Caster faces all-star competition for Prefontaine Classic

South Africa’s Caster Semenya will be among a rich array of African stars who will descend on Eugene, USA, for the third meeting of the IAAF Diamond League on Friday and Saturday when Hayward Field hosts the 44th edition of the Prefontaine Classic.

The women’s 800m should be riveting race, with the all-conquering Semenya facing the three women who have given her most to think about in recent years: Margaret Wambui (Kenya), Francine Niyonsaba (Burundi) and American Ajee Wilson.

The 27-year-old South African has not been beaten since 2015, though, and after coming off a highly-impressive victory over 1 500m in Doha earlier this month, will likely have her eyes trained on her South African record of 1:55.16.

Another two Africans in the spotlight will be Botswana’s Isaac Makwala and local hero Anaso Jobodwana.

Famous for his 400m exploits,  Makwala will try his hand in the 200m.

But he will face competition from another rising US sprint star, 20-year-old Noah Lyles and Jobodwana, who’s form has been decent.

Makwala has won all three of his IAAF Diamond League races to date, most recently in Doha where he set his PB of 19.83.

For more sport your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.