Scandinavian supremacy in Berlin: Warholm, Duplantis, Stahl among the ISTAF stars
Some of the biggest names will feature in Berlin’s ISTAF on Sunday: Karsten Warholm, Armand Duplantis and Daniel Stahl could create a Scandinavian supremacy while German stars Johannes Vetter and Malaika Mihambo travel to Berlin in excellent form. Laura Muir, Christian Taylor and late entry Beatrice Chepkoech are among other prominent names on the start lists. Nine of the eleven events feature world leading athletes and there will be twelve athletes who have won World Championships’ or Olympic gold medals.
The ISTAF will look different on Sunday because of the current circumstances. However despite the coronavirus pandemic organizers managed to ensure that around 3,500 spectators will be allowed into the huge Olympic Stadium to watch Germany’s major athletics meeting. They will have to follow strict hygiene regulations and will be seated with some distance from each other. While more than 40,000 spectators will be missing compared to recent years, there will be live TV coverage which will be available in many countries.
„We are very happy that with major support of the city and our partners it was possible to organize the ISTAF during these challenging times and to welcome world-class athletes in Berlin,“ said Meeting Director Martin Seeber. „It is our aim to make a statement for athletics and to be a beacon of the lighthouse. ISTAF will be different with 3,500 instead of 45,000 spectators. But may be it is a first step back to normality.“ The ISTAF, the world’s oldest track and field meeting, will be celebrating its centenary in 2021.