The appearance of hurdles superstar and multiple world champion Femke Broeders-Bol is a major highlight. Since her last visit to Ostrava—where she placed third in the flat 400m in 49.98—she has undergone significant changes. After winning the world title in Tokyo for the second consecutive time in the hurdles, she decided to move up to the 800m. Ostrava will mark her first major outdoor 800m race. She made her indoor debut at the discipline in Metz, winning the silver-level meeting in 1:59.07.

This year, Bol also married her long-time partner, Belgian pole vault record holder Ben Broeders, who will compete in Ostrava as well. The main favorite in the pole vault will be popular Greek star Emmanouil Karalis, aiming to capitalize on the absence of his friend Armand Duplantis and attack the meeting record of 6.13m. The event will again take place beneath the main stand, this time in a dynamic mixed format alternating between men and women. Six men and six women will compete in separate competitions. Among the Czech hopes are Amálie Švábíková and David Holý. In the women’s event, Olympic champion and three-time world champion Katie Moon and Slovenia’s veteran Tina Šutej will be key contenders.

In the men’s 100m, organizers traditionally target sub-10 performances. Leading the field is World Indoor Champion Jordan Anthony of the USA, who clocked 9.91 in Florida in April and recently won the 200m at the Tokyo Golden Meeting. His main rival will be fellow American Ronnie Baker, an experienced Olympic finalist with a personal best of 9.93, who last year became the first man to break 10 seconds on Slovak soil (9.94).

Jordan Anthony: "I’m excited to be invited to Ostrava and to bring my talent out there. I’ve heard good things about it, and I can’t wait to come out there and show you what I can do. Come out, show me love, and I’ll make sure to put on a good show for all the Ostrava people out there."

The highlight of the meeting will be the headline sprint duel between Noah Lyles and Gout Gout over 150m. It will be their first direct showdown, both aiming at the all-time best of 14.92 set by Jamaica’s Thompson. Lyles confirmed his excellent form with a 9.95 victory over 100m in Tokyo, while Gout Gout is widely regarded as the most exciting sprint talent in recent years, with the potential to reach Usain Bolt-like performances. His current form will be on display at the Diamond League in Oslo, where he is set to run the 200m.

Another thrilling clash will come in the 1000m, where World Indoor 800m Champion Josh Hoey takes on Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui, both in top form and targeting a world record.

The hurdles events will also feature updated, star-studded fields. Fresh World Indoor Champions from Toruń are set to compete. In the women’s 100m hurdles, Devynne Charlton (BAH) arrives after lowering her national record to 12.38 in China. She will face Dutch record holder Nadine Visser (12.28 PB) and Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska (12.37). The meeting record of 12.42 from 2023 is under serious threat. In the men’s 110m hurdles, Poland’s Jakub Szymański—co-holder of the national record (13.25)—will aim for another top performance after defeating leading Americans indoors. Joining him is reigning European champion Lorenzo Simonelli of Italy (NR 13.05). Top Czech hurdlers will also be on the start line.

In the high jump (Stand C), alongside Jan Štefela and showman Gianmarco Tamberi, fans will see Mexico’s Erik Portillo, silver medallist from the World Indoor Championships (PB 2.30m).

The javelin will feature Anderson Peters against Jakub Vadlejch, while Adriana Vilagoš faces Nikola Ogrodníková, who returns after maternity leave. In the shot put, Tom Walsh and Leonardo Fabbri will battle for the crystal trophy alongside Tomáš Staněk. Czech stars will also feature prominently, including Karolína Maňasová (100m), Lurdes Gloria Manuel (400m), European U20 indoor record holder Tomáš Horák (400m), Filip Sasínek and Filip Toul (mile), and Michal Rada and Vít Müller (400m hurdles).

The popular Chocolate Spike youth event will again be part of the program. Young athletes competing in the international semifinal (held the day before) will have the chance to meet global stars, including Noah Lyles. Finalists will then experience competing on a major stage during the main meeting day.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, organizers will introduce the Golden Spike Ostrava Hall of Fame. For the first time, a joint Czech-Slovak 10,000m championship for men and women will also take place on Monday, 15 June, in the evening, with additional international competitors.

The 65th Golden Spike Ostrava promises a spectacular showcase, bringing together world stars, national elites, and rising talents. The main program runs on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, from 17:30 to 20:00. Last year’s event was completely sold out, and organizers strongly recommend securing tickets in advance via the official website: www.zlatatretra.cz/vstupenky.