Kobe 2024 stars join Diamond League's Prefontaine Classic

Seven athletes who finished their participation at the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships are heading to Eugene, USA to take part in one of the most traditional track and field meets in the world, the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday (25 May).

Part of the World Athletics’ Diamond League, this year’s Prefontaine Classic will include two Para athletics events, the men’s and women’s 100m mixed classification races. 

“It will be really interesting to compete against athletes with different disabilities, it will be a new challenge. I will put myself to the test and go for a win, as an athlete that is what you are always looking for,” said Spain’s Sara Andres Barrios (T62). “It is the first time I compete in an event that is part of the Diamond League, and I am super happy for that opportunity.”

Bronze medallist in the women’s 100m T64 at Kobe 2024, Barrios will be joined by other two athletes who also competed in Japan, Hungary’s Luca Ekler (T38) and Switzerland’s Abassia Rahmani (T62).

“It’s going to be a really strong field in Eugene so I really can’t wait,” said Ekler, who won gold in the women’s 100m T38 and long jump T38 at this year’s World Championships.

Italy’s six-time world champion Martina Caironi (T63) is another strong name in action at the Prefontaine Classic. She will be joined by Paris 2023 world champion compatriot Ambra Sabatini (T63), Great Britain’s Sophie Hahn (T38) and Ireland’s Orla Comerford (T13).

Costa Rica’s Sherman Guity will be one of the stars of the men’s 100m race multiclass race in the United States. The Kobe 2024 champion in the men’s 100m T64 he will face three other athletes who also took part in the World Championships in Kobe.

World record holder in the men’s 100m T13, Norway’s Salum Kashafali took a bronze medal in the race in Japan. Switzerland’s Philipp Handler ended in seventh place and will also compete in Eugene.

Vegard Sverd is another Norwegian T13 athlete who competed in Kobe and will run the Prefontaine Classic. 

Paris 2023 world champion Maxcel Amo Manu (T64) of Italy is another stellar name in this year’s Pre Classic. Great Britain’s Zak Skinner (T13)and Italy‘s Axel Zorzi (T13) complete the field.

More information about the Diamond League’s Prefontaine Classic is available here