Isaac Kimeli Dominates Rainy 5,000m in Lausanne; Nafi Thiam Braces for High Jump Challenges

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august 21, 2025

Kimeli Secures Diamond League Victory in Rainy Lausanne, Eyes World Championships

Lausanne, Switzerland – Belgian runner Kimeli dominated the 5000-meter race at the Diamond League meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Wednesday, despite a downpour that hampered performance. He finished with a time of 13:07.67, exceeding his personal best of 12:56.53, achieved just last May in Stockholm.

A Hard-Fought Victory

The challenging weather conditions didn’t deter Kimeli, who outperformed American competitor Grant Fisher (13:08.51) and Mexican Eduardo Herrera (13:09.50) to claim the top spot on the podium. Fisher currently holds the Indoor Distance Record with a time of 12:44.09. This victory marks a meaningful achievement for Kimeli as he prepares for the World Championships in Tokyo, slated to begin in less than a month.

Building on Past Performances

Having already qualified for the World Championships, Kimeli is resolute to improve upon his 8th-place finish at the Paris Olympic Games last summer. This latest win adds to a growing list of successes for Belgian athletes in the diamond league. Kimeli becomes the seventh Belgian athlete to win a Diamond League event, joining Nafi Thiam, Cynthia Bolingo, Kevin Borlée, Jonathan Borlée, Ben Broeders, and Philip Milanov.

Thiam’s Return and Other Belgian Results

The Lausanne competition also saw the return of Nafi Thiam to the high jump arena this season. However, the inclement weather prevented her from reaching her full potential, falling short of clearing 1.86 meters. Thiam is scheduled to compete in the long jump at the Van Damme Memorial in Brussels on Friday at the king Baudouin stadium.

The Belgian Rockets, consisting of Rani Vincke, Janie de Naeyer, Anne Zagré, and Lien Torfs, finished eighth in the 4×100 meter relay with a time of 44.74. In individual 100-meter preliminary races,delphine Nansa clocked the fastest time for Belgium at 11.33 seconds, a mere 13 hundredths of a second off her personal record. Despite her strong performance, she is currently ranked 40th globally, falling short of the required top 36 qualification for the World Championships. Vincke completed the 100m in 11.63, De Naeyer in 11.77,and Zagré in 11.94. Camille Laus also participated, finishing the 800 meters in 2:04.50, surpassing her recent personal record of 1:59.50,but still falling short of the 1:59.00 minimum time for World Championships qualification.

Athlete	Event	Time/Distance	Result
Kimeli	5000m	13:07.67	1st
Grant Fisher	5000m	13:08.51	2nd
Eduardo Herrera	5000m	13:09.50	3rd
Nafi Thiam	High Jump	Below 1.86m	N/A
Delphine Nansa	100m	11.33	N/A

the Diamond League and its Meaning

The diamond League is an annual series of elite track and field meetings held across the globe. Established in 2009,it serves as a premier platform for athletes to compete against the best in the world and earn points towards a championship final. World Athletics governs the diamond League.

Did You No? Belgium has a rich history in athletics, consistently producing world-class athletes. The country’s dedication to sports growth and training facilities contribute to its success on the international stage.

Pro Tip: athletes often adjust their training regimens based on weather conditions during competitions. Understanding how rain, humidity, and wind can effect performance is crucial for maximizing results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kimeli’s Victory

• What is the significance of Kimeli’s win in Lausanne? Kimeli’s win demonstrates his strong form and preparedness for the upcoming World Championships.
• How did the weather impact the competition? The pouring rain considerably affected athlete performance, making it challenging to achieve optimal times and distances.
• Who are some other notable Belgian athletes in the Diamond league? nafi Thiam, Cynthia Bolingo, Kevin Borlée, jonathan Borlée, Ben Broeders, and Philip Milanov are other prominent Belgian athletes who have achieved success in the Diamond League.
• What are the qualification standards for the World Championships? Athletes must meet specific ranking or time/distance criteria to qualify for the World Championships, often determined by World Athletics.
• Where will the World Championships be held? this year’s World Championships are being held in tokyo, Japan.

What are your thoughts on Kimeli’s chances at the World Championships? Share your predictions in the comments below!

What specific race conditions impacted Isaac Kimeli and Nafi Thiam’s performances in Lausanne?

