The 2026 season is now fully under way. We’re two Diamond League meets in, which i must say have been better than usual this early in the season. Indicative of the fact that this is an “off season”. Meaning there is no global major to focus on at the end of the year, so athletes are free to compete as they see fit all year long. Great for the athletes, even better for the fans, because as we’ve seen already, we’ll get treated to a lot of outstanding performances all year long!

So, what’s up next? More Diamond League and the NCAA Regionals are on tap for this upcoming week. The two Regionals will be held in Lexington Kentucky (East Regional), and Fayetteville Arkansas (West Regional). These serve as the first two rounds of the NCAA Championships, which will finish in Eugene Oregon with the semi finals and finals. No champions are crowned at Regionals and no points awarded. The goal here is to advance as many bodies as you can to Eugene, so the competition will be fierce! Be prepared to see a lot of seasonal and personal beats set in these two meets. Athletes to watch are Ja’Kobe Tharp (110H), Kayinsola Ajayi (100m), Jelani Watkins (100m/200m), Samuel Ogazi (400m), Jonathon Sims (400m), and Adaejah Hodge (100m/200m) all of which are currently among the world’s best in their respective events. Also keep an eye on Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, LSU, Oregon, USC, Auburn, Texas A&M, and BYU as programs that will be fighting to get lots of qualifiers to Eugene. These will be the programs most likely to be fighting for ten titles in Eugene. Bottom line, these two meets will produce four days of some of the best track and field you will see this year.

The best single day meet on tap for this week, will be the Rabat stop of the Diamond League. We’ve already seen the return of Shericka Jackson and Shaunae Miller Uibo to the 200m. The first 21m shot put this century by Jessica Schilder, and a world leading 43.92 400m by Collen Kebinatshibi to go with his earlier 9.89 100m making him the first person in modern sprinting to lead the world in both events. Let’s take a look at what’s coming in Rabat.

Men’s 400m – This event will have Paris Olympic gold and silver medalists Quincy Hall and Matthew Hudson Smith both of whom are making their season debuts. They’ll be competing against a field that includes Jacory Patterson, Muzala Samukonga, and Zakithi Nene all 43 second quartermilers. This could be one of the best races of the weekend.

Men’s 200m – This will be the first race of the year among top elite names. Rabat will feature six prominent Olympians in Kenny Bednarek, Andre DeGrasse, Letsile Tebogo, Bryan Levell, Courtney Lindsay, and Wayde van Niekerk. If the conditions are good, I expect we’ll see a very fast race in the 19.6-19.7 range. Bednarek and DeGrasse have looked best early, but Tebogo and Levell typically shine here. This could be a close battle.

Women’s 200m – This will be the third battle in as many weeks, between Shericka Jackson and Shaunae Miller Uibo. Week one showed that both women are healthy. Week two showed us that both women are in form. Let’s see what week three gives us. At 21.87, Shericka is clearly back to being a contender. My question is, is she s contender, or back to being the leader of the pack? That’s what I’m looking for in Rabat. I’m hoping we see the woman that was threatening the WR in ’22/’23.

Men’s 800m – This has been one of the sports’ hottest events in recent years, with several men running under 1:42 led by Emmanuel Wanyonyi who is opening his season in Rabat. He’ll be joined by Donovan Brazier, Max Burgin, and Gabriel Tual, guaranteeing that we’ll get a fast pace and great race. Wanyonyi will take the pace out swiftly and is always a threat to run 1:41.

These are the events that I’m most looking forward to in Rabat. I believe that each year the potential to create season leading performances. In lesser action, for those that enjoy top level high school competition, the California State High School Championships will also be held this weekend. So there will be quality track and field at every level. Enjoy.

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