BAUHAUS-galan Indoor Preview: Global Sprint Fireworks and Elite Middle-Distance Duels in Stockholm
The world’s fastest man right now, Kishane Thompson, is heading to the BAUHAUS-galan Indoor on January 22, setting the stage for what could be the biggest international sprint showdown of the winter. In Stockholm, Thompson will face the reigning world indoor champion Jeremiah Azu and European all-time No. 5 Samuele Ceccarelli.
On the women’s side, Jamaican sprint sensations Tina Clayton and Tia Clayton—both World Championship medallists from Tokyo 2025—will line up in a glittering field.
“I’m really looking forward to a great competition,” says Thompson.
A Historic 60m Field in Sweden
Never before has Sweden hosted such a star-studded men’s 60 metres. Stockholm fans will witness Thompson—currently the world’s fastest man—compete in only his second indoor race ever.
“This will be my first competition in Stockholm and I’m really excited to open my season there,” Thompson says. “I’ve heard the field is strong and the crowd is fantastic, so I’m expecting a great race.”
The 24-year-old Jamaican stunned the athletics world last year with 9.75 over 100m, the fastest time in a decade. Though tipped as the “next Usain Bolt,” Thompson collected silver medals in the Olympic final (2024) and World Championship final (2025). Indoors, he has raced 60m just once—clocking 6.56 in Astana a year ago. On a good day, fireworks are expected.
Fierce Competition
Already confirmed are world indoor champion Azu, Italy’s Ceccarelli, Britain’s Jody Smith, and American Lawrence Johnson. Ceccarelli ranks fifth on Europe’s all-time list (6.47), while Smith’s 6.52 this winter is among the fastest globally this season.
“This will undoubtedly be one of the hottest duels of the international indoor season,” says event director Jan Kowalski. “We’re extremely proud to welcome a star of Kishane Thompson’s calibre in such incredible form.”
From Sweden, Isak Hughes (PB 6.74) will take part, while Henrik Larsson misses out through injury.
Other confirmed men’s 60m athletes include Ali Anwar Al Balushi (Oman), Ippei Takeda (Japan), Coby Hilton (USA), Romell Glave (Great Britain), Rohan Watson (Jamaica), Jan Volko (Slovakia), and Simon Verherstraeten (Belgium).
The Clayton Sisters Lead a Stellar Women’s Field
At just 21 years old, Tina and Tia Clayton are already among the most exciting names in global sprinting. Both earned World Championship relay silver with Jamaica in Tokyo 2025.
Tina also captured individual 100m silver in 10.76, making her the 15th fastest woman in history. Tia has enjoyed strong individual success as well, finishing seventh at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I’m really looking forward to competing in Stockholm,” says Tina Clayton. “It will be my first indoor competition there, and I understand the field will be strong. Let’s see what happens next!”
Sweden will be represented by Julia Henriksson and Nora Lindahl, both Tokyo World Championship competitors. Lindahl has run 7.30 over 60m, while Henriksson—the Swedish champion over 100m and 200m—owns a 7.22 PB.
Birke Haylom Targets Something Special
One of the world’s most exciting middle-distance talents, Birke Haylom, arrives in Stockholm full of confidence and ambition.
“I feel like I’m in top shape. I’m going to Stockholm to do something special and try to make history,” says Haylom.
Still a teenager, the Ethiopian has already left her mark on the sport. She rose to prominence as a junior with multiple record-breaking performances and captured U20 world gold. Her 3:58.43 indoors in 2024 remains the world junior indoor record.
Kramer vs. Moe Berg: A Must-See 1500m Clash
Swedish record holder Andreas Kramer will open his season at the unusual distance of 1500 metres, facing Norwegian prodigy Håkon Moe Berg in a thrilling duel.
“I feel like I want revenge,” says Kramer, a double silver medallist at major championships. After a strong 2025 season—highlighted by another sub-1:44 800m at the Bislett Games and a Swedish 1000m record—illness disrupted his World Championship campaign. Now his focus is firmly on 2026, with the European Championships in Birmingham as his main goal.
His opening test will be formidable. The 19-year-old Moe Berg is already being compared to Jakob Ingebrigtsen after storming to U20 European gold in 3:30.28, just a tenth slower than Ingebrigtsen at the same age.
A New Era for Swedish Indoor Athletics
The BAUHAUS-galan Indoor takes place on January 22 at Sätrahallen, marking the first major indoor athletics gala in Sweden since the Globen Gala ended in 2017. The meeting already holds World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver status, offering higher ranking points and enhanced qualification opportunities for international championships.
For live streaming and event details see our page here.
