Category: Track and field

  • Janeek Brown: 3 grounds Jamaican track queen ended relationship with Sha’Carri Richardson

    Janeek Brown: 3 grounds Jamaican track queen ended relationship with Sha’Carri Richardson

     

    Jamaican sprinter Janeek Brown shared three key reasons behind her split from Sha’Carri Richardson.

    Three years ago, Jamaican sprinter Janeek Brown opened up about the turbulent relationship she once shared with American track star Sha’Carri Richardson.

     

    The former NCAA champion, who found her stride in the 100m hurdles, revealed that their relationship, which began during the pandemic, was riddled with issues that made it unsustainable.

     

    After two years together, Brown made the decision to walk away, citing three major reasons for their separation.

     

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    1. A toxic and abusive dynamic

    One of the biggest factors leading to the end of their relationship was its toxic nature. Brown acknowledged that both she and Richardson were involved in a cycle of mental, verbal, and physical abuse.

     

    Quincy Wilson: The 17-year-old track star and his love story with Masai Russell’s sister

    Quincy Wilson: The 17-year-old track star and his love story with Masai Russell’s sister

    What may have started as a passionate romance quickly turned into a destructive relationship, with neither party able to break free from the pattern of negativity.

     

    Their young age and lack of experience in handling relationships contributed to the intensity of their conflicts.

     

    Brown admitted that their arguments often escalated beyond control, making it clear that the relationship was unhealthy.

     

    Over time, the strain of constant turmoil became unbearable, prompting Brown to prioritize her well-being and step away.

     

    2. Personal growth and self-discovery

    For Brown, the relationship with Richardson was a pivotal moment in her journey of self-discovery.

     

    How Noah Lyles took away the title of ‘sprint king’ from legendary Usain Bolt

    How Noah Lyles took away the title of ‘sprint king’ from legendary Usain Bolt

    Before dating the American sprinter, she had struggled with openly embracing her identity. It was during this period that she found the confidence to come out and live her truth.

     

    However, while she grew in one aspect of her life, she also recognized that the relationship was holding her back from evolving further.

     

    Walking away from a toxic dynamic allowed her to refocus on herself, both personally and professionally. The experience served as a valuable lesson, teaching her about the importance of self-respect and the necessity of surrounding herself with positive influences.

     

    Instead of remaining in a space that drained her energy, Brown chose to move forward, seeking healthier relationships and greater personal fulfillment.

     

    3. Sha’Carri Richardson’s public accusations

    Another major breaking point in their relationship was the public fallout that followed their split. Richardson, who revealed their past relationship on social media, made allegations against Brown, including claims of theft.

     

    ‘It’s really hard’ – Keely Hodgkinson opens up on the struggles of staying on top after Olympics triumph

    ‘It’s really hard’ – Keely Hodgkinson opens up on the struggles of staying on top after Olympics triumph

    Brown, however, denied these accusations, labeling them as false and malicious. She believed that Richardson’s actions were calculated attempts to damage her reputation and create unnecessary controversy.

     

    The public exposure of their private issues only solidified Brown’s decision to part ways for good. Rather than engage in the drama, she chose to speak her truth and distance herself from the negativity.

  • ‘So I don’t get in trouble’ – Noah Lyles reveals how he avoids fiancée Junelle Bromfield’s fury

    ‘So I don’t get in trouble’ – Noah Lyles reveals how he avoids fiancée Junelle Bromfield’s fury

     

    Junelle Bromfield and Noah Lyles at a red carpet event.

    Noah Lyles has shared how he ensures that he does not annoy fiancee Janelle Bromfield.

    Olympic champion Noah Lyles has opened up about how he manages to stay out of trouble with his fiancée, Jamaican athlete Junelle Bromfield.

     

    The couple, who got engaged in October 2024, have since moved in together and are building their home while planning for a 2026 wedding.

     

    Lyles, known for his dominance on the track, is also learning the ropes of maintaining harmony at home.

