If you missed the Diamond League finale in Brussels, you missed the most exciting track meet all summer, and that is not hyperbole. Justin Gatlin went crazy, Sanya Richards-Ross looked like her old self, there was a near high jump world record, and oh yeah, Evan Jager set the American record in the steeple. Here’s a recap of all the madness: 

Men’s 3K Steeple
What just happened? One race Evan Jager is struggling to an 8:15 in Monaco and the next he is smashing his American record by running 8:04.71 on Friday in Belgium. It’s not that we didn’t think Jager was capable, after all he ran 8:06.91 in June, but after Monaco it seemed like this record would have to wait another year. Maybe he was just saving his best for last, right? 

And his best was definitely on display. Using a much more conservative approach than he did in Monaco, Jager stayed way off the hot early pace set by Jairus Kipchoge Birech, and was rewarded for his efforts. Birech, he of last steeple inadequacy, asked for a sub-8 pace that Jager wisely avoided as he ran mostly alone in the latter parts of the race. Jager moved up steadily, and hit the bell at 7:01, right in position. Of course, Jager is nicknamed The Cuban for a reason, as he has previously been close to the record before a rough last lap dashes his hopes. 

That was not the case, however, as Jager remained composed all the way to the line, smashing his previous record by more than two seconds. Jager was 3rd, but finishing behind Birech (7:58.41) and Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad (8:03.23) is nothing to be ashamed of. The Cuban has been close before, but now he can finally light up that cigar. Evan Jager, you made us proud. 

Men’s High Jump
In the middle of all this crazy track action, world record attempts were being taken in the high jump by Bohdan Bondarenko and Mutaz Essa Barshim. In any other year this would be headline news, but since these two do this at nearly every meet, it hasn’t been receiving the attention it deserves. 

Perhaps tired of this negligence, Barshim jumped to #3 all time by clearing 2.43m, and was crowned the Diamond League champion accordingly. Although his attempts at 2.46m were unsuccessful, Barshim jumped higher than anyone on this planet since 1993. For the record, Barshim was born in 1991. 

Javier Sotomayor can still breathe easy as his world record of 2.45m remains intact, but next season may be another story. The 23-year-old from Qatar will break that record in 2015. 

Justin Gatlin
Okay, we all know Justin Gatlin’s history, but his performance in Brussels was nothing short of stunning. After running a world lead of 9.77 in the 100m, Gatlin came back an hour later and won the 200m in 19.71. Gatlin has been the best sprinter on the planet this summer, and Friday further validated that point. It’s easy to understand why Usain Bolt said he wouldn’t be able to beat Gatlin this season, as he has been untouchable all summer, going a perfect 16-for-16 in his races. 

This type of performance, however, comes with the skepticism reserved for convicted drug cheats. Gatlin’s checkered past will always follow him, and even these results deserve an asterisk in many people’s eyes. Track and field needs this type of excitement, but only if it comes from a clean individual. Let’s hope Gatlin’s past is completely in the past. 

Women’s 400
The Olympic champion is back, and for Sanya Richards-Ross, it’s been a long time coming. Dominant in 2012, and injured in 2013, Richards-Ross has made the most of a rebuilding year in 2014, and on Friday looked closer to full-strength than we previously thought possible by running 49.98 to win in Brussels. The time was her 48th race under 50 seconds. 

Richards-Ross will turn 30 in February, and she has said this next Olympic cycle will be her last. Even though repeating her gold medal performance from London is uncertain, Richards-Ross will enter 2015 confident after her outstanding finish to this season.