A night of records, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments unfolded at the Meeting de Paris – the eighth stop of the 2025 Diamond League – with France’s Azeddine Habz delivering one of the most remarkable European performances in front of his home supporters.
Azeddine Habz brought the Stade Sébastien Charléty to its feet with a stunning 1500m victory in 3:27.49, setting a national record, a meeting record and world lead. His performance shattered the 23-year-old meeting record held by Hicham El Guerrouj and elevated Habz to sixth on the all-time world list.
“The goal was to break the French record. I thought 3:28 was possible. But with the energy from 10,000 supporters, I felt like I had wings,” said the 31-year-old Parisian, who won 1500m silver and 3000m bronze at the Apeldoorn 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships.
Behind Habz, Great Britain's European 5000m silver medallist George Mills surged to a personal best of 3:28.36 for third, while European Running Championships half marathon winner Jimmy Gressier added to France’s glorious evening with a national record in the men’s 5000m, clocking 12:51.59 to finish fourth in a race won by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha (12:47.84).
Attoui wins first Diamond League race
On a memorable evening for European distance running Spain’s European 800m silver medallist Mohamed Attaoui won the men's 800m in 1:42.73. With a late surge down the home straight, he overtook USA's Josh Hoey and held off Bryce Hoppel, claiming his biggest international win to date.
European indoor 3000m champion Sarah Healy extended her excellent form. After winning at the Roma Diamond League, she finished second in the women’s 1500m in a new personal best of 3:57.15 just behind Kenya's Nelly Chepchirchir (3:57.02)
In the men’s 110m hurdles, Switzerland’s Jason Joseph reaffirmed his credentials by equalling his national record of 13.07 (+1.1m/s) in a stacked final. Though he placed third behind the USA's Trey Cunningham (13.00) and Dylan Beard (13.02).
Mahuchikh and Weber settle for second
In the women’s high jump, world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the reigning Olympic and world champion had to settle for second place for the second Diamond League in succession. Her best clearance of 1.97m was beaten by Australian Nicola Olyslagers who cleared 2.00m.
In the men’s javelin, another high quality affair saw Germany’s Julian Weber unleash a best of 87.88m, but he had to settle for second behind world champion Neeraj Chopra of India, who produced a best of 88.26m.
President meets fellow leaders in Paris
European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov was in attendance to take in the event and take part in important discussions.
He commented: “I had the pleasure of joining World Athletics President Sebastian Coe and French Athletics President Jean Gracia for a full schedule — meeting with French Athletics performance managers, connecting with clubs, athletes and coaches at the Fête des Clubs, and engaging in meaningful discussions with the new French National Olympic Committee President Amélie Oudéa-Castera, as well as the legendary Olmpic champion Marie-Jo Pérec.
“We ended the day enjoying a fantastic evening of world-class athletics at the Paris Diamond League. Thank you all for the warm welcome and inspiring conversations!”