Farken’s Mile Record, Mihambo’s Triumph, and World-Class Performances Light Up the 84th ISTAF Berlin

The 84th edition of the ISTAF Berlin delivered a sensational showcase of athletics on Sunday afternoon at the Olympic Stadium, where 28,500 fans were treated to a feast of record-breaking performances, World Championship qualifiers, and thrilling finishes. Featuring 157 athletes from 42 nations, the iconic meet saw Robert Farken set a new German mile record, Julian Weber secure a dramatic javelin victory, and stars like Malaika Mihambo and Gina Lückenkemper shine on home soil. With near-perfect weather and a roaring crowd, the ISTAF once again proved why it's a crown jewel in the global athletics calendar.

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National records, World Championship standards, and personal bests — the 84th ISTAF in Berlin delivered elite-level performances across the board on Sunday. With 157 athletes from 42 countries competing at the historic Olympic Stadium, the event captivated 28,500 fans, who witnessed record-setting feats by Robert Farken, a stunning breakthrough by Eileen Demes, and commanding displays from German stars like Malaika Mihambo, Gina Lückenkemper, and Julian Weber. “The athletes had ideal conditions and delivered outstanding performances,” said meeting director Martin Seeber after an electric afternoon of world-class athletics.

Julian Weber Claims Fourth ISTAF Victory in a Row

With both arms raised to the sky, javelin star Julian Weber (USC Mainz) celebrated his fourth consecutive ISTAF win. His 84.03m throw in the final round edged out Poland’s Dawid Wegner (83.40m) for the win. “The atmosphere was just amazing. It’s always special to throw here,” said the reigning European champion. Thomas Röhler, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist, placed fourth with 80.55m.

Farken Breaks German Mile Record Again

Having promised an assault on his own German record, Robert Farken delivered with a stunning 3:48.83 mile, shaving 0.3 seconds off the mark he set just weeks ago. While Norway’s Narve Gilje Nordås (3:47.68) and Italy’s Federico Riva (3:48.11 NR) edged ahead for the top spots, Farken’s relentless drive over the final lap earned him yet another national record — his sixth in 2025 alone.

Mihambo Jumps to Victory, Lückenkemper Second in the 100m

Long jump legend Malaika Mihambo soared to 6.73m to claim her third ISTAF win, ahead of Portugal’s Agate de Sousa (6.57m). “Despite some tightness in my thigh, I’m thrilled with the win,” said Mihambo. In the 100 meters, Gina Lückenkemper battled to a season’s best of 11.05 seconds, finishing just behind the USA’s Maia McCoy (11.01). “It’s always a joy to race at ISTAF. I made a mistake after the start, but I’m happy with the time,” she said.

Ackeem Blake Wins Men’s 100m, Owen Ansah Runner-Up

Jamaican sprinter Ackeem Blake claimed the men’s 100m in 10.05 seconds, narrowly beating Germany’s national record holder Owen Ansah. “We’re still in prep mode — I know we’ll go faster soon,” Ansah said. His teammates Lucas Ansah-Peprah and Yannick Wolf shared fifth place in 10.27 seconds.

Roos Edges Ogunleye in Thrilling Shot Put Final

The women’s shot put came alive in the final rounds. Germany’s Yemisi Ogunleye launched herself into the lead with an 18.88m throw in the fifth round, only for Sweden’s Fanny Roos to respond with a winning 19.04m. “I’ll get the ISTAF victory someday,” promised Ogunleye, who is building towards Worlds.

Demes and Agyekum Shine in the 400m Hurdles

Eileen Demes delivered a huge breakthrough in the women’s 400m hurdles, clocking a personal best 54.29 — a half-second improvement and good for direct qualification to the World Championships. “Having family and friends here gave me a massive boost,” she said. In the men’s race, Emil Agyekum equaled his PB of 48.21, finishing just behind Qatar’s Ismail Abakar (48.04) in front of his home crowd.

Meyer and Kallabis Dominate the Steeplechase

In the 2,000m steeplechase, Lea Meyer (5:57.76) and Jolanda Kallabis (6:04.79) secured a German one-two. “The crowd gave me too much energy — I got ahead of the pacer too early,” Meyer laughed afterward. Kallabis was ecstatic after slashing three seconds off her PB: “This race feels like a win for me.”

Ersu Sasma Sets Turkish Record in Pole Vault

Though the elusive 6-meter barrier wasn’t cleared, Turkey’s Ersu Sasma celebrated a new national record of 5.92m to take the men’s pole vault win. Menno Vloon (Netherlands) also cleared 5.92m, placing second. Germany’s Bo Kanda Lita Baehre finished fifth with 5.72m.

Becker Breaks 2:01 in the 800m

Jana Marie Becker (19) ran the race of her life in the women’s 800m, clocking 2:00.76 to improve her PB by over half a second. The race was won by Austria’s Caroline Brendlinger in 1:58.99.

Kambundji Wins High-Caliber Hurdles Final

Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji stormed to victory in the 100m hurdles, clocking 12.52 ahead of Nadine Visser (12.57) and Pia Skrzyszowska (12.72). Germany’s Marlene Meier and Ricarda Lobe both set season’s bests with 13.01 and 13.02, respectively. In the men’s 110m hurdles, Japan’s Tatsuki Abe surprised with a 13.23 PB win over Olympic champion Hansle Parchment (13.26).

Triple Jump Thriller Opens the Meet

Algeria’s Yasser Triki took the men’s triple jump with a clean 17.00m, edging Germany’s Max Heß (16.04m). “The support was amazing, even though my jumps weren’t,” Heß said.