Running News Daily

Australia’s middle-distance star Jessica Hull is set to embrace one of the toughest challenges in championship racing—doubling up in both the 1500 metres and 3000 metres at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń from March 20–22.

In a schedule that leaves little room for recovery, Hull will open her campaign in the 1500m heats on March 20, return for the 3000m final on March 21, and, if all goes to plan, line up again for the 1500m final on March 22. It’s a demanding sequence that tests not just speed, but endurance, resilience, and tactical brilliance.

Hull’s decision signals both confidence and ambition. The 1500m has long been her specialty on the global stage, where she has proven herself against the world’s best. Yet stepping up to the 3000m adds another layer to her competitive identity—one that could redefine her range as an elite middle-distance runner.

Her preparation has already hinted at something special. Earlier this indoor season, Hull delivered a standout performance at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais in Liévin, clocking an impressive 5:26.68 over 2000 metres. The performance not only showcased her strength and pacing but also placed her among the fastest ever indoors at that rarely contested distance.

Hull will not be alone in carrying Australia’s hopes. She is part of a strong national team that includes high jump star Nicola Olyslagers and pole vault standout Kurtis Marschall, both of whom bring their own medal ambitions into the championships.

The World Indoor Championships, staged over three days, compress the drama of global athletics into a high-intensity format—heats, finals, and medal moments unfolding in rapid succession. For athletes attempting multiple events, the margin for error is razor-thin.

For Hull, however, this is more than just a packed schedule. It is a statement of intent.

To chase the double indoors is to walk a fine line between brilliance and exhaustion. But if executed well, it can elevate an athlete’s legacy. As the world turns its attention to Toruń, Jessica Hull arrives not just as a contender—but as a daring competitor ready to test her limits on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

As the indoor season gathers momentum, Scottish middle-distance star Jemma Reekie stands at a pivotal crossroads—balancing immediate ambitions with a long-term dream that could define her career. While her focus is firmly set on the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, her eyes are already drifting toward a grander stage: the Commonwealth Games 2026 on home soil.

For Reekie, the indoor championships represent more than just another competition. It is an opportunity to sharpen her racing edge, test her form against world-class opposition, and build momentum. Yet beneath that immediate goal lies a deeper, more personal aspiration—one that has begun to take shape in her own words and quiet confidence.

Speaking to the BBC, the Kilbarchan AAC athlete revealed her excitement at the prospect of competing in Glasgow, where the roar of a home crowd could fuel something extraordinary. The venue, Scotstoun Stadium, is set to host athletics during the Games, offering a familiar and electrifying stage for Scottish athletes.

What makes her vision particularly compelling is the scale of her ambition. Reekie is not merely aiming to participate—she is contemplating a middle-distance double, a feat that demands not only elite endurance and speed but also precise tactical execution across rounds. Balancing events such as the 800m and 1500m at a major championship requires resilience, recovery, and an unshakable competitive mindset.

This ambition reflects the evolution of an athlete who has steadily matured on the global stage. Once known primarily as a rising talent, Reekie has developed into a seasoned competitor capable of challenging the very best. Her performances in recent seasons have demonstrated consistency and courage, qualities essential for anyone daring to attempt a championship double.

The timing of the Glasgow Games adds another layer of intrigue. Competing at home is both a privilege and a pressure. Expectations will be high, but so too will be the support—a powerful force that has historically lifted athletes to career-defining performances. For Reekie, the idea of delivering a standout showing in front of a Scottish crowd is as motivating as it is daunting.

As she heads into Poland for the indoor championships, every stride, every split, and every tactical decision will serve a dual purpose. It is not just about medals in the present—it is about laying the groundwork for something greater in 2026.

In many ways, this moment captures the essence of elite sport: the constant interplay between now and next, between preparation and possibility. For Jemma Reekie, the journey to Glasgow has already begun—not with a starting gun, but with a vision bold enough to inspire.

And if that vision becomes reality, the home crowd at Scotstoun may witness not just participation, but history in the making.

Kenya, a country synonymous with world-beating runners, is sending a small but formidable squad to the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, from March 20–22, despite having no indoor track facilities at home. For these athletes, the absence of dedicated indoor arenas makes their achievements—and ambitions—all the more remarkable.

Trailblazers and Record Holder 

Leading the charge is Brian Omari Tinega, Kenya’s national indoor record holder in the 400 meters with a blistering 45.68. Tinega, who trains within the U.S. collegiate system, has had to adapt much of his preparation to outdoor tracks in Kenya—braving wind, rain, and uneven surfaces while preparing for the tight curves and fast rhythm of indoor competition.

His goal in Poland’s Arena Toruń is clear: improve both his personal best and the Kenyan national record while competing against the world’s top quarter-milers.

In the middle-distance events, Noah Kibet, the 2022 World Indoor 800m silver medalist, returns hoping to climb one step higher on the podium. Training entirely outdoors presents challenges when preparing for the tactical, high-speed racing typical of indoor championships, but Kibet’s experience makes him a serious contender. 

Joining him is Jacob Krop, a 3000-meter specialist who won silver in the 5000 meters at the World Championships. Krop will be aiming to translate his outdoor success to the indoor arena while improving on his fifth-place finish at the 2022 World Indoor Championships.

