Tuesday Tips: A guide for athletes thinking of heading to the States
11/02/2020 by James Young
Many talented athletes decide to continue their athletic and academic careers across the pond in the United States due to the lure of a high-quality training environment and heavily-discounted university cost. There have been many successful stories, but also some not-so-successful, and with so many … Read more
Mhairi MacLennan on finding her “calling” in life
07/01/2020 by Connor Craig-Jackson
In a loud, busy lecture theatre at the end of a Spanish lesson at Edinburgh University, lecturer Mhairi MacLennan rushes out of the room with her hands stacked full of paper as she prepares to sit down for a chat about the many big changes that have happened over the past year. Throughout 2019, the … Read more
Jenny Nesbitt “never takes a day for granted” after mental health struggles
22/11/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
At a small school assembly in Worcester, pupil Jenny Nesbitt heard her name being called to go up and collect an award for being “the most happy and smiley child” in the school. She shook the teacher’s hand, turned to her classmates to show her familiar smile and then wandered back over to her chair … Read more
Jess Mayho: British hammer champion and her digital setup with Portuguese coach
14/11/2019 by Becki Hall
At a first glance, the athlete life Jess Mayho leads looks pretty standard, if a little hectic. She played other sports, including netball, at a high level in her younger years. She isn’t on funding, so the 27-year-old works 35 hours a week as a facility bookings manager at the University of Leeds. … Read more
Quiz: Can you match these 2019 athletics events with where they took place?
08/10/2019 by Alex Seftel
How much do you remember from the 2019 athletics season? Enough to match these venues with the events they hosted? When you’re ready, click on the green ‘play quiz’ button. You have three minutes. Good luck!
Quiz: Can you match these UK athletes with the events they do?
08/10/2019 by Alex Seftel
The task is simple. 20 British track and field athletes need matching up to the disciplines they do, be it runs, jumps or throws. Just four minutes on the clock. Hit ‘play quiz’ when you are ready.
James Tomlinson: Teenage discus talent in the #ThrowThursday hot seat
03/10/2019 by Alex Seftel
Throw Thursday is discus day this week as one of Britain’s brightest young throwing prospects has a turn in the Vinco hot seat. 19-year-old James Tomlinson, co-captain of the GB junior team at the European Under-20 Championships this summer, raves about his scrambled eggs. With studying along with t … Read more
Quiz: Connect Britain’s fastest sprinters with their personal bests
30/09/2019 by Alex Seftel
After Dina Asher-Smith’s British record to win silver at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, I want to know if you can correctly pick out the personal bests of Britain’s fastest ever 100m runners. There are 10 men and 10 women. You’ve got five minutes. Click the ‘play quiz’ icon to start … Read more
Quiz: Can you name the British athletes who won medals at London 2017?
30/09/2019 by Alex Seftel
Wonderful home crowds, a beautiful Olympic Stadium, and expectation for some of the greatest ever British athletes. Can you remember which Brits stood on the podium at the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships in London? Click here to see the licence for the image used in this article under creati … Read more
Lewis Byng: 17-year-old shot putter delighted by record-breaking rise
26/09/2019 by Alex Seftel
17-year-old Lewis Byng has no shortage of confidence or maturity. The teenage thrower was coaching himself until twelve months ago. “I didn’t really go to a gym, it was mainly track work on my own. I’d get my mum to record throws and every session I’d get five or six videos to look at and I have a g … Read more
Harry Hughes: “I know I can throw well beyond 80 metres”
19/09/2019 by Alex Seftel
For British number one javelin thrower Harry Hughes, 2019 has been an impressive breakthrough year. He is the first Brit to throw over 80 metres since 2012, with a personal best of 80.32m set at the Loughborough International meeting in May. The 21-year-old grew up in the Suffolk countryside where h … Read more
#ThrowThursday: Seven stories from British throwing this season
12/09/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
New talent, strong comebacks and a few moments of controversy have been the stories of the season from a British throwing point of view, with some getting a fair amount of attention both internationally and from outside the throwing community. Here are some of the bigger developments to have happene … Read more
Scott Lincoln: The long road to being a 20m shot putter
05/09/2019 by Becki Hall
The road to 20m is one that hadn’t been successfully navigated by a British male shot putter since 2012. That was until 26-year-old Scott Lincoln managed it three times in a matter of days last week. At the Memoriál Josefa Sečkáře, held in Brno, Czech Republic on 28 August, Scott – more commonly kno … Read more
Iraitz Arrospide: Steel City Spaniard wins world 50km title
