Victories aplenty at Brussels Diamond League
Published Sat 04 Sep 2021
The renowned Memorial Van Damme leg of the Diamond League has delivered an historic evening for Australians in Brussels, with a national record from Linden Hall and an emphatic victory from Stewart McSweyn further stamping Australia’s presence on the global athletics scene.
In the mile, Linden Hall stopped the clock faster than any Australian woman in history – setting a new Australian and Oceania record of 4:21.38 to eclipse her previous mark of 4:21.40.
Hall finished in third place of the classy encounter which was won by Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, with the 30-year-old Australian continuing her trailblazing season which began with shattering the four-minute barrier over 1500m in April.
In 2021, Hall’s improvement on the clock is obvious but her ability to find herself prominent positions in big races has been a welcomed trait of her campaign – highlighted by her sixth place finish at the Olympic Games.
“It feels very sneaky to just run under my old record and personal best, my aims for the race were focused on placing rather than times so it was a nice surprise,” Hall said.
“Lots of careful planning by my whole team has definitely been key in being able to maintain some consistent form late into the season. I think it ended up being in my favour that I didn’t race between Nationals and the Olympics as I think I’m both physically and mentally a bit fresher than some of my competitors.”
Hall will now turn her attention to the Diamond League finals in Zurich.
“The final in Zurich is one of my favourite meets so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited to be heading there with such a big group of Aussies too. I’m hoping to be as competitive as possible, if it’s a fast time that’s a bonus.”
History suggests that it is not often we see Australians win Diamond League events, but that is exactly what Stewart McSweyn (Nic Bideau) did in Brussels as he clocked 3:33.20 over 1500m on his way to victory sporting his new trademark Australian colourway.
McSweyn was overtaken in the final lap before gritting his teeth to produce a statement win; a credit to his preparation to remain at the top of his game after an abnormally long season.
Oliver Hoare (Dathan Ritzenhein) soon joined the party to make it an Australian quinella at the front of the race – crossing the line in 3:33.79 to beat all bar McSweyn. The performance from Hoare indicated no signs of a Tokyo hangover, as he returned to racing in style after a short hiatus.
The feat is reflective of the current health of Australian middle-distance stocks, with the contingent establishing a reputation as both tough and talented athletes on the global stage.
Rohan Browning (Andrew Murphy) did not disappoint at his Diamond League debut, registering the highest ever finish by an Australian man with a fifth place performance of 10.14 (+0.1).
Previously considered an achievement to merely secure a lane as an Australian sprinter, Browning had his eyes firmly fixed on bigger things as he took on some of the sport’s biggest stars. In front of a bumper crowd in Brussels, Browning managed to take the scalp of accomplished South African sprinter Akani Simbine, holding his own in the respected field.
Whilst the 10-second barrier still eludes him, Browning is focused on finishing his breakthrough season in strong fashion as he continues to mix it with the world’s fastest men.
Diamond League podiums appear a formality for Nicola McDermott (Matt Horsnell) in 2021, with the Olympic silver medallist flourishing once again with a first attempt clearance at 2.00m to finish in 3rd place. Only Olympic champion Mariya Lasitskene (2.00m) and Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh (2.02m) proved superior on the day, with McDermott enjoying an ever-consistent season at the highest level.
Eleanor Patterson (Alex Stewart) made her way clear at 1.92m to finish in equal sixth position of the event, unable to leap 1.95m from her three attempts. The performance is enough for Patterson to qualify to next week’s Diamond League final in Zurich – where she will jump alongside McDermott.
The final will be held on September 8-9, with seven Australians qualified:
- Catriona Bisset (800m)
- Linden Hall (1500m)
- Nicola McDermott (high jump)
- Eleanor Patterson (high jump)
- Kelsey-Lee Barber (javelin)
- Stewart McSweyn (1500m)
- Oliver Hoare (1500m)
By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 4/9/2021
