Final Success | Aussies Find Podium in Zurich

A quintet of Australia’s finest track and field stars stamped a strong Australian presence on night two of the Diamond League final in Zurich, recording three podium finishes after Nina Kennedy’s pole vault triumph on the opening night – unofficially rounding out a blockbuster 2022.

Reigning world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber (Mike Barber) added Diamond League silver to her decorated 2022 campaign which features both the World and Commonwealth titles, mustering a 63.72m effort in Zurich to finish in second place behind the USA’s Kara Winger with 64.98m.

“It was a bittersweet ending to the season. I am really happy with how I competed tonight and the consistent series, but of course I wanted to win. I can’t be frustrated with that result, we had all three of the athletes that finished on the podium in Oregon,” Barber said.

The Diamond League title is one that still eludes Barber having finished second in 2017, 2019, 2021 and now 2022, but Barber was quick to put her year into perspective as the fierce competitor targets even greater success in 2023.

“I keep raising the bar. That’s just me, who I am, and my personality. I will be really constructive but quite critical of my season as a whole, which will allow me to make improvements for next year,” Barber said.

“We moved states this year and formed a new team at the Queensland Academy of Sport. A special shout-out to my husband and coach, Mike Barber, I am really proud of what we have been able to achieve together.”

Commonwealth 1500m champion Oliver Hoare (Dathan Ritzenhein) bounced back to his best with a podium finish, earning bronze in a swift time of 3:30.59 – the second fastest of his career. Hoare remained relaxed throughout the world-class encounter, sifting his way through the field over the final lap to apply the finishing touches to a successful year as Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen coasted to victory.

“My goal was obviously to win, the Diamond League final is a pretty special event in Zurich. Last year I was fourth and this year I finished in third, it’s a step in the right direction but I’m a little disappointed with not being able to put myself in the race early on,” Hoare said.

“I had to make a bit of a move to close the gap which is something that I obviously have to improve on. If I can make it to the final next year, that will be something that I can focus on for that race.”  

Hoare’s compatriot Stewart McSweyn (Nic Bideau) was valiant in his diamond trophy bid, racing in his typically aggressive manner to force his way into the top-five with a result of 3:31.45 – the pair demonstrating their class as the two fastest Australian men in history. The result will bolster the confidence of the Australian record holder who has endured a difficult year.

Nicola Olyslagers (Matt Horsnell) is no stranger to the Diamond League podium, but the circumstances surrounding tonight’s third-place finish in Zurich added to the impressive nature of the Australian’s performance. Leaving a recent calf tear in her wake, Olyslagers leapt 1.94m on her second attempt to claim the bronze.

“I made the height progression today in my room before heading out to the track. I didn’t know how many jumps I’d have with my calf, so rather than seeing how I felt I just stuck to my plan and believed that was the best strategy,” Olyslagers said.

While not reaching the lofty heights of her historic 2021 which saw her win Olympic silver, Olyslagers emphasised the importance of remaining competitive on the global stage under the conditions:

“I miss the feeling of jumping the high heights and pushing towards a new level, but I have learned so much about myself this season. I know I belong here and competing is invaluable for my progression,” Olyslagers said.

“This is the first time that I have had a major injury during a competition season. So I think what I’m most proud of, rather than a height or placing, was that I had the courage to not give up. The results have surprised every person who saw my diagnosis.”

The event was won by Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh with 2.03m.

Matthew Denny (Ben Thomson) rounded out his campaign with a 64.81m effort in Zurich, fighting through to the sixth round of the discus to produce his best throw of the day in the encounter won by Slovenia’s Kristjan Ceh with 67.10m. 2022 witnessed Denny assert himself as a Diamond League regular with five appearances including the final, having struggled to earn a start in previous years.

The results conclude the 2022 Diamond League which started in Doha in May, featuring 12 meetings before culminating in the final in Zurich.

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 9/9/2022