There’s always some pizazz and razzmatazz attached to big sporting events, and the Diamond League is no exception too. The 2024 Xiamen Diamond League series begins today, April 20th, with a star-studded lineup featuring world champions like Sha’Carri Richardson, Mondo Duplantis, and Fred Kerley. They’re all aiming to kickstart their journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics on a high note. But things are off to an unpredictable start.

As of today, last year’s shot put record-breaker, Chase Jackson was surprisingly defeated by a 35-year-old hometown favorite. However, this Chinese athlete is no ordinary competitor. She is a Chinese Olympic shot putter and the 2020 Olympic champion at that event. With an illustrious career boasting three Olympic medals and a staggering eight medals at the World Athletics Championships, including two World titles, she is widely regarded as a formidable force in the sport. Despite Chase Jackson’s valiant effort, it was Gong Lijiao’s splendid performance that secured gold.

There’s a hand behind the freakish hurls of the shot put

Gong Lijiao, a three-time Diamond League champion, reclaimed her title in the women’s shot put event with a remarkable throw of 19.72 meters. Her stellar performance edged out Maddison Lee Wescg, who managed a throw of 19.63 meters on her final attempt, and Chase Jackson, who trailed closely behind with a distance of 19.62 meters.

Returning to her championship-winning form, Gong Lijiao showed her prowess on home turf in Suzhou. Her last Diamond League victory dates back to the 2019 final in Zurich, where she clinched her third consecutive title with a remarkable throw of 20.31 meters. However, her victory in Suzhou wasn’t without fierce competition, as she surpassed the formidable Chase Jackson to secure the top spot.

Chase Jackson, herself, was vying for a third consecutive series title this year. Jackson’s journey to the top began with her first Diamond Trophy win in 2022, followed by a sensational defense of her title on home soil in Eugene last year, where she set a national record with a throw of 19.87 meters. But seems fate has some other plans for her, let’s not forget her past victories.

Chase Jackson’s sensational gold win in 2022 – a look back

In 2022, Jackson made history by winning gold in women’s shot put at the World Athletics Championships, becoming the first American woman to achieve this honor. Her victory on the very first attempt set a new standard, earning praise from Olympic historian Bill Mallon. Jackson’s dominance extends beyond this milestone. As a two-time World Shot Put Champion, now three and winner of the US outdoor and indoor shot put titles in 2019, she has consistently showcased her talent on the global stage.

Despite facing mental challenges and overcoming COVID-19 in 2021, Jackson’s resilience is evident. She’s not just a champion; she’s also dedicated to mentoring young athletes and was conducting youth clinics in 2019. Her remarkable achievements include matching Michelle Carter’s records in 2022 and achieving a personal best of 20.43 meters (67 feet 02 inches) at the 2023 World Outdoor Championships.