.
Women’s 4x100 Relay:
The British team of Asher-Smith, Hunt, Henry, and Neita clocked a world-leading 41.69 to dominate the women’s relay ahead of Jamaica (42.50).
Men’s 4x100 Relay:
Jamaica’s quartet of Watson, Goldson, and Thompson secured a Tokyo berth with 37.80, beating Britain (38.08).
Thompson: “The exchanges weren’t perfect, but we got it done and punched our ticket.”
