Six reigning Olympic champions, eight silver medalists, nine bronze medalists, and nearly fifteen athletes on the relay podiums in Tokyo.
The organizers of the Paris meeting have prepared a very high level field for this new stage of the Diamond League, organized this Saturday at the Charléty Stadium.
Elaine Thompson-Herah, entered in the 100m, has never been so close to the historic time of Florence Griffith-Joyner.
Armand Duplantis, frustrated in the wind with 5.62 m in Lausanne on Thursday, and Allyson Felix, the most medal-winning athlete in the history of the Games, will be followed.
Many Tokyo medalists posed together in front of the Pullman Bercy before taking part in the Meeting de Paris this Saturday.
KMSP / FFA HERVIO Jean-Marie
Several French people returning from Tokyo are also in the game: Pascal Martinot-Lagarde over 110 m hurdles, Renaud Lavillenie in the pole vault or Mélina Robert-Michon in the discus throw.
A competition to follow from 2 p.m. and where the public is back.
The ticket office remains open, on presentation of a health pass for everyone over 18 years old.
Elaine Thompson-Herah in pursuit of the 100m world record
In the absence of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, finally forfeited for the Parisian meeting, the victory over 100 m seems promised to Elaine Thompson-Herah, author of the 100 m - 200 m - 4 x 100 m treble in Tokyo at beginning of August.
Timed in 10′'54 at the meeting in Eugene (United States) on August 21, she got closer, race after race, to the world record of Florence Griffith-Joyner (10′'49 on July 16, 1988).
Departure scheduled at 4:39 p.m.
First race since the Games for Queen Allyson Félix
The most medal-winning female athlete in the history of the Olympic Games, with 11 podiums, including two this summer: bronze in the 400m and gold in the 4 x 400m relay, Allyson Félix returns to competition after a much appreciated return to the United States.
“It was amazing to be reunited with my loved ones.
I had never been separated from my daughter for so long.
They are also part of this journey, they have made a lot of sacrifices, ”she appreciated this Friday at a press conference.
This Saturday, she will meet the representative of the Dominican Republic, Marileidy Paulino, who won the silver in Tokyo.
Pole vault dream trio
Armand Duplantis, Sam Kendricks, Renaud Lavillenie: the three best pole vaulter of recent years are expected on the saltire of Charléty. If the wind remains weak (announced around 15 km / h), it could allow the multiple world and Olympic medalists to jump high. Blocked at 5.32 m this Thursday in Lausanne, Renaud Lavillenie intends to rely on the French public to revive.
“I didn't want to end my season with the disappointment of Tokyo. I want to have fun, I'm just happy to be on the track and I'm very happy to come home. When you have small physical problems, the public can give you additional strength, ”he appreciates. To follow also the American Christopher Nielsen, silver medalist in Tokyo with a new personal best brought to 5.97 m. Valentin Lavillenie and Ethan Cormont will be the two other French representatives involved in this competition.
🪑 A chair for three that weighs:
🥇🥇🥈🥉 at the Olympic Games
🥇🥇🥈🥈🥉🥉🥉🥉 at the Worlds
🥇🥇🥇🥈🥈 at the Indoor Worlds
🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥈🥈🥉 in the Diamond League
🔥 What else ?!
🏟 You will find them this Saturday at 💎 #MeetingParis!
pic.twitter.com/p46hcDDxuC
- MEETING de PARIS (@MEETINGPARIS) August 27, 2021
Pascal Martinot-Lagarde wants to win in Paris
Fifth in the 110m hurdles final in Tokyo, Pascal Martinot-Lagarde quickly returned to competitions, after “a week of overdoing pizzas and burgers” on his return to France.
Solid third in the Lausanne meeting on Thursday in 13 ″ 17 (+ 2.9 m / s, too windy to be approved), the Frenchman hopes to finally win at home.
“I hope to run faster than in Lausanne.
I never won in Paris, I took second place twice.
I really hope to win, finally.
"Still embarrassed by two injuries, -" inflammation in the hamstring and pubalgia "- Pascal Martinot-Lagarde will have a lot to do with the presence of the reigning Olympic champion, Jamaican Hansle Parchment.
Young French people on the track
Olympic Games finalist (7th), Gabriel Tual, 23, will start in the 800m. Two days after a fine fourth place at the Lausanne meeting, Lot-et-Garonnais will find six opponents present during their last race in Tokyo. The opportunity to gain additional experience at the end of the season. Also first in the high jump for the young Laureen Maxwell, 19 years old. Amandine Brossier in the 400m, Just Kwaou-Mathey in the 110m hurdles and Teura'itera'i Tupaia in the javelin throw will also be followed.