02/09/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Four years ago, a Spanish student living in Sheffield decided that while he was there, he wanted to try out a new sport and made the switch from swimming to athletics. In 2018, under coach John Wood, Spain international Iraitz Arrospide grabbed a team silver medal in the marathon at the European Ath … Read more
On the Hunt for championship bests and European glory
10/06/2019 by Becki Hall
Studying for your A-Levels is a stressful time. Throw in the additional pressure of training for sporting pursuits and it is understandable why many teenagers find themselves drifting away from track and field at this period in their lives. But 17-year-old Amy Hunt is taking it all in her very fast … Read more
Rome Diamond League – Everything you need to know
06/06/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
The stars will be shining brighter than a million diamonds on Thursday, as Rome’s Golden Gala meeting boasts a multitude of top athletes for the fourth Diamond League meet. A mixture of the sport’s past, present and future will be making the trip to Rome, with figures such as 200m trophy winner Noah … Read more
Hallesche Werfertage: Weight of the world now off Sophie McKinna’s shoulders
23/05/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
British Shot Put champion Sophie McKinna heads to Halle this weekend ready to begin her first step towards the World Championships after a strange turn of events were put to bed by a triumphant 18.04m throw at the Loughborough international. Despite her current status as one of the best female shot- … Read more
Ones to Watch: Welsh junior record holder Lauren Williams has more in her sights
18/05/2019 by Alex Seftel
“It all kick-started when I won the England Under-17 Championships. That was the first time people noticed me, being from a rural, small town club.” Lauren Williams may joke about being from a little-known part of Wales, but the 400m hurdler has made big progress in the last few seasons. The 20-year … Read more
The Ultimate Training Systems guide to warm weather training
13/05/2019 by Becki Hall
The Ultimate Training Systems squad, usually based in Loughborough, have just returned from a very successful warm weather training camp across the pond in Long Beach, California. Lead coach, Great Britain and Jersey international Zane Duquemin, spoke to Becki Hall about what he feels are the advant … Read more
Ones to Watch: One decision that changed everything for Jona Efoloko
06/05/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
2018 couldn’t have gone much smoother for sprinter Jona Efoloko. The 19-year-old clinched 200m gold at the World Under 20 Championships, earning himself a personal best of 20.48s in what was without a doubt his greatest moment in the sport. In his own words, “all the hard work paid off, all the long … Read more
Endever and you’ll succeed: Interview with Paddy Dever
28/04/2019 by James Young
Although he finished his season with the most up and downs that could possibly be squeezed into a 10km course, as he looks back on his winter season, Preston Harriers’ athlete, Patrick Dever can only reflect on some tremendous highs. Commonly known as Paddy, Dever rounded off his cross country seaso … Read more
Rachael Franklin: Going the extra mile ahead of The Isle of Man Running Festival
15/04/2019 by Cherisse Walley
After a frustrating knee injury back in 2015 which tainted her 2016 season and parts of her 2017, Northern 1500m champion and silver medallist at the Island Games, Rachael Franklin, has been on an arduous journey back to her quick kilometre ways. The 1500m specialist talks to us about her solid 18 m … Read more
Ollie Lockley: Keys to success on the Isle of Man
12/04/2019 by Cherisse Walley
With just one week to go until the notorious Isle of Man Easter Running Festival, we thought we’d catch up with the king of more or less every kilometre of the course, last year’s winner Ollie Lockley. The Manchester International 10,000m champion is just one of multiple Isle of Man athletes who are … Read more
Ones To Watch: Kane Elliott’s quick rise into the record books
26/03/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Despite being the European Under 18 champion at 1500m, Falkirk’s Kane Elliott had only competed on a track outside of Scotland once before 2018. In fact before then, the 16-year-old was unsure if he would even get to compete for continental gold, with both he and his coach Willie Sharp never having … Read more
Matt Willis: From school daydreaming to taking on the world
25/03/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
It was a mostly typical Monday morning in March at a school in Cheshire in 2012. Algebra, early starts and extra homework were now all that was on the mind as the post-weekend blues began to kick in for everyone. Everyone that is, except Matt Willis. After a weekend that had seen him experience “the … Read more
Making headlines for all the right reasons: Get to know Jack Gray
20/03/2019 by Cherisse Walley
A year on from the disqualification that made him a national headline, Jack Gray is quickly proving he’s at home in an England vest. The Cambridge and Coleridge elite is no stranger to the national stage but, in a recent acceleration of form, Gray has his eyes set on something bigger. 2018 proved an … Read more
