Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman at Shanghai Diamond League: When, Where, and How to Watch?

Diamond League has geared up for another exciting edition in Shanghai with two of the most highly anticipated sprints. Facing their nemesis, Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman will be eyeing the big prize money that the best will win on the 27th of April. Both athletes tasted success in the Diamond League last season and will be eager to deliver in Shanghai.

Richardson’s season start for the Paris Olympics was quite a bumpy one when missed out on the gold by 0.03s at the Xiamen Diamond League, later admitting, “I was a little nervous.” But this time, she is quite confident about her comeback. “I know what I need to work on. Me and my coach… I’m pretty sure by the time I get back to the warm-up area, he’s already formulation on how to get better for the next race.” And so are her competitors.

Sha’Carri, will land in the Shanghai Stadium to face her British arch-rival Daryll Neita. After registering a blistering pace in the indoor tracks, the Budapest world-fame sprinter will move to her season opener in Shanghai. In the men’s competition Christian Coleman, however, is anticipated to maintain his winning streak. This time against Akani Simbine, who, after narrowly missing a medal in the Tokyo and Rio Olympics, is hungrier than ever, “I had to coach myself: ‘I’m going to Paris! I’m going to be on the podium!’” So here, Coleman vs Simbine would be an interesting watch! A reigning world champion vs. the one aspiring and training to be.

What is the schedule for Diamond League Shanghai? 

After postponing the 2023 Diamond League (due to the modernization of stadiums), Shanghai is all set to host this year with a big bang! The contest will commence on April 27 at 17:30 local time, with Sha’Carri Richardson competing in 200m and Christian Coleman in 100m. To give a brief rundown, the athletes will compete in the following 14 categories:

Interesting fact: Last year Sha’Carri Richardson secured her first Diamond League victory with a win in the 100m at Doha with a new meeting record of 10.76 s. She followed it up with wins in Silesia and Zurich. On the other hand, Coleman won the Diamond League Finals in the 100m, clocking a time of 9.83 seconds.

Watching Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman at the athletics meet live in the stadium would undoubtedly be an exhilarating experience. However, for those who won’t be able to, we have got you covered with the details on the alternatives! 

Where to watch the Diamond League Shanghai?

In the USA, NBC/Peacock is still permitted to air live broadcasts. Meanwhile, in the UK, BBC Two will cater to the audience through a live broadcast. However, the audience should remember that the live telecast through the Wanda Diamond League’s YouTube channel won’t be available in all territories. 

Major athletes to watch out for in the league

Despite reigning 200m world champion Shericka Jackson’s bowing out, the list of competitors can still give goosebumps. 

Women’s category: 

In the 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan will be up against reigning Olympic champion Camancho-Quinn. The presence of Devynne Charlton will intensify the battle. After the latter’s thrilling victory in the Xiamen edition, Amusan and Charlton might have to settle the score with the Tokyo Olympics. 

In the 200m, Sha’Carri Richardson will compete against Daryll Neita and Mujinga Kambundji, familiar faces from the world athletics championships. However, Torrie Lewis is still absent from the entry list. 

In the shot put, Chase Jackson will find a better match with Olympic champion Lijao Gong, the hometown favorite. In Xiamen, Gong let Jackson taste defeat. So again a show will be there in Shanghai Stadium between these two juggernauts. 

Men’s category: 

In 100m, Christian Coleman will find Fred Kerley, Ackeem Blake, and Akani Simbine in the opposition squad. In the last three editions, Coleman and Kerley have shared the crown. Akani Simbine will be looking to disrupt this trend in Shanghai. 

After setting a world record in Xiamen, Mondo Duplantis will step into the Shanghai Diamond Stadium with a dream of repeating the success. The American-born Swedish athlete has already broken his records 8 times. Before the Paris Olympics, the 24-year-old has made himself synonymous with the event. 

The three-time world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim suffered heartbreak from American showstopper Shelby McEwen in Xiamen. Now, the Shanghai contest will set up a platform for redemption for many. 

Diamond League Shanghai 2024 prize money

The authority has set the ultimate prize of USD 30000 for the athletes. However, the award money for the second and third positions is USD 12000 and USD 7000, respectively. 

However, the battle will amp up irrespective of the prize money as the Diamond League holds a special statute before the Olympics. The presence of Akani Simbine attests to that fact. In the Budapest Worlds, he put up a hearty battle against Christian Coleman, defeating him in the Heats. However, Simbine had to bow out from the semifinal after disqualification. 

The same applies to Sha’Carri Richardson. The 100m reigning champion will face Daryll Neita after edging her to the fifth position in Budapest Worlds. Both the young guns are thoroughly looking to hone their 200m prowess when the reigning world champion, Shericka Jackson, is still shedding sweat in the nets. Factors like those will make the Shanghai Diamond League an unparalleled occasion. 

Diamond League Shanghai tickets

The ticket information is still not updated on the Wanda Diamond League website.