Olympic medalists Moon and Newman set for showdown in Doha
DOHA: Fresh off their podium finishes at the Paris Olympic Games, Katie Moon of the USA and Alysha Newman of Canada are set to renew their rivalry at the Doha Diamond League meeting on May 16 in what promises to be a high-quality women’s pole vault contest.
Moon, the reigning Olympic silver medallist and a two-time world champion, returns to the venue where she triumphed in 2023. The 33-year-old American boasts a personal best of 4.95m and had a stellar indoor season, winning her fifth US indoor title and consistently clearing 4.80m or more. Despite skipping the 2024 World Indoors, Moon remains focused on defending her world title in Tokyo later this year.
Newman, who captured Olympic bronze in Paris with a Canadian record of 4.85m, will launch her outdoor campaign in Doha. The 2018 Commonwealth Games champion skipped most of the indoor season to concentrate on her preparation for the 2025 World Championships.
Joining Moon and Newman will be a stacked field that includes 2024 world indoor champion and British record holder Molly Caudery (4.92m), 2016 Olympic bronze medallist Eliza McCartney of New Zealand (4.94m), 2016 Olympic silver medallist Sandi Morris of the USA (5.00m PB), and Slovenia’s Tina Sutej (4.82m), the 2025 world indoor silver medallist.
With Olympic medalists, record holders, and global champions all in the mix, the women’s pole vault in Doha promises fireworks as the road to Tokyo heats up.