Ones to watch: A dream year for European Youth champion Keely Hodgkinson
06/03/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Nobody could have predicted the heights that Keely Hodgkinson would reach in 2018. The Leigh Harrier took gold in the 800m with an impressive 2:04.84 European under-18 championship record, along with victories at the national under 17, under 20 and English Schools Championships to cap off a year she … Read more
Top 10 moments this indoor season
06/03/2019 by Cherisse Walley
I think we’re all in agreement that this indoor season in 2019 has been absolutely outstanding. Whether you’ve been involved at domestic level, or happened to have caught any world records or national championships, there’s been a plethora of jaw-dropping moments from a whole host of British athlete … Read more
How pancake day turned into “one of the worst days” for Claire Duck
05/03/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
On a cool winters morning in 2015, Leeds City athlete Claire Duck began her morning commute to work in very high spirits, with the magic of pancake day in the air. Cruising along on her bike and in better shape than ever, the thought of tucking in to a plate of soft, sweet pancakes on Shrove Tuesday … Read more
5 things to take away from Day 1 of the European Indoor Championships
01/03/2019 by Alex Seftel
1. NO-ONE CAN LIVE WITH LAURA MUIR How do we make sure the entire country knows that Laura Muir is our next major international superstar? Perhaps it’s only after the Olympic Games that some really engage with what is happening in the universe of track and field. If that’s the case then shame on the … Read more
British Bronze at 17: Get to know Jeremiah Azu
01/03/2019 by Cherisse Walley
“Some athletes never even get the chance to say they’ve competed at these kinds of events and against these athletes, and I’m winning medals at them. It bodes well for the future of British sprinting.” From British indoor bronze, to setting up blocks next to Su Bingtian, what can we say, 17-year-old … Read more
7.63 seconds at 13 years young: Get to know Trezeguet Taylor.
19/02/2019 by Cherisse Walley
7.63 seconds will probably resonate with you somewhat from last month. We’ll say that again. 7.63. It’s the time that 13-year-old Trezeguet Taylor from Trafford AC clocked over the 60m at the North of England Indoor Championships in Sheffield last month. It’s a time that puts her 8th on the … Read more
Five of the most impressive indoor world records ever
06/02/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
From the magic of Laura Muir to the sensational Samuel Tefera, the 2019 indoor season has had it all. Two world records came tumbling down as teenagers Tefera and Yomif Kejelcha finally toppled the great Hicham El Guerrouj, with their respective 1500m and mile indoor world records. It was certainly … Read more
Ones to watch: Long jump’s Lucy Hadaway keen to build on England senior title
04/02/2019 by Alex Seftel
Becoming the England long jump champion at the age of 18 wasn’t something Lucy Hadaway expected. But the teenager from York managed a lifetime best of 6.39 metres to take gold in Manchester last summer, just one of a few things that have given her a huge boost of confidence going into 2019. Focusing … Read more
Jamie Webb: Middle-distance runner and science teacher with ‘late bloomer’ ambitions
03/02/2019 by Alex Seftel
“Science teacher by day, GB middle-distance athlete by every other hour”. Jamie Webb’s biography on Twitter suggests he has a busier schedule than most. “I’m usually out the door by 6am to do my morning run…eat, run and teach is pretty much all I do”, jokes the 24-year-old, who has represented Gr … Read more
Ones to Watch: Kristal Awuah, “I train to break records, not fall short of them.”
30/01/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Kristal Awuah is an athlete with ambition. Last season the teenager shook the British sprinting scene with a 100m personal best of 11.16, falling just 0.02 seconds short of the under 20 record set by European triple-gold medallist Dina Asher-Smith. The 19-year-old had already won bronze in the 100m … Read more
Amy Allcock: 2018 was a “make or break year”
25/01/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
For European bronze medallist Amy Allcock, recent years in athletics have been tough. Injuries, university commitments and other distractions stalled her promising start as a youngster, making her believe she had reached the peak of her career. But Amy and her coach decided that 2018 would be the ye … Read more
Mica Moore: ‘Defying barriers’ to make it in two sports
23/01/2019 by Alex Seftel
At 25, Mica Moore jokes that she is starting to get a bit old in sporting terms. Many would laugh that one off, but perhaps Mica’s perspective comes from achieving great things in two sports in a short space of time. A finalist in the 4×100 metres relay at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, she has sin … Read more
Quiz: Can you name the athletes in our #10YearChallenge?
