2020 Prefontaine Classic, Paris Diamond League Canceled

2020 Prefontaine Classic, Paris Diamond League Canceled

Two of the biggest events on the athletics calendar have been canceled as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19.

Jun 26, 2020 by Lincoln Shryack
2020 Prefontaine Classic, Paris Diamond League Canceled

On Friday the Wanda Diamond League announced that the Prefontaine Classic and Paris Diamond League events have been canceled for 2020.

Both the Pre Classic (October 4) and Paris (September 6) were a part of the Diamond League’s revised calendar that was announced last month. With COVID-19 forcing the postponement of sporting events worldwide, track’s preeminent circuit was hoping to contest nearly a full schedule beginning in August.

But with government restrictions in France not allowing for adequate preparation, and the ban on large gatherings in Oregon, officials elected to remove the two meets from the athletics calendar.

Also a part of today’s announcement was the Muller Grand Prix in Gateshead, which will no longer take place on August 16. September 12 is a possible make up date, but nothing yet has been confirmed.

While the Inspiration Games in Zurich on July 9, which will feature multiple remote competitors spread across multiple continents, is the next Diamond League-affiliated event on the circuit, a subsequent meeting is not until August 14 in Monaco. That event is to be contested in a traditional format with athletes competing alongside each other. 

However, the schedule remains provisional and subject to change.