     

    ‘Nojo18 want to give me this?’ Junelle Bromfield drops bombshell in wedding dress hunt

    ‘Nojo18 want to give me this?’ Junelle Bromfield drops bombshell in wedding dress hunt

    In a recent episode of the Beyond the Record podcast, he shared insights into his daily routine and how he ensures he stays on Bromfield’s good side.

     

    “My days usually start with practice, followed by track and gym. After that, I head home unless I have a massage or something similar. I’ll grab something to eat, and then my day is packed with meetings,” Lyles said.

     

    The sprinter reminisced about how his routine has changed over the years.

     

    ‘Can I have it?’- Junelle Bromfield poses playful question to Noah Lyles as wedding excitement grows

    ‘Can I have it?’- Junelle Bromfield poses playful question to Noah Lyles as wedding excitement grows

     

    “It’s not how it used to be when I was younger—I used to just play video games with the boys, have game nights, go out to eat, do karaoke, visit places like Disney and Universal, and find fun activities,” he said.

     

    However, these days, Lyles’ schedule is packed with professional commitments that can sometimes get him on Bromfield’s bad side.

     

    “Now, my meetings are still about exciting things, though. I’ll have a call with Jack, my YouTube guy, to plan the next project or a promo for an upcoming track meet. Then, I might get a call from my agent about a shoot for GQ and Vogue, and of course, I have to check with my fiancée first so I don’t get in trouble!” he shared with a chuckle.

     

    Drama on the track! Sha’Carri Richardson & Christian Coleman fire back at iShowSpeed over Noah Lyles controversy

    Drama on the track! Sha’Carri Richardson & Christian Coleman fire back at iShowSpeed over Noah Lyles controversy

    Lyles also revealed that his schedule can get overwhelming, stating, “There are times when I’m on the move for weeks—going from a track meet to the Super Bowl, then straight to New York before finally making it home, only to have more things lined up. ”

     

    “It’s a packed schedule, but it’s fun, and this is exactly what I prayed for.”

     

    Despite their busy lives, Lyles and Bromfield often make headlines with their impeccable fashion sense.

     

    ‘I’m not ducking’- Sha’Carri Richardson issues ultimatum for showdown with IShowSpeed after he raced Noah Lyles

    ‘I’m not ducking’- Sha’Carri Richardson issues ultimatum for showdown with IShowSpeed after he raced Noah Lyles

    One memorable moment was at the 2024 GQ Men of the Year event, where the couple turned heads in cowboy-themed outfits, thrilling fans with their bold and stylish choices.

     

    With their wedding on the horizon and their careers soaring, Lyles and Bromfield continue to capture the hearts of their fans, proving that love and success can go hand in hand.

  • Tebogo to take on 100m in Shanghai/Keqiao

    Tebogo to take on 100m in Shanghai/Keqiao

    Botswana’s 200m Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo will line up in the men’s 100m at the second Wanda Diamond League meeting of the season in Shanghai/Keqiao in May.

    Letsile Tebogo will continue his bid for 100m glory in the Wanda Diamond League when he heads to Shanghai/Keqiao for the second meeting of the season on May 3.

    The Botswanan star established himself as one of the biggest stars of men’s sprinting in 2024, sweeping to the 200m Olympic title and five Diamond League victories between July and September.

    Having narrowly missed out on the Diamond League title at last year’s final in Brussels, Tebogo will be out to claim his first Diamond Trophy in 2025 before setting his sights on the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

    This year’s campaign will also mark a switch in focus for the 21-year-old, who announced after his Diamond League victory in Rome last August that he would be turning his attention to the 100m in 2025.

    Already confirmed for the 100m at the season opener in Xiamen on April 26, the Botswanan will head to Keqiao a week later to complete a Chinese double as he looks to get early points on the board on the Road to the Final.

    Tebogo is one of several track and field superstars already confirmed for Shanghai/Keqiao, including high jump world record holder and Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh and 400m hurdles world record holder Karsten Warholm.

    “I’m thrilled for my first-ever race at the Shanghai/Keqiao Diamond League! I can’t wait to bring some extra energy to an already amazing field,” said Tebogo.

