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The athletics season is in full swing, and the French athletes are very much in the mix. Between qualifying standards for Tokyo and French records, the stars of French athletics are proudly displaying their ambitions and proving that they are contenders on the track. Many of them will be competing at the Herculis EBS meeting on July 11.
French Middle-Distance Power on Display
The men’s 800m promises to be one of the highlights of the evening. Olympic finalist and currently ranked fifth in the world, Gabriel Tual returns to the Monaco track where he claimed an impressive third place last year in 1:42.10. Already clocking 1:42.72 this season, he will face off once again against world leader Emmanuel Wanyonyi, a clash that could well result in a new meeting record.
In the women’s 1000m, Agathe Guillemot will aim to deliver another standout performance, following her headline-making race last year, when she broke the French record in the 2000m. She will once again take on Australia’s Jessica Hull in what promises to be an explosive race.
Another key race to follow will be the 3000m steeplechase, featuring Alexis Miellet and Djilali Bedrani, both medallists in Rome and already qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo. The two Frenchmen will be looking to deliver a top-level performance ahead of the global showdown later this season.
Finally, all eyes will be on Jimmy Gressier and Yann Schrub in the 5000m. Gressier recently broke his own French record in Paris with a stunning 12:51.59, while Schrub also made his mark with a qualifying time of 12:56.57. Another exciting duel is expected between the two teammates on the Louis II track.
World-Class Field in the Hurdles
The women’s 400m hurdles, a traditional highlight in Monaco, will feature European silver medallist Louise Maraval. She’ll be targeting the qualifying standard for the World Championships, with world leader Femke Bol expected to set a blistering pace.
In the men’s high hurdles, Sasha Zhoya (13.06, a new personal best) and Wilhem Belocian (13.20, set in Paris) have already booked their tickets to Tokyo. In Monaco, they’ll be looking to go even faster against a world-class field led by Grant Holloway, who made a strong comeback with 13.11 in Paris.
Field Events to Keep a Close Eye On
In the field, Thomas Gogois continues his meteoric rise. Building on his European medal, he jumped 17.11m in Paris, just two centimeters shy of the World Championships qualifying mark. Monaco will offer him a real shot at reaching that goal.
On the women’s side, Auriana Lazraq-Khlass will take part in the shot put. The versatile French heptathlete, looking to gain valuable experience, will face top-tier specialists including Olympic champion Yemisi Ogunleye, a role model for the rising French star.
The Meeting Herculis EBS promises to be a pivotal stop for the French team, blending global ambition with elite competition. Join us on July 11th at the Stade Louis II for what is set to be an exceptional evening of athletics.