PREVIEW: Richardson, Fraser-Pryce headline Brussels Diamond League

At the 2025 Brussels Diamond League, officially known as the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, expect a thrilling showcase of elite athletics on Friday at the King Baudouin Stadium.

This is the penultimate stop before the Diamond League Final in Zurich, making it a crucial event for athletes chasing points, bonuses, and wild card entries to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Variety 3, SS Africa 1 and GOtv from 8pm

SuperSport.com looks at the major storylines of the event.

🌟 HEADLINE EVENTS & ATHLETES TO WATCH

This event is stacked with sprint royalty.

World champion Sha’Carri Richardson is up against world leader, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and sprint legend and meeting record holder Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

This will be the first time these three sprint stars face off in the same race.

SOUTH AFRICANS TO WATCH

Akani Simbine – Men’s 100m

Simbine has been in red-hot form this season, clocking multiple sub-10s including a 9.90 at the Botswana Grand Prix and a 9.95 win in Rabat. He’s already beaten top names like Ferdinand Omanyala and Fred Kerley this year 1. Brussels will be another big test as he eyes the Diamond League Final and Tokyo 2025.

Bayanda Walaza – Men’s 100m

The 21-year-old sprint prodigy stunned Omanyala earlier this year at the Kip Keino Classic and recently won double gold (100m and 200m) at the World University Games in Berlin. He’s part of a new generation of South African sprinters making waves internationally 1.

Retshidisitswe Mlenga – Men’s 100m

Mlenga has quietly built momentum this season, including a 10.15 finish behind Simbine and Omanyala in Botswana. He’s also part of the 4x100m relay squad that medaled at the World University Games 1.

Prudence Sekgodiso – Women’s 800m

Sekgodiso is South Africa’s middle-distance sensation. She won gold at the 2025 World Indoor Championships and has a personal best of 1:57.26. Her tactical brilliance and finishing speed make her a serious contender in any 800m field.

Zeney van der Walt – Women’s 400m Hurdles

Currently ranked in the top 8 of the Diamond League standings, Zeney is a consistent performer and a national record holder. She’s aiming to secure a spot in the Zürich final and build momentum for the World Championships.

AFRICANS TO WATCH

Botswana

Letsile Tebogo – Men’s 200m

Olympic champion and world record hopeful, competing against Christian Coleman and Joseph Fahnbulleh.

Kethobogile Haingura – Men’s 1500m (PB: 3:35.21)

Nigeria

Favour Ofili – Women’s 100m (PB: 10.87)

Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike – Men’s 200m (PB: 19.76)

Kenya

Ferdinand Omanyala – Men’s 100m (PB: 9.77)

Nelly Chepchirchir, Susan Ejore – Women’s 1500m

Agnes Jebet Ngetich, Purity Chepkirui, Janeth Chepngetich, Caroline Nyaga – Women’s 5000m

Nicholas Kiplangat Kebenei, Ferguson Rotich – Men’s 800m

Abel Kipsang, Reynold Cheruiyot, Boaz Kiprugut, Phanuel Koech – Men’s 1500m

Abraham Kibiwot, Simon Kiprop Koech, Wilberforce Kones, Wesley Langat – Men’s 3000m Steeplechase

Julius Yego – Men’s Javelin Throw

Ethiopia

Diribe Welteji, Freweyni Hailu, Axumawit Embaye – Women’s 1500m

Likina Amebaw, Marta Alemayo, Hirut Meshesha, Aleshign Baweke – Women’s 5000m

Eisa Girma, Getnet Wale – Men’s 3000m Steeplechase

Wosane Asefa – Women’s Mile Steeplechase

Uganda

Winnie Nanyondo – Women’s 5000m