    The Wanda Diamond League is the elite one-day meeting series in global athletics. It comprises 15 of the most prestigious events in global track and field. Athletes compete for points at the 14 series meetings in a bid to qualify for the two-day Wanda Diamond League Final, which will be held in Zurich on 27th and 28th August 2025.

  • If you want it, then earn it’ – Usain Bolt calls out ‘desparate’ Noah Lyles for claiming fastest man tag

    If you want it, then earn it’ – Usain Bolt calls out ‘desparate’ Noah Lyles for claiming fastest man tag

     

    Usain Bolt calls Noah Lyles’ fastest man claim desperate Image source: Imago

    Usain Bolt has rejected Noah Lyles’ claim that he is the world’s fastest man, insisting the American must break his records to earn the title.

    Double world record holder Usain Bolt has scoffed at Noah Lyles’ decision to brand himself the world’s fastest man.

     

    After winning the Olympic 100m title, Noah Lyles labelled himself the tag, something that Usain Bolt believes he has yet to earn since he has not broken his 100m and 200m records and is not even close to them.

     

    Usain Bolt’s 100m world record stands at 9.58 seconds while his 200m record is 19.19 seconds and he is regarded as the fastest man alive. He set the records at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany.

     

    How Noah Lyles took away the title of ‘sprint king’ from legendary Usain Bolt

    Noah Lyles has a personal best time of 9.79 seconds in the 100m, a time he set at the Paris Olympic Games. His 200m personal best time is 19.31 seconds set at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

     

    Usain Bolt noted that if Noah Lyles wants to be called the fastest man in the world, he has to let his times speak for him and for now, he is yet to attain that standard.

     

    “I find it funny…when I heard about it for the first time, I wondered if I would lose my mind. That’s desperate of him…that’s the first thing I thought,” Usain Bolt said in his interview with The Fix podcast.

     

    “I was like, come on man, if you want it then earn it man, earn it, earn it. You are the fastest man today. This year. Something I just laugh it off, just laugh. That’s desperation. Simply, break the records.”

     

    The fastest man in the world tag has been highly debatable with some sports fans and analysts arguing that winning the Olympic title in the 100m guarantees that.

     

    Others have argued that the athlete, who finishes the season with the fastest time, is considered the fastest in that season until another sprinter runs faster than them.

     

    Quincy Wilson: The 17-year-old track star and his love story with Masai Russell’s sister

     

    At the Paris Olympic Games, Noah Lyles clocked an impressive 9.79 seconds to cross the finish line first ahead of Kishane Thompson who came second milliseconds later. Fred Kerley rounded up the podium in 9.81 seconds.

     

    Kishane Thompson ended the season with the fastest time in the world, the 9.77 seconds he clocked at the Jamaican Olympic trials.

     

    However, one thing is evident, Usain Bolt who has the world record in the 100m remains, the fastest. From the interview, he insisted that Noah Lyles has to break his records first to be addressed with such high honours.

  • Whether you dislike or like it, you have to give Usain Bolt credit” – When Sha’Carri Richardson reflected on sprinting icon’s legacy

    Whether you dislike or like it, you have to give Usain Bolt credit” – When Sha’Carri Richardson reflected on sprinting icon’s legacy

     

     

    Sha’Carri Richardson once reflected on Usain Bolt’s legacy.

    Sha’Carri Richardson once reflected on the legacy of retired sprint icon Usain Bolt. She stated that Bolt was the greatest sprinter in history and deserved recognition.

     

    Via FloTrack, in a June 2021 interview, a journalist talked about her viral photo with Mondo Duplantis, where both were holding a document during their freshman year, which was from their first day at Louisiana State University (LSU). In the document, Richardson had named Bolt her favorite athlete.

     

    The journalist then asked her whether she had any other athletes she looked up to. Sha’Carri Richardson reacted, mentioning why she had chosen Bolt in the document. She added that people may have different opinions about him, but he deserves respect for his accomplishments:

     

    “I said that because of the fact that Usain Bolt is an athlete that puts himself on the track. Uh, whether you dislike it, whether you like it, in a day you have to be able to give this man his credit because he is the greatest sprinter in history.”

