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Karsten Warholm returns as Diamond League heads to Morocco

Canada's William Paulson and Jerome Blake look to make an impact at Rabat Diamond League Sunday

Photo by: Diamond League AG

The Diamond League makes a stop in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday afternoon as we inch closer and closer to the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Eugene, Ore., six weeks from now. The 400mH world record holder, Karsten Warholm, who electrically won Olympic gold last summer, returns to competition after winning the 2021 DL title.

Another athlete to keep your eyes on in Rabat is Jamacia’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, who is coming off a speedy 10.79 over 100m in Eugene.

Two Canadians will be in the field on Sunday as Vancouver’s Jerome Blake (200m) and William Paulson (1,500m) are set to hit the track in Rabat.

Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday’s Diamond League meet and the Canadians to watch.

Canadians to watch

Paulson has only raced twice this season but has run back-to-back personal best performances. He opened his season with a 3:33.97 in California in April, then last weekend at the Prefontaine Classic, he ran a 3:52.42 mile, the third-fastest time by a Canadian ever. Paulson is in form early on in the season. He will go up against the likes of Mohamed Katir from Spain and Abel Kipsang, who was fourth in the mile last weekend.

Canada’s William Paulson in the mile at The Prefontaine Classic. Photo: Kevin Morris

Although Paulson has already hit the world standard, he will be looking to dip under 3:33 for the first time.

The men’s 1,500m will go off at 2:15 p.m. E.T. on Sunday afternoon.

Jerome Blake in 200m at the 2018 NACAC Championships in Toronto.

Blake continues to announce his presence on the international stage, winning the 200m in Ostrava, Czech Republic, earlier this week. The men’s 200m lacks depth, as many of the top sprinters competed at last weekend’s Pre Classic. Kenny Bednarek, who was the silver medalist to Andre De Grasse in Tokyo, will be the favourite going into the race. Bednarek had a breakout 2021 season, earning his first international medal and the 200m Diamond League title.

The 26-year-old Canadian sprinter will look to conquer that 20-minute barrier that he has been elusively close to all season long.

The men’s 200m will go off at 3:00 p.m. E.T. on Sunday afternoon.

Full start lists can be found here.

Live stream information

Canadians can catch all of the Diamond League Rabat action on CBC Sports. Live coverage begins Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.

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