This Saturday, May 31, the Charles-Ehrmann Stadium in Nice will host a new edition of the Meeting Nikaïa. Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be gathered on the track, with a packed program featuring both technical events and long-distance races.
Starting at 5:15 PM, the track at Charles-Ehrmann Stadium will come alive. The Meeting Nikaïa 2025 will launch its first events for this 28th edition of the Nice-based competition. The evening will kick off with the men’s para 100m, followed by the U18 men’s 1500m, the men’s 3000m steeplechase, and the women’s national pole vault competition.
Several events will follow in succession until 9:15 PM. Jumps, throws, short and long-distance runs. The organization has planned a continuous sequence, without downtime. The athletes compete under adapted technical conditions. The Wavelight technology present on the track helps maintain the pace.
An Inclusive Evening
Among the highlights, two mixed races symbolize the inclusive orientation of the meeting. In the 1500m, Jaryd Clifford, an Australian Paralympic athlete, will compete without a guide against able-bodied runners. The women’s shot put will also bring together Olympic and Paralympic throwers. Lara Baars, a gold medalist from the Paris Games, is participating. “I am happy and proud to take part in this competition. It is a perfect example of how Olympic and Paralympic athletes can unite and compete side by side.”
This edition confirms the integration of para-athletes into the main events. This choice is embraced by the organizers. The Meeting Nikaïa aims to make inclusion a structuring element of its sports program.
The announced lineup is strong. Several athletes are targeting benchmark performances. At 7:40 PM, Gabriel Tual will take on a 600m event. This race was created for him. It allows him to adjust his preparation before major international events.
At 8:25 PM, the men’s 1500m will bring together Dominic Lobalu and Maël Gouyette. The Swiss runner will attempt to break an old national record. The French runner returns to a well-known distance. This duel could see records fall.
In the 3000m steeplechase, scheduled at 8:55 PM, Evan Jager will compete. The American runs in his favorite event. The race will conclude the program.
In parallel, other contests run. In the pole vault, Valentin Lavillenie will take part in a very closely-watched event. The men’s triple jump, women’s javelin, and men’s shot put are also on the agenda.
Women are competing in the 400m hurdles, 200m, 800m, and triple jump. Youth events are also planned, including the U18 1500m and U18 2000m steeplechase.
The day allows for observing a wide range of disciplines. Each event meets the criteria of the Bronze label awarded by World Athletics. The level is thus controlled, with precise rules regarding competition conditions.
With a start at 5:15 PM and a program end around 9:15 PM, the evening promises to be dynamic. Athletes come with specific goals. The events combine sporting challenges, diverse profiles, and the presence of international figures.
The Meeting Nikaïa 2025 thus marks an important milestone in the local athletics season. For one evening, Nice becomes a key stopover for those preparing for the upcoming major events. There are still some tickets available here.