     

    Additionally, Richardson reflected on her close friendship with two-time Olympic champion pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, calling him one of her favorite people, during the interview. To date, the 2023 100m world champion and Duplantis share a strong bond and are often seen together when they attend the same event or meeting.

     

    Three years later, Richardson made her Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she had a successful campaign, collecting two medals.

     

     

    Sha’Carri Richardson opens up on emotional podium moment at Paris Olympics 2024

    Sha'Carri Richardson gets emotional on 4x100m relay podium at Paris Olympics. Credits –

    Sha’Carri Richardson gets emotional on 4x100m relay podium at Paris Olympics. Credits –

    Sha’Carri Richardson reflected on her emotional moment on the podium after winning gold in the women’s 4x100m relay, her first-ever Olympic gold, at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She detailed her emotional reaction in an interview with Refinery29.com in August 2024, following the quadrennial games, saying:

     

    “Getting emotional on the podium, that was not a plan, that was not scripted [laughs]. I would honestly say that moment was just a full circle moment, just embracing everything, not even including what had happened in the general moment to make it on the podium, but just embracing the entire journey of being just a human and growing, not even just as an athlete, but as a woman, as a spirit.”

    She further shared that this was only the beginning and believed greater progress awaited her. In addition to her gold medal victory in the team event, Richardson accomplished great success in the individual 100m event by winning a silver with a time of 10.87s in the finals.

     

     

  • Usain Bolt Finally Breaks Silence on $12.8 Million Fraud Case That Wiped Out His Retirement Funds

    Usain Bolt Finally Breaks Silence on $12.8 Million Fraud Case That Wiped Out His Retirement Funds

     

    Track star and new Bolt pitchman Usain Bolt looks on during a press conference about the new Bolt Mobility scooter outside of New York City Hall, March 12, 2019 in New York City.

    Electric scooters are still not street-legal in New York City, but transportation advocates and lobbyists are encouraging the push toward legalization and regulation. Bolt, a Miami-based startup, joins a crowded field of competitors in the United States, including Bird Scooters, Lime Scooters and Lift Scooters.

    “So it’s been one year now; still have a fight to fight.” Usain Bolt promised in an Instagram post last year. No, it wasn’t about his legendary track battle. The retired athlete is long away from trying his feet in the professional track and field realm. However, his fresh fight was to get his retirement fund back.

     

     

    In late 2022, he discovered that he had suffered a considerable loss of over $12.7 million in his account at the Jamaican private investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL). The revelation from the sprinter shook the entire Jamaican banking sector, leading the Jamaican government to initiate a formal inquiry into the extensive fraud scheme. But since then, Bolt has yet to have a positive update on the matter.

     

    All this duration, however, Usain Bolt did not share any detailed look at the matter with the general populace. From time to time, he shared only a few cryptic posts through his social media handles. One such came on January 10, this year: “Twelve Million, Seven Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand, One Hundred Eighty-One dollars and Seventy-Four Cents.” Obviously, it was about the amount of money he lost in the scam. But anything from his mouth would have added a certain perspective to the matter. Isn’t it? Well, the wait is over.

     

     

     

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    On February 8, the Instagram handle of The Fix Productions shared a clip. The clip displayed Usain Bolt, revealing a bit about the financial scam issue. Those were a few words, though, but enough to make a buildup. Such as? In the clip, the eight-time Olympic champion said, “Now, at some point, I have to start saying something.

    Now I have to be careful because now you’re looking at everybody sideways.” “Sideways,” how? Perhaps Bolt pointed his fingers at the Jamaican government bodies by that comment. Also, this could be the reason why he has always been measured in his words while speaking about the fraud issue. Example? Again, his cryptic social media posts.

