Olympic champions Valarie Allman, Quincy Hall, Hamish Kerr, and Thea LaFond have confirmed their participation in the Rome Diamond League meeting, adding star power to an already impressive lineup for the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea.
The event, scheduled for June 6, marks the fifth stop on the 2025 Wanda Diamond League circuit and will feature some of track and field’s most accomplished athletes fresh off their Olympic triumphs.
Two-time Olympic discus champion Valarie Allman returns to Rome as she pursues a fifth Diamond Trophy. The American thrower recently made headlines with a North American record throw of 73.52m in Ramona, the best mark recorded worldwide since 1989.
Read more: Valarie Allman throws massive Discus world lead at ISTAF Berlin
According to the World Athletics meeting organizer’s release, before arriving in Rome, Allman will compete in Shanghai on May 3, where she’ll face strong competition from Sandra Elkasevic, Yaime Perez, and Jorinde van Klinken, all of whom boast personal bests beyond 70 meters.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr, who claimed Olympic high jump gold in Paris, will continue his Diamond League campaign in Rome. Kerr begins his series in Doha, where he’ll face his Olympic predecessor and hometown favorite Mutaz Barshim in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
American quarter-miler Quincy Hall and Dominica’s triple jump champion Thea LaFond will both make their Golden Gala debuts. Hall secured his first Diamond League victory in Monaco last year just weeks before his Olympic triumph. LaFond, who made history for Dominica with her gold medal in Paris, finished as runner-up at both the Monaco and Eugene Diamond League meetings in 2024.
The Golden Gala Pietro Mennea continues to attract elite talent as the Diamond League season builds momentum toward the eventual Diamond Trophy finals later this year.