Kimeli’s Stunning Performance in Lausanne

Isaac Kimeli delivered a commanding performance at the Lausanne Diamond League meet on august 21, 2025, securing victory in the 5,000m despite challenging, rainy conditions.The Kenyan runner clocked a time of 12:58.15, showcasing exceptional endurance and tactical racing. This win solidifies Kimeli’s position as a top contender in the distance running world and a key athlete to watch leading up to major championships.

Race Conditions: Heavy rainfall substantially impacted grip and pace, demanding greater strength and focus from the athletes.

Key Moments: Kimeli made a decisive move with two laps to go, opening up a gap that his competitors couldn’t close. His consistent lap times, even in the wet, were crucial to his success.

Competitor Analysis: Second place went to Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale, finishing in 13:01.52.Several other established 5,000m runners struggled to adapt to the slippery track.

Kimeli’s Season So Far: This Lausanne victory follows a strong showing at the Prefontaine Classic, indicating a peak in form for the Kenyan athlete. He’s consistently demonstrated improvements in his speed and stamina throughout the 2025 season.

Nafi Thiam’s High Jump Hurdles

World and Olympic champion Nafi Thiam faced a tougher night in Lausanne, navigating challenging conditions in the high jump. While she successfully cleared heights up to 1.94m, she ultimately finished second behind Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who jumped 1.97m. The rainy weather clearly affected Thiam’s rhythm and technique.

Analyzing Thiam’s performance

Thiam, known for her consistency and powerful jumps, appeared slightly off her usual form. the wet runway and bar presented a meaningful obstacle.

Technical Difficulties: Observers noted a slight adjustment in Thiam’s approach due to the slippery conditions, potentially impacting her takeoff angle.

Mahuchikh’s Advantage: Mahuchikh demonstrated superior adaptability, maintaining a smooth technique despite the rain. Her winning jump showcased remarkable control and precision.

Impact on world Championship Planning: This result serves as a valuable learning experience for Thiam as she prepares for the upcoming World Athletics Championships.Adapting to adverse weather conditions will be crucial for success.

Thiam’s Previous Records: Thiam holds a personal best of 2.06m in the high jump, achieved in 2022. She is consistently among the top performers in the event.

The Impact of Weather on Athletic Performance

The Lausanne meet highlighted the significant impact weather conditions can have on athletic performance. Rain, wind, and temperature all play a role in influencing athlete speed, technique, and overall results.

Grip and Traction: Wet surfaces reduce grip, requiring athletes to exert more energy to maintain speed and stability. This is particularly noticeable in track events like the 5,000m and field events like the high jump.

Muscle Temperature: Cold temperatures can cause muscles to contract, increasing the risk of injury. Athletes frequently enough employ warming-up strategies and specialized clothing to mitigate this effect.

Air resistance: Wind can either assist or hinder athletes, depending on its direction and speed. Headwinds increase resistance, while tailwinds can provide a boost.

Psychological Factors: Adverse weather can also affect athletes’ mental state, potentially leading to decreased confidence and focus.

Training Adaptations for challenging Conditions

Elite athletes and their coaches employ various strategies to prepare for and compete in challenging weather conditions.

1. Weather-Specific Training: Incorporating training sessions in similar conditions to those expected in competition. This could involve running in the rain or practicing jumps in windy conditions.
2. Gear Selection: Choosing appropriate clothing and footwear to provide warmth, grip, and protection from the elements.
3. Warm-up Protocols: Implementing thorough warm-up routines to prepare muscles for optimal performance in cold weather.
4. Mental Preparation: Developing mental strategies to maintain focus and confidence despite adverse conditions. Visualization and positive self-talk can be particularly effective.
5. Nutrition and Hydration: adjusting nutrition and hydration strategies to account for increased energy expenditure and fluid loss in challenging weather.

Looking Ahead: Championship Season

Both Isaac Kimeli and Nafi Thiam will now turn their attention to the upcoming World Athletics championships. Kimeli’s dominant performance in Lausanne will undoubtedly boost his confidence,while Thiam will use the experience as a learning possibility to refine her technique and prepare for any weather conditions she may encounter. The championship season promises exciting competition and thrilling performances from these two world-class athletes. Fans of track and field, distance running, and high jump will be eagerly anticipating their next appearances. Keep an eye on athletics news for updates on their training and competition schedules.