Nigeria’s sprint hurdles star, Tobi Amusan, will headline a world-class field at Sunday’s Paris Diamond League after organisers confirmed the meeting will proceed despite an unprecedented heatwave sweeping across France.
The prestigious event at Stade Charléty had faced uncertainty after Paris authorities urged the cancellation of all sporting competitions due to soaring temperatures and heightened health risks.
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France experienced its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with Meteo-France reporting a national average temperature of 30°C.
Temperatures in Paris were expected to peak at 39°C on Saturday before dropping slightly to 32°C on Sunday, prompting emergency “red alert” measures across the capital.
Following discussions with the Paris Police Prefecture, organisers received approval to stage the Diamond League under a revised format designed to safeguard athletes, officials and spectators.
Under the new arrangements, only elite professional events will be contested, while all club activities, youth competitions and regional athletics programmes have been cancelled.
The meeting will also operate under enhanced safety protocols, including delayed stadium access, a condensed competition schedule, expanded medical and emergency services, additional drinking water and misting stations, increased shaded areas and comprehensive heat-awareness measures.
“The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators and all staff involved remains our highest priority,” the Diamond League said in a statement.
Amusan will be among several global stars competing in Paris, with Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith, Jeremiah Azu, Ben Pattison and Jake Wightman also in action.
Georgia Hunter Bell and Katie Snowden are set to feature in the women’s 1500 metres.
Despite the extreme weather conditions, organisers remain confident that the revised schedule and extensive safety measures will ensure one of the Diamond League season’s marquee meetings is staged successfully.