     

     

    One such came on X on October 2 last year. In the post, Bolt wrote, “Broken words not broken records [watch emoji].” The fans quickly spotted the meaning hidden in the wordplay. According to them, it was about the broken promises made by the Jamaican authorities to him to come to a positive solution. Since 2023, Jamaica’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) has been taking a key interest in the issue. The authority even took the reins of the kingpin of the fraud, Stock and Securities Limited (SSL), the Kingston-based investment firm.

     

     

    But standing in February 2025, the former Olympian has yet to get his money back. In the shared clip, he shed light on that part, saying, “This happens to me; I’m gonna have two years and we can’t see back a dime.” Yes, arguably the greatest track and field athlete is a human after all. He also feels the pain in the same way as others. But the pertinent question is, is there any chance to come to a solution?

     

    The government body still remains hopeful

    Usain Bolt is not financially broken. The fund he lost was part of his retirement plan. Losing it worked as a ‘damper’ for him. But it doesn’t mean that he would settle himself in a corner, digesting the fraud that landed almost 200 individuals in far worse conditions. At first, he had faith in the authorities. Right now, it might be compromised. That’s why he wants to share his takes on everything publicly. However, what is FSC’s submission on the matter?

     

    In September last year, Keron Burrell, executive director of FSC, shared a few things on the matter. In his interaction with Caribbean Life, Burrell displayed nothing but hope. He in fact, said, “The FSC remains resolute in its mission to facilitate the fair treatment of SSL investors. This vigilant oversight is crucial to ensuring that SSL meets its obligations to clients in a timely and transparent manner, in alignment with the legal and regulatory framework established by the Securities Act.

    The commission assures all stakeholders that it is dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability throughout this process and will provide further updates as necessary.” Guessing how Usain accepted those words is not difficult. Now, the eyes will be on the coming days in his further comments.

     

    Have something to say?

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  • Happy Birthday my beautiful fiancé’ – Noah Lyles celebrates Junelle Bromfield on her 27th, pens romantic proud message

    Happy Birthday my beautiful fiancé’ – Noah Lyles celebrates Junelle Bromfield on her 27th, pens romantic proud message

     

    Noah Lyles and his fiancee Junelle Bromfield ©Junelle Bromfield Instagram

    Olympic champion Noah Lyles penned a heartwarming birthday message to his Jamaican fiancé Junelle Bromfield on social media.

    World’s fastest man Noah Lyles celebrated his Jamaican fianceé Junelle Bromfield in the most beautiful way as he penned a lovely message on her 27th birthday.

     

    The lovebirds who got engaged in October 2024, never cease to express their romantic sides when the need arises to public admiration.

     

     

    Track Power Couple Junelle Bromfield and Noah Lyles.

    In a dedicated post shared by Lyles on his Instagram page, the Olympic 100m champion showed slides of his and their best pictures together in the past year with the caption:

     

    Why Junelle Bromfield and Noah Lyles have a healthy relationship

    Why Junelle Bromfield and Noah Lyles have a healthy relationship

    “Happy Birthday my Beautiful Fiancé! 26 was definitely your year! You bought a house, a car, became a 2x Olympian, walked in a fashion show, started plans for your own business, and grew as a person. I’m so excited to see what this next year has for you!

     

     

    Bromfield never one to shy away from expressing her affection, left a sweet comment under the post.

     

    “Thank you my love ❤️ n we got engaged don’t forget that part 😂 I love you.”

     

    Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield

    Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield got engaged in October 2024. Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield

    Lyles has maintained an undefeated form to the start of the 2025 season with his last victory at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix last weekend, while Bromfield is yet to run her first race of the year. Although there are rumours the Jamaican 400m queen is retiring from athletics soon.

  • Britain’s Bell wins mile race at Millrose meeting

    Britain’s Bell wins mile race at Millrose meeting

    At the prestigious Millrose Games in New York, Georgia Bell of Britain won the mile race with a personal best time.Bell, who won a bronze medal in the 1500m at the Olympics in Paris last year, finished in four minutes and 23.35 seconds at what is considered to be the world’s top indoor athletics competition. She held off the challenge from American duo Heather MacLean and Nikki Hiltz by putting on a strong performance and finishing strong.