22/01/2019 by Alex Seftel
With the #10YearChallenge sweeping its way across social media this month, we decided to delve through the Flickr archives for images that are a decade old…or thereabouts! Can you name all of these athletes? The quiz begins below. Scroll down for answers at the bottom of the page. Let us know how … Read more
What’s to come in athletics in 2019
06/01/2019 by James Young
Another year in the athletics world has crossed the finish line, having seen some truly memorable races, phenomenal performances and top quality championship events. But as one finishes, the gun is already waiting to go off on another. Here’s a look at some of the highlights for the upcoming year th … Read more
When Sally Pearson came back from the abyss
03/01/2019 by Connor Craig-Jackson
First it was a “bone explosion”, then it was a torn hamstring, but in 2017, after two years of crushing injuries, Sally Pearson finally stood back on top of the world. Victory in the 100m hurdles final at the 2017 World Championships in London was one of, if not the biggest story of the whole compet … Read more
Athletics streaming has a new home
01/01/2019 by Alex Seftel
Vinco is celebrating the new year by launching its new-look runjumpthrow.com website, where you can watch back videos from events such as English Schools, BUCS, AtletiCAGenève, and the Loughborough and Manchester Internationals from as far back as 2012. In total there are more than 22,000 videos fro … Read more
The marathon record that ages like red wine
20/12/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Even now, as she reaches the age of 45, many still can’t comprehend the incredible marathon world record set by British running legend Paula Radcliffe. With over 15 years gone and counting, nobody has quite come close to troubling the 2:15.25 time set by Radcliffe at the London Marathon, with many q … Read more
The race that hurt Mo Farah & rekindled Hayley Yelling
13/12/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Before the all the medals, the madness and the ‘mo-bots’, multiple Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah sometimes went through a learning curve in cross country terms. On this day nine years ago, when he crossed the line after a challenging European Cross Country Championships, there was no mo-Bot, winning … Read more
Mhairi Hendry: Multi-tasking runner and NHS worker excited about ‘next chapter’
12/12/2018 by Alex Seftel
When you watch Mhairi Hendry run, you see a confident athlete who is always up for a battle. She often leads from the front of the 800 metres, a strategy that has won the Scottish champion many domestic track and field honours over the last few years. But the 22-year-old also works for the NHS as an … Read more
Throwback Thursday: An unprecedented European clean sweep
06/12/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
In 2008, six young British women left a mark on the European Cross Country Championships that quite simply, could never be topped. As the under 20 women’s race in Brussels came to a close, the Brits capped off a dominant performance by ensuring every single member of the team crossed the line before … Read more
Dina Asher-Smith: From likeable GB sprinter to world class golden girl
04/12/2018 by Alex Seftel
“I am motivated by a fear of failure…an itching, nagging feeling…that gives me an inability to be complacent with anything.” Dina Asher-Smith does her best to outline in a Ted Talk why she has become a successful athlete, in the process making it clear why she is a firm favourite with fans. Over … Read more
IAAF Awards: Eliud Kipchoge should stand as marathon’s greatest ever
04/12/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
It seemed a matter of when, rather than if Eliud Kipchoge would take his place as the fastest marathon runner ever. The moment finally came this year when the Olympic champion produced a staggering 2:01.39 world record which obliterated all that had come before it. This, and subsequent recognition a … Read more
Noah Lyles has become the symbol of the sport’s new era
01/12/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Continental champion, Diamond Trophy winner and a proposed heir to Usain Bolt’s throne, Noah Lyles stands out from the rest in more ways than one. His hugely impressive 19.65 PB for 200m, along with his eccentric antics on and off the track have turned the 21-year-old into the emerging star within t … Read more
IAAF Awards: Christian Coleman versus the world
30/11/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
It sometimes feels like Christian Coleman doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. The 22-year-old was the world leader at 100m in 2017 and in a great place to challenge for a global medal. Which he did, grabbing silver in the 100m final at his young age. But unfortunately he was also caught up in t … Read more
Podcast: Volunteers and track and field legends enter England Athletics Hall of Fame
28/11/2018 by Alex Seftel
Every year, England Athletics hosts a Hall of Fame and Volunteer Awards Night, bringing together legends of the sport with unsung heroes. In 2018, those entering the Hall of Fame include those who’ve achieved greatness at the highest level of track and field competition such as Olympic champion Dame … Read more
Could Tomas Walsh break the shot put trend?
