Athletissima 2026: Swiss heroes and heroines - and a pole vault god

Athletissima 2026 will bring the world's athletics elite to Lausanne on August 20 and 21. With Armand Duplantis, Ditaji Kambundji and a Swiss team in top form, the public can look forward to two packed days of competition.

Anyone who believes that Lausanne is only a sports mecca because of the Olympic Museum has not yet experienced the Athletissima. The 51st edition of the Diamond League meeting promises two evenings of athletics at the highest level.

It all kicks off on Thursday, August 20, with the city event on the Place de la Navigation in Ouchy, where Armand Duplantis, known as "Mondo", returns to Lausanne. The Swede holds the world record in the pole vault at 6.31 meters.

The meeting at the Stade Olympique de la Pontaise follows on Friday, August 21. The Swiss have a lot to talk about this time. Ditaji Kambundji, reigning world champion in the 100 meter hurdles and voted Sportswoman of the Year, wants to show in front of her home crowd why her title was no fluke.

Audrey Werro, 22 years old and already a top international athlete in the 800 meters, is also one of the main draws. Simon Ehammer, on the other hand, is one of the world's top all-around athletes and will be competing in the long jump in Lausanne. Angelica Moser, one of the strongest indoor pole vaulters in Europe, completes the quartet of Swiss figureheads.

Jason Joseph is also expected to compete in the 110 meter hurdles, European champion Timothé Mumenthaler in the 200 meters and several Swiss sprinters, including Ajla Del Ponte.