The Diamond League is a series of elite athletics meetings held in cities across the globe. It an annual opportunity for the world’s greatest athletes, from powerhouse sprinters to record-breaking throwers and jumpers, to compete against the very best in their sport. For fans and aspiring athletes, it’s a chance to experience top-class athletics first hand.
On 19 July 2025 London hosted the latest instalment of the competition to a sell-out crowd. Amongst the 60,000 spectators at the London Stadium were families from Vale of York Athletic Community who had made the journey south to see top Team GB and international track and field stars in action.
Seeing this level of competition up close can be a truly inspiring experience. We were thrilled to hear from one of our own young athletes, nine-year-old Everly, who attended her very first Diamond League meeting. Here is what she had to say about her unforgettable day in London:
“I was really excited because it was my first time going to a big stadium, and a lot of famous sprinters like Noah Lyles were there. One of my all-time favourite sprinters, Zharnel Hughes, was competing in the 100m and the relay.
I enjoyed watching the sprints the most. I felt nervous and excited to get my spikes signed by Amy Hunt and Zharnel Hughes. They made my day even better.”
Everly’s story is a reminder of how powerful moments like these can be. Seeing your heroes on the track, feeling the energy of a packed stadium, and getting a signature on your spikes can transform an initial passion into a lifelong ambition. It’s these experiences that inspire the next generation of athletes to train a little harder and dream a little bigger.
Who knows, with continued dedication, maybe one day it will be Everly signing spikes for her own young fans!