26/11/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
The men’s shot put is one of those events that nobody has been able to get a true foothold on. Every global championships since 2005 has seen a different gold medalist each year, with the USA’s Adam Nelson winning the World Championships after his Olympic gold Athens 2004. Therefore, recent history … Read more
Comebacks: The psychology of returning from injury
18/11/2018 by Becki Hall
Injury is any sportsperson’s worst nightmare. Whether it be a little niggle that stops you training for a few days, or a major setback which prevents you competing for months on end, anyone who has experienced an injury will be in agreement that they cause anguish. However, how many athletes have gi … Read more
IAAF Awards: Ibarguen back to her unstoppable best
17/11/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Barring the occasional mishap, triple jumper Caterine Ibarguen has been virtually unstoppable for the best part of six years. The Colombian has won 36 of the last 42 Diamond League triple jump meets and picked up world and Olympic golds on the way. This year however, the Olympic champion took her ac … Read more
Throwback Thursday: When Allyson Felix helped the USA smash the world relay record
15/11/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
For most people, celebrating an 18th birthday might involve buying their first alcoholic drink or maybe getting their first car. However, these probably weren’t at the forefront of the mind of American track and field legend Allyson Felix. Drinks and cars paled into insignificance for an 18-year-old … Read more
IAAF Awards: Abderrahman Samba is on course to become an all-time great
14/11/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
As the IAAF announces nominees for it’s Athletics Awards 2018, we’ve been casting an eye over the stellar seasons of some of those on the shortlists. Nobody could have truly predicted the rapid rise of Abderrahman Samba. The 23-year-old was very much out of the limelight at the 2017 World Championsh … Read more
Throwback Thursday: Long Jump’s golden era
08/11/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
If ever there was a moment that epitomised the phrase ‘hold my beer’, this was probably it. In 1991, at the World Championships in Tokyo, the world was bearing witness to one of the greatest clashes ever to take place in athletics. The long jump world record was broken twice in one evening as two al … Read more
Markhim Lonsdale: ‘If they can do it, I can do it’
05/11/2018 by James Young
Few other junior athletes have shown promise and consistency like Markhim Lonsdale, as the 19-year-old prepares to start the upcoming season as an under 23. The talented youngster from County Durham was formally introduced to the sport a decade ago by his father and now-coach, who saw his son’s pote … Read more
Adam Kszczot: Taxi driver inspired me to become Polish great
02/11/2018 by Alex Seftel
“I woke up and I said to myself, ‘we really had great athletes, great middle-distance runners in (Polish) history, and I’m going to be one of them’. It was 2012.” Since this revelation six years ago, 800m runner Adam Kszczot, has gone on to become a three-time European champion and double world silv … Read more
Throwback Thursday: What might have been for Sydney Olympics winner?
01/11/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
On the eve of his 40th birthday, Kenya’s Noah Ngeny can still stand proudly as someone who managed the rare feat of both an Olympic gold and a world record. And yet, it could have been so much better. The 21-year-old shocked everyone at Sydney 2000 when he beat a certain world record holder Hicham E … Read more
Coach’s Corner: Andy Henderson on one final move that changed his life
30/10/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Almost from the moment he was born, endurance running coach Andy Henderson didn’t take the simplest or routes into the coaching world. His early life saw him born in Scotland before emigrating to South Africa, the country which would become the setting for his long love affair with coaching. However … Read more
Throwback Thursday: The greatest 800m race of all time.
25/10/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
It was a race that had everything. A huge stage, huge stakes, breathtaking battles and record-breaking pace. With 800m world record holder and two-time Olympic champion David Rudisha now back on the comeback trail, few can argue his greatest ever moment came at London 2012. It was the scene of his f … Read more
One to watch: Scottish starlet Jemma Reekie on her big breakthrough season
23/10/2018 by Alex Seftel
“It’s been amazing”, says Jemma Reekie. “Very tough mentally and physically, but I’m so glad it worked out.” That’s incredibly modest analysis from the 20-year-old Scot after a season in which she has improved dramatically, tirelessly chipping away at her personal best, and exceeding most expectatio … Read more
Grace Brock: 17-years-old, self-coached and full of motivation
22/10/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Inter-Counties cross country champion Grace Brock is a driven young athlete with a lot on her mind. Between being self-coached, winning cross country titles and grabbing a world under-18 10K lead “for fun”, the 17-year-old has also been visiting multiple American universities this year as she pursue … Read more
Throwback Thursday: The day Kenenisa Bekele became a true legend
17/10/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
It was the night that Kenenisa Bekele had officially sealed his place in distance running royalty. A night that the multiple world record holder proved beyond doubt that he was truly the best in the world. When Bekele went to Beijing ten years ago and stormed to two Olympic golds and two Olympic rec … Read more
Throwback Thursday: When ageless Kim Collins conquered the world
11/10/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
It seems only fitting that even Kim Collins’ eventual retirement process lasted longer than everyone first thought. The 42-year-old had been in the sport for as long as anyone could remember, appearing in an astonishing five Olympic Games and eleven World Championships. Then, in March 2018, after bo … Read more
Rory Leonard: From unknown to unstoppable
11/10/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Charging through the mud, pushing through the pain and in the heat of the battle, Rory Leonard found himself having the time of his life. When he made the trip to Liverpool for a seemingly routine British Athletics Cross Challenge race, Rory was merely one of the also-rans of the under-17 age group, … Read more
Throwback Thursday: Yvonne Murray and “the finest hour in the history of Scottish Athletics”
04/10/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
There were tears, there were cheers, it was a moment for the years. As Scottish Athletics icon Yvonne Murray celebrates her 54th birthday, few can deny that her most iconic moment came at the European Championships 3000m final in 1990. At that point Scotland were on a significant high. Despite the a … Read more
Throwback Thursday: A world record destined for purgatory?
