Athletissima was held for the first time on July 8, 1977 at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Lausanne, at the instigation of former 800m runner Jacky Delapierre. Today this meeting belongs to the major events of Lausanne’s Summer season.  In the meantime the organisation has settled in the Stade de la Pontaise, to the north of Lausanne. Since 2010, Athletissima is member of the Diamond League, gathering the most prestigious events.

The 2018 edition will take place on July 5 at the Stade de la Pontaise.