Imogen Ayris claims career-best Diamond League silver in Rabat

Kiwi pole vaulter Imogen Ayris defied her world ranking in Rabat, Morocco, to finish in second in the prestigious Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athletisme today.

With eight competitors holding better personal bests than Ayris, she flew over 4.70m on the second attempt to secure her best height on the day.

Only Australian and 2024 Olympic Champion Nina Kennedy could go better, clearing 4.80m on her first time, before retiring from the competition having won the event.

It was Ayris’ best Diamond League finish of her career and her first time on the podium. Her previous top placing came at this meet in 2025 where she finished fourth.

Olivia McTaggart finished fifth equal in the field, clearing the earlier height of 4.60m.

In the headline event of the meeting Geordie Beamish was off the blistering pace set in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. Beamish finished in a solid time of 8m 16.80s for 13th place.

Hometown hero, Soufiane El Bakkali, took line honours in the race with a world lead of 7m 57.25s.

Tom Walsh finished in a frustrating sixth place in the men’s shot put, throwing 21.24m in the fifth round.

“A little disappointed. It’s the best I’ve moved in the comp this year. I’m feeling really, feeling like I’ve got a lot of juice in the tank, and, it’s just not going to the wheels at the moment,” Walsh said on the performance.

“[There is] essentially the same field off to Rome [Diamond League]. So there’s a little bit of redemption after these first two diamond leagues in in my corner to take care of there.”

Kiwis will be back in action on the Diamond League circuit on Thursday at the Rome Diamond League.

With Eliza McCartney set to make her international debut for 2026, she will be joined by McTaggart in the women’s pole vault. Walsh will seek redemption in the men’s shot put.