Armstrong to collect Diamond League title

Diamond League

OTTAWA – The world’s finest track and field athletes gather this Friday September 16 in Brussels, Belgium to crown the remaining 2011 Diamond League champions as the series comes to a close.  The winners receive a 4-carat diamond trophy and a $40,000 (US) cash prize.  Dylan Armstrong of Kamloops, B.C., holds a 9 point lead over Reese Hoffa of the United States who sits in second.

2011 Diamond League shot put standings

Points are doubled for the final but even with a win the American thrower still can’t dislodge Armstrong from the top rung.  No matter his performance Friday Dylan Armstrong will be crowned the 2011 Diamond League shot put champion.  That won’t slow down Armstrong who has consistently thrown well over 21.00-metres all season, the competitive thrower from Kamloops will still be aiming for first place in Brussels.  The Diamond League title will add to his growing list of accolades this season including owning the World Leading performance of 22.21-metres and a silver medal from the recent World Championships.

Up and coming hurdling stars also in action

Joining Armstrong at the Diamond League Finale are hurdlers Phylicia George of Markham, Ont., and Nikkita Holder of Pickering, Ont., who finished sixth and seventh respectively at the World Championships.  Being new on the Diamond League scene means George and Holder won’t be in the mix when it comes time to hand out the 100-metre hurdles Diamond League trophy, they do however have the unique opportunity to play spoiler to Sally Pearson of Australia (12 points), Danielle Carruthers of the United States (11 points) and Kellie Wells of the United States (10 points) who are leading the standings.

Diamond League Finale on CBC