Entries Open for 2025 NZ Cross Country Champs
A trio of New Zealand’s top talents, Imogen Ayris, Hamish Kerr, and Tom Walsh, are going into battle at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, the fifth stop on the 2025 Wanda Diamond League circuit. The Rome Diamond League is kicking off on Friday, June 6 (June 7 NZT) at Rome’s iconic Stadio Olimpico.
Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi returns to his home stadium for a high jump showdown with our own Hamish Kerr. Tamberi famously shared the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games with Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim. While Kerr opted to go to a jump-off in Paris rather than share the gold like the iconic duo three years prior. Kerr is currently leading the Diamond League standings, and will be looking to continue some solid form against a field that also includes 2025 world indoor champion, Sanghyoek Woo of South Korea and the USA’s Juvaughn Harrison.
The high-jump kicks off at 6:01 AM NZT.
Tom Walsh lines up against a competitive field in Rome, including Italy’s Leonardo Fabri and Zane Weir, as well as USA’s Payton Otterdahl and Joe Kovacs. Walsh, who placed sixth in Rabat with a throw of 21.41m, will be looking for some longer throws and an elevated placing in Rome.
The shot put kicks off at 7:27 AM NZT
Imogen Ayris joins a strong lineup in the women’s pole vault, featuring Sandi Morris of the USA and Angelica Moser of Switzerland. Ayris finished strongly in Rabat, wrapping up proceedings in 4th place. She’ll be looking to make her mark in this elite field as she gains in confidence on the Diamond League circuit.
The high-jump kicks off at 5:15 AM NZT
How to Watch:
Fans in New Zealand will be able to tune in to the Diamond League YouTube channel and catch the Rome Diamond League Live on Saturday morning NZT. The broadcast starts at 7:00 AM NZT. The event will also be available on full replay for 24 hours after the livestream for Kiwi viewers on YouTube. Watch here.