Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino delivered a commanding performance to win the women’s 400 meters at the 2025 Paris Diamond League, setting a new meeting record with a season-best time of 48.81 seconds. Representing the Dominican Republic, Paulino edged out Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, the silver medalist from the previous Olympics, who finished closely behind at 48.85 seconds. Paulino’s victory was marked by a powerful late surge, overtaking Naser in the final meters despite battling some stomach discomfort. This win not only reinforces Paulino’s status as one of the world’s premier 400m runners but also builds momentum as she prepares for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
In the women’s 3000m steeplechase, Kenyan athlete Faith Cherotich continued her impressive rise by winning the event with a personal best of 8:53.37. Cherotich, who took bronze at the Paris Olympics behind Ugandan silver medalist Peruth Chemutai, dominated the race by breaking away early and holding off her rivals in the closing stages. At just 20 years old, Cherotich has already secured three Diamond League victories this season, including wins in Doha and Oslo, positioning herself as a strong contender for the World Championships title.
American hurdler Grace Stark also made headlines at the Paris meet by setting a personal best in the women’s 100m hurdles. Stark clocked an impressive 12.21 seconds, surpassing Nigerian world record holder and 2022 world champion Tobi Amusan, who finished second. Stark’s performance demonstrated her rising form and potential to challenge the world’s best in the hurdles event.
In a notable development off the track, Jamaican Olympic medalist Rajindra Campbell has switched allegiance to Turkey, joining fellow discus gold medalist Roje Stona in representing the country. This change reflects a broader trend of athletes transferring national allegiance for various competitive and personal reasons, potentially impacting the dynamics of international athletics competitions.
The Paris Diamond League served as a critical platform for athletes to fine-tune their form ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo. Paulino’s record-setting run, Cherotich’s steeplechase dominance, and Stark’s breakthrough in hurdles highlight the high level of competition and the emergence of new talents in track and field. Meanwhile, the transfer of athletes like Campbell and Stona adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming global events, as nations strengthen their squads with new talents.
Overall,
the Paris Diamond League showcased thrilling performances and set the stage for an exciting athletics season, with Olympic champions and rising stars alike making their mark on the international stage.