Barshim, Stefanidi confirm 2018 Monaco IAAF Diamond League participation

PARIS - Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim and Greek pole vaulter Ekaterini Stefanidi have confirmed their participation in the IAAF Diamond League in Monaco next July, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said on its website on Wednesday.

The two athletes confirmed their participation in the competition during last weekend's annual IAAF awarding ceremony in Monaco, where Barshim was named the Male Athlete of the Year, while Stefanidi was among the final three nominees for Female Athlete of the Year. Stefanidi was also honored as the European Athlete of the Year.

Barshim kept his winning record intact throughout the 2017 season, including his victories at the IAAF World Championships and the IAAF Diamond League final. He also holds the current IAAF Diamond League record at 2.43m.

"I love Monaco, with its always perfect weather, spectators who support us, and good organisation of the meeting," Barshim told the IAAF website.

"Next year I plan to do something remarkable, at least the meeting record (2.40m)," added the world high jump champion, who has competed in Monaco on three occasions.

Stefanidi was also unbeaten during the entire summer season, as she won at the World Championships in London with a new Greek national record of 4.91m, before concluding her season with an IAAF Diamond League title in Brussels.

The Monaco competition of the 2018 IAAF Diamond League will be held on July 20.