A Fan of Swiss Jodelling Determined to Continue Winning Streak

The women’s event will start at 5.30pm. Five world championship finalists will try and challenge Valerie Adams (NZL). The two-time Olympic champion just scored her fourth consecutive world championship title in Moscow. On Wednesday, she could win her third consecutive win in Zurich. The leader in the 2013 Diamond Race has been unbeaten in 40 competitions – and in three years.

During these past three years, Adams has been coached by Jean-Pierre Egger, the former coach of three-time world champion Werner Günthör. She feels at home in Switzerland, as her choice of music for the event illustrates: “Ku-Ku Jodel“ by the Swiss folksy family band Oesch’s die Dritten. 

Champions and medallists, and the sound of Metallica
When the men will enter the ring (7.10pm), the style of the background music will change dramatically: world championship bronze medallist Dylan Armstrong (CAN) has selected Metallica (Enter Sandman) to create his ideal competition ambience. He will be one of eight Moscow finalists to compete in the post-championship showdown at Switzerland’s largest train station. Armstrong, world championship silver medallist and world leader Ryan Whiting (USA), and two time Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski (POL), will all challenge David Storl (GER). The 23-year-old German managed to defend his title in a 21.73 shot, and he intends to call the tune again in Zurich.

Women to conclude IAAF Diamond League season while men will travel on to Brussels
The women’s shot put will be the IAAF Diamond League final event. Valerie Adams can secure her diamond by winning her 41st competition in a row. World championship silver medallist Christina Schwanitz (GER) is the only one with a slim chance to snatch the precious trophy from her. In the men’s competition, Ryan Whiting is leading the Diamond Race. For the men, Zurich will be the second last stop of the Diamond League series. Their final event will take place in Brussels next week.

Gregori Ott to compete for the third time
Young Swiss talent Gregori Ott will be competing with the best of the world for the third time. The current U20 national record holder will be using a 6kg shot (instead of the standard 7.26kg shot). He will be cheered by the crowd and supported by Swiss guitarist Slädu.

Passers-by can visit the exhibition area of the arena on Tuesday (4pm – 8 pm) and on Wednesday (noon – 8pm). There will be interesting facts to learn, fun games to play and prizes to win. There is a standing area to watch the shot put competitions (free of charge).

Weltklasse Zürich at Zurich Main Station – Programme of events (Wednesday, 28 August)
5pm: Warm-up women, athletes‘ presentation
5.30pm: IAAF Diamond League final event women
6.30pm: Award ceremony women
6.40pm: Warm-up men, athletes‘ presentation
7.10pm: IAAF Diamond League event men
8.10pm: award ceremony men, closing show

Opening hours exhibition area at Zurich Main Station:
Tuesday, 27 August: 4pm – 8 pm
Wednesday, 28 August: noon – 8 pm