    After becoming ill, fellow countryman Josh Kerr, the 1500-meter world champion and Olympic silver medallist in Paris, was unable to compete in the men’s mile, the night’s last event.

    Yared Nuguse of the United States, however, made sure the 117th meeting ended appropriately by winning with a new world indoor record time of 3:46.63. A new world record was previously achieved by Grant Fisher, who defeated Olympic 1500m champion Cole Hocker in the 3,000m. Throughout the race, the US pair engaged in a duel until Fisher, the bronze medallist in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters in Paris, overtook fellow countryman Hocker at the last turn. He smashed Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma’s 2023 mark with a timing of seven minutes, 22.91 seconds. Hocker surpassed Girma’s previous record of 7:23.81 and crossed the finish line in 7:23.14. Fisher remarked, “That was a battle for the ages right there,”

    Elsewhere, Olympic 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell won the 60m hurdles in a world-leading 7.76secs before Dylan Beard also set a world-leading time of 7.38secs in the men’s 60m hurdles.

    The men’s 60m was won by Marcellus Moore in 6.56secs, with Jacious Sears’ world-leading time of 7.02secs landing her victory in the women’s 60m.

  • Georgia Bell: “I want both British 1500m records”

    Georgia Bell: “I want both British 1500m records”

     

    The Olympic 1500m bronze medallist will attempt to break Laura Muir’s national indoor mark of 3:59.58 at the Keely Klassic

    At last summer’s Paris Olympics, Georgia Bell ran an astonishing 3:52.61 to secure an Olympic 1500m bronze medal in the French capital.

     

    The 30-year-old not only obliterated her personal best again – her quickest mark in 2023 was 4:06.20 – but she set a British 1500m record, bettering Laura Muir’s 3:53.79 from the Paris Diamond League.

     

    After an incredible four months as a professional runner Bell, who worked 10-hour days in cybersecurity, has now shut down the laptop and turned to athletics on a full-time basis.

     

    Coached by both Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, the Brit recently returned from a training camp in South Africa and is now into the full swing of the indoor season.

     

    Bell opened her 2025 campaign up last weekend at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston, clocking a personal best of 8:36.96 for sixth in the 3000m.

     

     

    Georgia Bell

     

    She will also compete in the prestigious Wanamaker Mile at Saturday’s Millrose Games in New York City, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Muir, Hannah England and Wendy Sly.

     

    Bell’s greatest love however is the 1500m and, at the Keely Klassic, the Brit will try to break Muir’s national 1500m indoor record of 3:59.58.

     

    If Bell can better Muir’s mark – set in a race which saw Guduf Tsegay create history in Liévin four years ago – then she will hold both British 1500m records.

     

    Ahead of the Keely Klassic, AW caught up with Bell on everything from her ultimate ambitions this season to the importance of engagement with fans in athletics.

     

    How did training generally go in South Africa?

     

    It was a really hard camp. I don’t know if it’s because it’s the longest camp I’ve ever done and only the second one as a full-time pro. But this one felt like everyone was put through their paces. I feel like it’s stepped up from where I was last year.

     

    The bar now is so high across the whole group and that’s because the expectations are great for us. Everyone survived it which is great! Now we start racing.

     

    We need to improve every year. Trevor [Painter] is the man with the plan and he’s introduced a few new sessions ahead of this season, which has pushed all of us to the limit.

     

    When you reflect on 2024, what have been the biggest changes when you think about this season?

     

    When I look back at trying to do all of that training and then rushing back to take calls, I can’t quite believe I managed to do it for so long. It was pretty unsustainable to try and juggle both. So I can now go to the ice baths and physio appointments after camp – including sleeping before the next session – whereas last year I wasn’t able to do that on a consistent basis.

     

    Being a full-time athlete has made me more relaxed and less stressed out. The main thing is that I can now fully focus on the track and not have to balance up the running with a 10-hour day job.

     

     

    Georgia Bell

     

    How are you feeling for the 2025 season?

