Lausanne Tourism Announces Athletissima 2018

Lausanne Tourism, the official board for tourism in Lausanne, Switzerland today announced that the 41stedition of Athletissima will be held at the Pontaise Olympic Stadium on 5th July, 2018.

Athletissima, an international athletics meeting is an integral event of the IAAF Diamond League and is touted to be Europe’s leading sport event of the summer. Renowned for bringing together star athletes from across the globe, to its vibrant and enthusiastic international spectators, the event will soon be welcoming more than 15,000 visitors. 

Since its inception, Athletissima has been popular with spectators as well as the participants who appreciate the friendly yet pulsating ambience of the Stade de la Pontaise. Most noteworthy, this exceptional event made history in 1977 when Lausanne was battered by heavy rain which prevented the athletes from performing to the best of their ability. As a result of the highly charged audience, the stars returned three weeks later to offer fans the performance they deserved. 

The 2018 Athletissima will see the debut of the pole vaulting event which will take place a day prior to the event, at a stunning lakeside venue in Ouchy. It will witness the participation of world champions including the child prodigy Armand Duplantis, record holder and local favourite Renaud Lavillenie. Sam Kendricks, Shawnacy Barber and Pawel Wojciechowski.

Director of Lausanne Tourisme, Steeve Pasche said, “We know from previous editions that the Athletissima will be an incredible experience for everyone including Lausanne locals and international visitors as they embrace the Athletissima spirit this summer. The event will also act as an inspiration to competitors, and those attending or watching from home”.