The 32nd edition of the Golden Gala, Italy's annual track and field event, takes place in Rome's Olympic Stadium on 31 May.

A who's who from the world of athletics, this year's gala plays an even more significant role than normal as athletes face into the European Championships in Helsinki and the Olympic Games in London.

The third leg of the Diamond League international series, the Rome event come after similar meetings in Doha in Qatar on 11 May and Shanghai on 19 May. A highlight of the major athletics meeting will be the 100 metres race which will see champion sprinter Usain Bolt from Jamaica battle it out against compatriot Asafa Powell and France's Christophe Lemaitre.

Names to watch out for in the women