Monaco will feature a dream field with the world’s five best high-jumpers! The competition is bound to be exciting with athletes who hold records close to Javier SOTOMAYOR’s world record of 2.45m. Mutaz Essa BARSHIM, the Year’s best performer so far with a 2.40m jump in Opole (POL) will compete in Monaco. Two other jumpers, both having achieved 2.36m this season will challenge Barshim, namely Syrian Majed Aldin GHAZAL and Italian Gianmarco TAMBERI. The latter became indoor world champion this winter in Portland. Following closely with a 2.35m jump is American Erik KYNARD. The dream field will be completed by 2013 world champion Bohdan BONDARENKO and 2015 world champion Derek DROUIN.
Another thrilling event will be the Men’s 200 meters, featuring the French Vicaut/Lemaitre duel. Jimmy VICAUT won the French 100m championships this June, however his main contender, Christophe LEMAITRE had qualified for the final but did not end up competing. Therefore, their awaited duel will occur in Monaco this July, during Herculis. Consequently, Herculis’ 200m will feature two extremely high-level compatriots, on the one hand, co-holder of 100m European record in 9”86 Jimmy Vicaut, and on the other hand, Bronze Medalist on 200m during the 2011 World Championships Christophe Lemaitre*.
Herculis will also bring together world champions and Olympic Medalists on several field events, among which Molitor, Silva and Ibargüen. Kathrina MOLITOR, German javelin world champion in 2015 with a 67,69m throw, will compete on the Monegasque field. Moreover, Yarisley SILVA, Cuban pole vaulter and 2012 Silver Olympic Medalist also confirmed her presence for Herculis’ 2016 edition. June 5th 2016, Silva achieved a 4,84m jump at the Birmingham Grand Prix, she is therefore in top shape this season, rendering the Herculis pole vaulting all the more exciting. Another top-ranking jumper, Colombian Caterine IBARGÜEN, will come back to Monaco for her specialty, triple jump. On top of being double world champion and Silver Olympic Medalist in 2012, Ibargüen is already triple Diamond Race winner - tripling is her specialty, but will she be able to quadruple this one?
*Update - 09/07/2016: Vicaut forfeits Monaco: Jimmy Vicaut will not run the 200m in Monaco on Friday July 15th. Indeed, after his participation in the European Championships on both the 100m and 4x100m, the European record-holder will need to rest and train for the Rio Olympic Games.