27/09/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Never truly caught, but never truly cleared, Florence ‘Flo Jo’ Griffith Joyner still inspires adulation as well as suspicion 30 years on from her spectacular 100m and 200m world records. In those 30 years, her record breaking 21.34 time over the longer sprint has led a largely unscathed life. US spr … Read more
Ones to Watch 2018: Recap
24/09/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
At the start of the year, we decided to pick out a set of young athletes who we believed showed a glimpse of the future for the sport in Britain. This mix of runners, jumpers and multi-eventers soared to new heights, broke records, won medals and caught many eyes in the process. Niamh Emerson – Hept … Read more
Love or Lactic? 400m runner Theo Campbell on a re-kindled passion for track and field
16/08/2018 by Amy Jaramazovic
When I walked onto the indoor track at Bath University, I found Theo Campbell to be absolutely ecstatic. Our meeting back in the spring coincided with Leon Reid winning a medal in the 200m final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The sight was quite comical. Theo – a 6ft6 man – was clutching his tiny p … Read more
Mark Dry: Overcoming major surgery to be a double Commonwealth medal winner
06/07/2018 by Becki Hall
When Mark Dry stood on the Hampden Park medal podium and let out a Braveheart-like roar, he created one of the defining images of the track programme at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Four years later, on the other side of the world, he repeated his bronze-medal winning feat in the most unlike … Read more
Juan Miguel Echevarrìa and the physics behind the perfect long jump
21/06/2018 by Becki Hall
Just a few inches further and he would have jumped out of the pit. In fact, there is quite a strong argument to suggest that in landing at 8.83m in the long jump at the Stockholm Diamond League on June 10th, Cuba’s Juan Miguel Echevarria actually cut his jump short as he approached the end of the sa … Read more
Average UK runner experiences a natural high in under nine minutes of exercise
27/04/2018 by Vinco
A survey suggests that runners across Britain, who exercise regularly, get a natural high from exercise in less than nine minutes. The YouGov poll of over 2,000 adults was commissioned by the online sports retailer wiggle.co.uk, who were keen to investigate the transition between motivating yourself … Read more
Ones to watch: Isabelle Boffey has wisdom and experience beyond her years
03/04/2018 by James Truscott
As she enters 2018 with July’s IAAF World Junior Championships in Finland on her mind, Isabelle Boffey is one of several athletes spearheading a potential golden generation of young British middle-distance talent. This includes European Junior 1500m champions from last year in Jemma Reekie and Jake … Read more
Rachel Wallader on the self-coached routine that she hopes will bring Commonwealth success
29/03/2018 by Becki Hall
It’s been a long journey to the Australian Gold Coast for British shot put champion Rachel Wallader, in more ways than one. Despite selection for both her first European Indoor and World Outdoor Championships in Belgrade and London respectively, her 2017 season was hampered by a back injury which af … Read more
One to Watch: Tom Gale on ‘one very lucky jump’ that sees him aiming for Gold Coast glory
19/03/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Five years ago, Tom Gale could have said no when a teacher asked him to enter his first ever high jump competition at a local schools event. Two years ago a bar set at 2.17m that he clattered could have easily gone down and ended his World Junior dream. Last year a European Junior Championships of t … Read more
Multi-talented race walker Erika Kelly breaking barriers on her way to the Commonwealth Games
27/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
In the last edition of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow four years ago, there was no race walk for Erika Kelly to take part in. Then again, in 2014, she had yet to try the event. “Four years ago, I didn’t know what it was”, says Erika, who is now one of Britain’s best and one of three athletes sele … Read more
One to Watch: Britain’s best triple jumper Naomi Ogbeta
21/02/2018 by Katie
For Naomi Ogbeta, Britain’s exciting new triple jump talent, last summer can be captured in a single do-or-die moment. Standing at the end of the runway for her final attempt at the European Junior Championships in Grosseto, Italy, she was lying in fourth place. It wasn’t the first time she’d had to … Read more
#BUCSNationals Meet the Teams: LOUGHBOROUGH