     

    I’m excited to see how it goes. Last season obviously exceeded all expectations and I was so happy with everything. It’s now set a very high bar for me. I’m intrigued to see what will happen with all of the things that were added in training. Let’s see how that translates on the track.

     

    How ready do you feel to break the British indoor 1500m record?

     

    I really want to hold both records and that was one of my goals for this year. There is already so much pedigree in the UK with British middle-distance running and I want to put myself in the history books. Claiming both the national indoor and outdoor record would be really special.

     

    Training has been going really well and we’ve already looked at the kind of lap times that I’d need to break the record. It certainly seems like it’s a possibility for the shape that I’m in right now but I know that it won’t be easy at all. I respect the challenge and it will be a massive push for me in Birmingham.

     

     

    Georgia Bell, Keely Hodgkinson and Jemma Reekie

     

    How significant is an event like the Keely Klassic?

     

    After the Olympics, people always get more interested. Those fans then want to see which events those athletes will be competing in. A lot of those events are abroad, so having meets like the Keely Klassic, where people can support domestic athletes, is really cool.

     

    I just think the idea of a meet, where athletes will be going for records, will really light up the arena. It’s such a fun thing for the crowd to get behind and I think it will be an electric atmosphere.

     

    It’s also important to bring more of the athletes’ personalities to the fans. I think it’s currently difficult for fans to follow the journey of a specific athlete in the sport at the moment. You know, if you have a favourite athlete then you’ll want to see them as much as possible.

     

    For example, someone might compete at the London Diamond League or the UK Athletics Championships, otherwise you’ll have to catch them abroad.

     

    How special was BBC Sports Personality of the Year for Keely Hodgkinson, Trevor Painter, Jenny Meadows?

     

    On Trevor and Jenny [winning the coaching award], I feel like the coaches are the ones behind the scenes who don’t often get the recognition they deserve. They are like parents to all of us and we go to them for absolutely everything. So it was so special for the team.

     

    The fact that Keely won BBC Sports Personality of the Year against so many athletes in ‘bigger’ sports just goes to show how much people were into the Olympics. It captured everyone’s hearts and imaginations. Those same people who watched Keely then voted for her and it was amazing.

     

    How important is digital media in getting the next generation involved in athletics?

     

    I find it really interesting following the journeys of other athletes on social media and how they’re getting on. We’ve now got an Instagram page at M11 Track Club and people have said to me ‘wow, I had no idea what it took to become a world class athlete’.

     

    Lina Nielsen also said to me that she watched a video snippet from one of our sessions at M11 Track Club. She was intrigued how it went and asked loads of questions about all of it. We want to provide as much insight as possible and hopefully that translates into getting support.

     

     

    Georgia Bell

     

    Are you planning to 27 races again this season or are you going to be a bit more selective about what you do this year?

     

    I said to Trev ‘we’re probably not going to be doing 27 races again’ and he was like ‘no’. I think a lot of last year, especially towards the beginning, was about proving myself in the sport. So that translated to a lot of extra races.

     

    I love racing though. They’ll be elements of the year that we have to get a training block in and that will be a period where you don’t compete. After that, I want to race as many times as I can.

     

    I’ll do a a mixture of races throughout the summer, with the ultimate goal of course being the Tokyo World Championships.

     

     

    Georgia Bell

     

    What’s your big ambition for the 2025 World Championships and what do you make of the strength in depth of the 1500m?

     

    The depth is insane. Everyone is so good and getting better. I’d obviously look to improve on my third place [at Paris 2024] last year. I really want to medal at every championships I go to.

     

    The schedule in Tokyo is also really interesting with the 1500m being first. Then the 800m is afterwards, with a few days of recovery between the two disciplines. We [myself and Trevor] have discussed the possibility of doubling at the Worlds. I’d obviously have to earn my place in the 800m, and domestically it’s ridiculously competitive, but the schedule does accommodate for both.

