Kerr breaks mile world record in London – Duplantis defeated by Kendricks

Sprints: Ajayi sets national record

High-caliber sprints shaped the evening in London. The winner of the men's 100 m was Kayinsola Ajayi. The Nigerian set a new national record with 9.84 seconds. Behind him were Jamaica's Oblique Seville (9.87 s) and Romell Glave of Great Britain (9.97 s).

Alfred dominates the 200 m

In the women's event, Julien Alfred once again underlined her strength over 200 m. The 100 m Olympic champion was timed at 21.66 s, posting another world-class time. A week earlier, the sprinter from St. Lucia had been even faster in Monaco, clocking 21.51 s. Behind Alfred were 200 m specialist Gabby Thomas of the USA (21.81 s) and Shaunae Miller-Uibo (22.24 s) of the Bahamas.

Hodgkinson's premiere over 800 m

Hodgkinson with a premiere: In the absence of Swiss 800 m standout Audrey Werro, Keely Hodgkinson celebrated a premiere. The Dutch athlete, who switched to the 800 m for this season, finished second.

Jackson with Diamond League record

In the women's discus, Cierra Jackson provided another highlight. The 23-year-old's discus sailed 71.72 m on her final attempt, the farthest in Diamond League history.

The Diamond League meeting in London is considered one of the most important season highlights ahead of the international championships. With Kerr's record run and Jackson's Diamond League best distance, the event made a sporting statement. The atmosphere in the stadium was exuberant, even if Duplantis' injury-related concerns left a small note of disappointment.

For Kerr, the world record is the crowning achievement of a career that brought him the 1500 m world title in Budapest in 2023 and Olympic silver in Paris in 2024. With the mark of 3:42.66 minutes, he moves into the ranks of the great middle-distance runners in history, at the top of which names like El Guerrouj still stand – whose record has now fallen after nearly three decades.