Jimmy Gressier shocked the favorites and won the 3,000m Diamond Trophy

The cross-country champion Jimmy Gressier shocked the favorites at the 3,000m Diamond League Final Weltklasse Zurich and triumphed with the gold, clocking at 7:36.78 min

He beat stars like American Grant Fisher, double bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics (5,000m and 10,000m), who finished second in Zurich with 7:36.81 min. Jimmy Gressier also prevailed over Swede Andreas Almgren, European record holder in the 5,000m. He beat them in the final sprint – an event in which he often had difficulties. This result is the fruit of a phenomenal effort that has already brought him European records in the 5,000m indoors and the 5km road this winter, as well as the European half marathon title in the spring.

“It’s so crazy, so incredible. It’s wonderful. I’m not going to lie to you, I’ve dreamed of winning the Diamond League all my life, but I saw how difficult it was”, said Jimmy Gressier. “Winning a Diamond League final is almost like getting on the podium at a world championship. I knew it was achievable, but it was still difficult, with very strong runners. I will be able to take the trophy to my grandfather, and the bouquet to my girlfriend. I haven’t seen her for three and a half weeks, she deserves a bouquet. I will definitely sleep with this trophy. They shouldn’t take it away from me, I care about it so much!”, added he.

The Top 5 in men’s 3,000m were completed by Mohamed Abdilaahi (Germany) and Biniam Mehary (Ethiopia).

In women’s 3,000m, Fantaye Belayneh (Ethiopia) grabbed the gold and the trophy, clocking at 8:40.56 min. The silver was for Josette Andrews (USA) and the bronze went to Likina Amebaw (Ethiopia).