     

    If we get to September and I’m feeling in incredible shape then I’d love to try it but I’d need to earn my spot in the 800m and that’s no joke. How special would it be to have, and I’m not saying this is easy or possible, a British 1-2-3 in the 800m in Tokyo?

     

     

    Jessica Hull, Faith Kipyegon and Georgia Bell

     

    Are you aiming to do both the European and World Indoors, essentially peaking twice this year?

     

    Yes. This year I want to win as many medals as possible, which means doing all the championships that are available to compete in. Any opportunity that I can get some hardware, I want to try.

     

    How quick do you think you can go over 1500m this season?

     

    I think being in a fast race will be where the quick times come, especially with someone like Faith Kipyegon pushing everything on from the front. The thing is, if I can run 3:52/3:53 this year again, that will still be a huge achievement.

     

    It’s going to be hard because that was such a high bar set in Paris. Last year, I didn’t know what was possible and that’s my mindset going into this season as well. I’m just trying to not put any limits on myself and just see where I end up after training. It’s then about getting in the right races and just committing on the track.

     

    Get your tickets for the Keely Klassic here

     

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  • Bolt was clear when asked about key difference between Ali’s legacy and his

    Bolt was clear when asked about key difference between Ali’s legacy and his

     

    Usain Bolt and Muhammad Ali have left unquestionable legacies in their respective athletic disciplines.

     

    But the Jamaican sprinter pointed out there is one key difference in terms of how the pair will be forever remembered.

     

     

    Bolt dominated the athletics track for nearly a decade

    Bolt dominated the athletics track for nearly a decadeCredit: Getty

    Bolt is an eight-time Olympic champion and still holds the world record in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay events.

     

    Not only that, the 38-year-old is the only man to have won the Olympic 100m and 200m events at three straight Games, accomplishing the feat in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

     

    Outside of the Olympics, Bolt has 11 gold medals from the World Championships and is a six-time World Athlete of the Year.

     

     

    For context, the next closest males in terms of most World Athlete of the Year titles is Armand Duplantis and Hicham El Guerrouj who have won it three times each.

     

    It is these exploits over nearly a decade of sprinting brilliance that makes Bold widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time.

     

     

    As for Ali, he became a household name thanks to his scintillating performances in the ring.

     

    Ali finished his boxing career with a professional record of 56 wins and five losses, 37 of those victories coming via knockout.

     

     

    Having been the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1974 to 1978, Ali is considered to be the best boxer to have ever graced the division and one of the greatest to have ever stepped between the ropes.

     

    However, Ali achieved significant fame for what he did outside of the squared circle.

     

    He refused to be drafted into the United States military for the Vietnam War, pointing to his religious belief and anti-war stance as the reasons why.

     

    Ali is one of the greatest to have ever stepped into the ring

    Ali is one of the greatest to have ever stepped into the ringCredit: Getty

     

    As a result of his actions, Ali was stripped of his boxing titles and found guilty of draft evasion but had his conviction overturned by the Supreme Court in 1971.

     

    Having put his career on hold during his peak athletic years due to his anti-war stance, Ali became a high-profile figure for those who also opposed the war as well as the civil rights movement.

     

    In 2016, Bolt was asked about Ali’s legacy, where it was outlined the boxing great will be remembered for his sporting and political accomplishments.

     

    But when it comes to politics, it is not an arena Bolt was to get involved in.

     

     

    “No,” Bolt said.

     

    “Never have been, never will be. Politics is tricky, especially in Jamaica.

     

    Ali’s popularity with anti-war movements skyrocketed after he refused to be drafted

    Ali’s popularity with anti-war movements skyrocketed after he refused to be

    “There are two parties, JLP [Jamaica Labour Party] and PNP [People’s National Party], and if I went for one, I would upset supporters of the other.

     

    Since his retirement from athletics in 2017, Bolt dipped his toes into the world of football.

     

     

    At age 32, he began training with Australian side Central Coast Mariners and scored on debut in a friendly against a local team.

     

    But he departed the Mariners in November 2018 after training with the club for eight weeks before slamming the door on his football career two months later.