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The 51st edition of Athletissima is shaping up under the best possible conditions. The stadium will feature a brand-new track, while the programme promises outstanding clashes between Swiss athletics stars and the world’s elite athletes chasing top performances ahead of the Diamond League Final and the Ultimate Championships in Budapest.
Just three days after her latest 800m masterclass in Ostrava, Audrey Werro attended Athletissima’s press conference in Lausanne on Friday as one of the meeting’s ambassadors. “I want to win in Lausanne,” said the Swiss athlete, who secured her first Diamond League podium at La Pontaise last year. Having now reached a new level in her career, she will be eager to make a statement on 21 August against Femke Broeders-Bol (NED) in what promises to be another thrilling showdown.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, world champion Ditaji Kambundji will need to be at her very best. The athlete from Bern will once again face Masai Russell (USA), the current leader of the 2026 Diamond League standings, and world record holder Tobi Amusan (NGA).
The men’s long jump promises spectacular action, featuring the season’s three best performers: Simon Ehammer (8.51m this year), the new world heptathlon record holder, will take on two-time Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou (GRE/8.49m) and Portugal’s Gerson Baldé (8.46m).
In the women’s pole vault, European champion Angelica Moser (SUI), still searching for her first victory in Lausanne, will face world champion Katie Moon (USA), Olympic champion Nina Kennedy (AUS), and multiple medallist Eliza McCartney (NZL).
The javelin competition is also shaping up to be exceptional. Rising star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage of Sri Lanka will compete against two-time world champion Anderson Peters (GRN) and European champion Jakub Vadlejch (CZE).
The men’s 5000m will be remarkably deep, featuring the world’s leading performer of 2026, Addisu Yihune (ETH), who recently won in Stockholm ahead of Birhanu Balew (BRN), with the latter looking for revenge. Also lining up will be Grant Fisher (USA), Graham Blanks (USA), and Ky Robinson (AUS).
Loyal Pole Vaulters
The men’s pole vault will take place the day before the main meeting on the lakeside at Ouchy as part of the City Event. The discipline’s biggest names make a point of returning to Lausanne every year, including superstar Armand Duplantis (making his seventh appearance), Sam Kendricks (10th), Renaud Lavillenie (an incredible 17th!), and Emmanouil Karalis (3rd).
Hospitality and catering areas, as well as the entertainment programme, will be further enhanced this year to make the City Event a true event and experience in its own right.
A Festival on the Waterfront
The Ouchy waterfront will come alive for almost a week as part of Athletissima. From Saturday 15 to Thursday 20 August, organisers will give visitors of all ages the opportunity to meet athletes and take part in a variety of activities under the theme “Athletics in Play”.
Visitors will be able to challenge themselves on a timed 150m course and test their reaction time in starting blocks. No advance registration is required for these challenges or any of the other activities (details available on the Track Festival).
Athletissima’s commitment extends far beyond the meeting itself and aims to promote athletics and sport in general. The event continues to demonstrate its strong local roots and support for young people.
Athletissima is also committed to sustainable mobility. Spectator access to the stadium will be facilitated through increased bus services between Lausanne railway station and the stadium on the evening of the meeting, as well as special shuttle buses from Place de la Riponne. Public transport is included in the stadium ticket price.
While awaiting the construction of the new stadium in Vidy, scheduled around 2030, a new track has been installed at La Pontaise. This surface, produced by Swiss company Conica and known as Conipur Vmax, is already used at several major athletics meetings and is designed to deliver outstanding performances thanks to its excellent shock absorption and optimal energy return.
Like last year’s edition, this 51st Athletissima meeting will take place before a sold-out crowd. Organisers are also expecting several thousand spectators at the City Event.