18/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY Established: 1909 (Loughborough Technical Institute) Colour: African Violet At times, Loughborough are unbeatable in BUCS competition. The fact that several of the other teams we spoke to picked them out as key rivals, speaks volumes for how much they want to try and bea … Read more
#BUCSNationals Meet the Teams: ST MARY’S UNIVERSITY
15/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
ST MARY’S UNIVERSITY, TWICKENHAM Established: 1850 Team colour(s): Blue and white The blue and white stripes of St Mary’s are one of the sights most synonymous with BUCS competition. The likes of London 2017 World Championship semi-finalist Adelle Tracey have competed for the uni in recent yea … Read more
Ones to Watch: Jemma Reekie is aiming high after the season of her life
14/02/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Jemma Reekie’s start to the year has been typical of her recent progression. She has won the Scottish Senior Indoor title over 1500m and been a role-model for others, presenting medals at the Schools Schools Championships just four years on from competing in the event herself. Here’s why we think th … Read more
#BUCSNationals Meet The Teams: UEL
14/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON Established: Colour(s): Blue and black With a picturesque part of London’s docklands in the backdrop and planes taking off from City Airport just across the water, the University of London has plenty of sights to look out for. In terms of athletics, sprinting talents are of … Read more
#BUCSNationals Meet the Teams: MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN
14/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY Established: 1824 (Manchester Mechanics Institute) Team colour(s): Orange and blue. You can hardly miss the Manchester Met athletes in bright orange and blue. Just a few years ago, the club had a single athlete competing, now they are expecting a team of around six … Read more
Tuesday Tips: How to succeed at shot put
13/02/2018 by Becki Hall
With a shot put personal best of 17.53m, Rachel Wallader lies 5th on the UK all-time rankings. In the latest edition of the ‘Tuesday Tips’ feature, Rachel takes some time out of her training schedule ahead of the Commonwealth Games to share her advice on how to succeed in the event. 1) ATHLETICISM “ … Read more
#BUCSNationals Meet the teams: CARDIFF METROPOLITAN
13/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
CARDIFF METROPOLITAN Established: 2011, but roots trace back to Cardiff School of Art & Design (1865) Colours: Maroon, gold and navy Fuelled by Welsh pride, Cardiff Met have a strong track record of challenging at the sharp end. Steeplechaser Jonny Hopkins completed a memorable hat-trick of out … Read more
#BUCSNationals Meet the Teams: LEEDS BECKETT
13/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
LEEDS BECKETT Established: 1824 (Leeds Mechanics Institute) Colour(s): purple and black Good results at the BUCS Cross Country Championships often breed good results for the indoors, so Alex Yee’s fantastic victory will surely have boosted preparations at Leeds Beckett. Club Captain Josh Schofield c … Read more
#BUCSNationals Meet the teams: SHEFFIELD
12/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD Established: 1905 (formerly University College of Sheffield from 1897) Team colour(s): Black Where better to start than a team that knows the English Institute of Sport that will host the BUCS Nationals all too well. Naturally, Sheffield coach Martin Cook was keen to get in a … Read more
Ones to Watch: Niamh Emerson on her excitement for the Commonwealth Games
09/02/2018 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Even the strongest competitors know the feeling of dragging their way round a tough long distance race with no end in sight. It was a feeling Niamh Emerson dreaded as a 12-year-old after two seasons in athletics. But while this could be enough to make some young athletes stop altogether, Niamh says … Read more
‘I hope to bring my best to Berlin’: Antonio Infantino has a European medal in his sights
02/02/2018 by Alex Seftel
Two years after switching allegiance to run for Italy, Antonio Infantino believes he has found the perfect lifestyle to achieve sprinting success on the track. The 26-year-old from Hertfordshire, who has won the UK Inter-Counties title three years in a row, is looking forward to a bumper year of com … Read more
Meet the team mates: Theo Etienne, Rechmial Miller and Chad Miller
30/01/2018 by Alex Seftel
It’s hard to believe it was a year ago, but 21-year-old sprinter Theo Etienne started 2017 just like many of his races. An explosive getaway helped him to silver at the British Indoor Championships over 60m, which he followed up with fifth in the European final in Belgrade. Joining him in the … Read more
