The much-awaited showdown in track and field, the Diamond League 2024 will kick off in a few months. But there have been various questions around it. Let's go by addressing one question at a time.

Diamond League history

The Diamond League is like the Olympics of track and field, organized by World Athletics. It's a series of 15 big competitions that happen all over the world, with a final championship at the end. Athletes from different countries come to compete in events like running, jumping, and throwing. It's a chance for them to show off their skills and win prizes.

The Diamond League isn't just for famous athletes. There are also smaller events for athletes of all levels, from beginners to pros. World Athletics, the group that organizes the Diamond League, is in charge of hundreds of events every year.

In 2019, the Diamond League made a big partnership with the Wanda Group from China. They agreed to work together for 10 years to make the events even better and get more people interested in track and field.

The Diamond League started in 2010, but it's actually a newer version of another series called the “Golden League'' which took place from 1998-2009. The idea is to make track and field more exciting and bring in more fans. Each year, athletes compete to earn points, and the best ones go to the final championship. 

It's a chance for fans to see their favorite athletes in action and enjoy some thrilling competitions. At the conclusion of each season, athletes who gather the highest points in their events earn the title of Diamond League champions, receiving a Diamond Trophy and cash prize. Are you excited to walk through the full information for the much awaited showdown? There we go!

When is Diamond League 2024?

The 2024 Diamond League series starts this week with top athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson, Mondo Duplantis, and Fred Kerley. They're all gearing up for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Track and field events begin on April 20 in Xiamen, China, and end with the Final in Brussels, Belgium, on September 13-14. Alongside past champions, we'll see returning Diamond League winners and Olympic gold medalists getting ready for the Paris Games. But before diving deep, let's take a look at the rules.

Diamond League rules and regulations

The event comes with its set rules and regulations. Athletes earn points at 14 series meetings from May to September, aiming to qualify for the Wanda Diamond League Final in Eugene (September 16th-17th). Points are awarded based on ranking, with top performers qualifying for the Final. 

In case of ties, the best legal performance decides. Winners at the Final are crowned Diamond League Champions, receiving a Diamond Trophy, US$30,000 prize money, and a World Athletics Championships wildcard. The Final 3 format is used in throws and horizontal jumps at series meetings, except the Wanda Diamond League Final. Was it too strict? Share your thoughts in comments, but with that it leaves us with another question, “its major features”

Major disciplines featured in the Diamond League

The Diamond League covers a wide range of track and field events, from speedy sprints to high-flying jumps and powerful throws. This includes the excitement of the 100-meter dash, the challenge of the 110-meter hurdles, and the thrill of the 200-meter sprint. 

For those with endurance, there's the grueling 400-meter and 800-meter races, as well as the strategic 1,500-meter run. And let's not forget about the adrenaline rush of the 400-meter hurdles and the intense action of the 3,000-meter steeplechase. In the field events, athletes showcase their skills in the high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault. And for those with a knack for throwing, there's the shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw. With such a diverse range of events, the Diamond League offers something for every track and field enthusiast to enjoy.

 Diamond League 2024 schedule

As per the official website Flotrack the 15th edition which is the 2024 Diamond League is all set and kick off a little earlier. The champions will be crowned over two days in Brussels, Belgium. 

There's a gap in late July to late August due to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, scheduled from Aug. 1 to 11. The 2025 season schedule is typically announced in late September of the previous year. Here's the schedule for 2024: 

As the Diamond League season kicks off with events spanning various countries, athletes not only compete for victory but also substantial prize money!

Diamond League prize money

In the thrilling finals, each discipline promises a tantalizing prize pool of $60,000. The victorious athlete claims half the jackpot, while the remaining finalists share the other half. During the intense one-day qualification meets, competitors vie for a $30,000 prize pool per discipline, with the winner taking home a hefty $10,000 reward.

Here's the prize money breakdown for Diamond League meetings:

Additionally, there are rewards for 9th-12th place finishers in distance races and ninth-lane runners in sprints.

How to watch Diamond League 2024?

The Diamond League returns to action this weekend, launching its season in Xiamen, China, on Saturday (20). After the kick start from China, it will follow its schedule as mentioned earlier. Expect a lineup of top-tier athletes, including world record-holders and Olympic champions, as they kick off their outdoor campaigns. 

The excitement begins at 5:35 pm local time (GMT+8) with the men's high jump, followed by the main two-hour broadcast starting at 7:00 pm local time featuring the women's 400m. Keep in mind that the livestream might not be accessible in all regions. Check the list below to find out where to catch the action in your country.