Major Performances & Records
Armand Duplantis continues to dominate the pole vault. After surpassing 100 clearances over 6 meters, he defended his world indoor title in Nanjing, marking his 102nd such clearance. On April 21, Duplantis was honored with the 2025 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, becoming only the second track and field athlete to receive this distinction after Usain Bolt. (Armand Duplantis)
Faith Kipyegon of Kenya is targeting a historic milestone: breaking the 4-minute barrier in the mile. She plans to attempt this feat on June 26 in Paris, equipped with Nike’s “Breaking4” initiative gear. Her current personal best stands at 4:07.64, necessitating a sub-4-minute performance to set a new record. (Faith Kipyegon chases 4-minute mile in Portland-crafted Nikes)
Global Competitions
2025 Diamond League commenced with the Xiamen meet in China on April 26. Highlights included Elina Tzengko’s 64.75m javelin throw, setting a new meeting record, and Jordan Scott’s 17.27m in the men’s triple jump. This season features 32 Diamond Discipline events across 15 meetings, culminating in the finals in Zürich on August 27–28. (2025 Xiamen Diamond League)
2025 Kingston Slam, held from April 4–6 in Jamaica, marked the inaugural event of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league. The meet attracted 96 athletes from 20 countries, offering $100,000 in prize money per event. It served as a test for the league’s viability and the sport’s popularity in North America. (2025 Kingston Slam)
Controversies & Legal Matters
Issam Asinga, a rising U.S. sprinter, faced a four-year doping ban after testing positive for cardarine, allegedly from contaminated Gatorade “recovery gummies” provided at a banquet. A U.S. District Court judge dismissed his lawsuit against Gatorade, stating he suffered no physical injury and did not purchase the product himself. Asinga maintains his innocence and is considering an appeal. (Suspended sprinter’s lawsuit against Gatorade is dismissed)
High School Highlights
Baylor Wright, a standout pole vaulter from Coahoma High School, signed with Angelo State University. She recently cleared 12 feet to win her second consecutive Region I-3A title and is a key contributor to her school’s undefeated softball and basketball teams. (Coahoma pole vaulter Wright signs with Angelo State)
Tribune 2025 Meet of Champs qualifiers were announced, featuring top boys from Michigan schools. Isaac Bignall leads in the 200m and 400m, while Evan Olson dominates the 1600m and 3200m. Relay teams from Cass City and Laker are also top contenders. (Tribune 2025 Meet of Champs boys qualifiers as of April 29)
Cristiano Ronaldo, the HIGHEST paid athlete in the world in 2025 for the third year in a row earning $275 million. 