Katerina Stefanidi and Mitch Krier: One Olympic champion, one husband and coach
15/01/2018 by Alex Seftel
Little has stood in the way of Katerina Stefanidi becoming Olympic, world and European champion over the last few years. The 27-year-old Greek athlete seems to have had a competitive and psychological edge over her competitors in the pole vault. Only four women have ever bettered her 4.91m lifetime … Read more
Meet the team mates: Nick Stewart and Reuben Arthur
03/01/2018 by Alex Seftel
Reuben Arthur is the reigning British Universities 100m champion, with a personal best of 10.18. He picked up a silver medal in the relay at the European under-23 championships in 2017. His training partner Nick Stewart is the England under-20 bronze medallist, who reached the European semi-finals o … Read more
Running and staying healthy winter
02/01/2018 by Vinco
Many athletes at all levels struggle to navigate the winter season without picking up injuries and illnesses along the way. Missing training, losing fitness and sometimes motivation as a result aren’t the extra hurdles you want ahead of a new season. So here are a few tips to help you steer clear of … Read more
Tuesday Tips: How to succeed at pole vault
26/12/2017 by Alex Seftel
Pole vault coach Trevor Fox has played an important part in the success of some of Britain’s best, including Commonwealth silver medallist Luke Cutts and World Youth Indoor record holder Adam Hague. You can read the full story about what makes him tick here. For a new feature, we asked … Read more
Enthusiasm, initiative and quirky improvisation: Trevor Fox’s journey to becoming a top pole vault coach
21/12/2017 by Alex Seftel
You could say that people watching pole vault fall into three categories. The expert athletes who know the event, those who would have a go, and the rest of us who dare not even attempt it. Trevor Fox has spent his career encouraging people that they can. He has taken immense pride out of years spen … Read more
Breaking records the ‘old school’ way: Max Burgin and his family foundations
20/12/2017 by Connor Craig-Jackson
Eyes forward, arms pumping and with a dip at the finish, Max Burgin crossed the line in June to become the fastest ever 15-year-old over 800m. His world record time of 1:49.22 at the British Milers Club Stretford Grand Prix was the highlight of a season full of records and titles. But now, with the … Read more
‘On paper, my best year yet’: Ojie Edoburun talks bittersweet success
11/12/2017 by Alex Seftel
Reviewing 2017 brings mixed emotions for Ojie Edoburun. “I think on paper it was my best year yet, getting PBs and winning titles. My highlight would be going under 10 seconds twice, albeit windy. It’s shown me a glimpse of things to come.” He has every right to be pleased. Taking … Read more
Throwback Thursday: 5 Biggest Upsets of 2017
30/11/2017 by Thomas Baldwin
It’s been said many times this year that track and field has outdone itself in terms of shocks and surprises. Here are just a few of those which turned heads. 5. JAKE WIGHTMAN WINS OSLO DIAMOND LEAGUE 1500M At a meet where middle distance running has a long and prestigious history, it was somewhat f … Read more
Lost, in tears, but still hungry for more: world medallist Robbie Britton talks ultra-running
27/11/2017 by Connor Craig-Jackson
From dodging cars on the streets of London, to regularly trudging through the wind and snow of the French Alps, British international Robbie Britton’s plunge into ultra-running has taken him to all sorts of places mentally and physically. The steep, treacherous mountains he has struggled around duri … Read more
How ethical is a diet dependent on supplements?
16/11/2017 by James Young
Athletes train vigorously and meticulously to achieve sporting goals, whether that means winning a medal, or breaking personal records. They are in a constant battle to optimise their bodies to increase performance by every minuscule one per cent. That could mean a massive difference between an excr … Read more
Eat well, perform better
30/03/2016 by Andrzej (Aj) Peplinski
Ever heard the phrase “you are what you eat”? Well to a degree that’s true. In any sort of competition or sport you want the edge on everyone else. There is always another angle to beat somebody, and nutrition and diet is a huge player. What is the best type of food and how much sh … Read more
Know your energy, run for longer
13/03/2016 by Andrzej (Aj) Peplinski
When running, you want to know where your energy is coming from and how it’s used. Eating the right kinds of food can maximise the amount of energy you have before an event depending on what it is. Sugary items (chocolate bar, sweets) can give a lot of energy but only for a short while because of th … Read more