Women Breaking New Ground 

On the women’s side, Mercy Adongo Oketch is making history as only the second Kenyan woman ever to compete in the indoor 400 meters, following Esther Kavaya’s appearance in 1987. Oketch, the Kenyan indoor record holder, carries both national expectations and the symbolic role of blazing a trail for future Kenyan women in an event historically dominated by athletes from Europe and North America.

In the 800 meters, Rosemary Longisa continues her rapid rise. A freshman at Washington State University, she has adapted quickly to the U.S. collegiate system and recorded an impressive 1:59.71 indoors this season.

Meanwhile, experienced 1500-meter runner Susan Lokayo Ejore adds depth and stability to the squad with her international racing experience. 

Training Against the Odds

Kenya’s athletes face a stark contrast compared with competitors from countries such as Poland, the United States, and Germany, where dedicated indoor arenas, climate-controlled facilities, and banked tracks allow year-round preparation.

These nations often employ advanced training technology—from motion sensors to video analytics—to refine stride mechanics, pacing, and recovery specifically for indoor racing.

In Kenya, preparation requires creativity and resilience. Athletes train on outdoor tracks at varying altitudes, simulate indoor curves where possible, and adjust sprinting and pacing strategies to prepare for the tighter indoor lanes.

The result is a team shaped not by cutting-edge infrastructure but by adaptability, determination, and natural talent.

Kenya’s Growing Indoor Legacy

Few African countries regularly produce elite indoor competitors, making Kenya’s presence at the World Athletics Indoor Championships particularly notable. 

The squad includes record holders in both the men’s and women’s 400 meters, a World Indoor silver medalist, and emerging middle-distance talent. For Oketch especially, this championship represents more than a personal milestone—it symbolizes growing opportunities for Kenyan women in indoor track events.

Chasing Medals in Poland

Beyond personal bests, Kenya’s athletes are targeting podium finishes.

Tinega and Oketch aim to push their national records even further, while Kibet and Krop will look to build on their previous championship performances. Longisa and Ejore represent the next generation of Kenyan middle-distance talent ready to challenge the global elite.

As Arena Toruń welcomes athletes from across the world from March 20–22, Kenya’s runners will once again remind the global track community that elite performance is not defined by facilities alone.

For this small but determined team, the mission is clear: compete with the best, chase medals, and prove that the Kenyan running tradition can thrive indoors just as it has outdoors for decades.

British distance runner Hannah Nuttall has been officially selected to represent Great Britain at the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, marking the second time she will compete on the global indoor stage.

Nuttall first appeared at the championships during the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, where she reached the final of the women’s 3000 meters and finished 12th. That performance came during a deeply challenging period in her life, as she was coping with the recent loss of her father. Despite the emotional weight of that moment, the British athlete showed remarkable resilience by competing among the world’s top distance runners.

Since then, Nuttall has steadily rebuilt both her confidence and her form. As she prepares for the championships in Toruń, she enters the competition in a far stronger place—physically sharper and mentally refreshed. The experience gained from her previous appearance has helped shape her approach, and she now looks forward to testing herself once again against the elite of global indoor distance running.

For Nuttall, this second selection represents more than just another championship start. It reflects the progress she has made through adversity and the belief that her best performances are still ahead. As the world’s finest athletes gather in Toruń, she will step onto the indoor track not only with experience behind her, but also with renewed strength and determination to make her mark.

The women’s 800 metres is already shaping up to be one of the most thrilling events of the indoor season, with early performances pointing to a fierce and highly competitive showdown at the upcoming 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships — the global indoor spectacle scheduled for March 20–22 in Kujawy-Pomorze, Poland.

At the top of the 2026 world list stands Britain’s Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who has delivered an early-season statement with a world-leading 1:54.87. The performance places her firmly ahead of the field and confirms that the British middle-distance star is once again operating at an exceptional level as the championship season approaches.

Yet Hodgkinson’s commanding mark does not mean the race is settled. The women’s 800m is quickly becoming one of the deepest and most competitive events of the indoor circuit this year. Switzerland’s rising talent Audrey Werro sits second on the global list with 1:57.27, underlining her growing status as one of Europe’s most promising young middle-distance runners.

Great Britain’s strength in the event is further highlighted by the presence of Isabelle Boffey and Georgia Hunter Bell, who currently hold the third and fourth fastest times of the season with 1:57.43 and 1:57.80 respectively.

Across the Atlantic, the United States is also well represented among the early leaders. Roisin Willis has clocked 1:57.97, while compatriot Sage Hurta-Klecker follows with 1:58.78, ensuring that the American challenge remains a significant factor heading into the championship season.

Africa also features on the list through Kenya’s Gladys Chepngetich and Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma, who are tied at 1:58.81, both demonstrating the capability to challenge the front runners when it matters most.

Adding further intrigue is Dutch star Femke Bol. Known globally for her dominance in the 400 metres and the hurdles, Bol has also entered the 800m rankings with 1:59.07, showcasing her remarkable range on the track. American athlete Olivia Baker completes the current top ten with 1:59.18.

With multiple athletes already breaking the 1:58 barrier and the season still unfolding, the women’s 800m is rapidly emerging as one of the most compelling events to watch. Tactical awareness, finishing strength, and championship composure will all play decisive roles once the world’s best line up indoors.

As the countdown continues toward the March 20–22 showdown in Kujawy-Pomorze, one question looms large: can anyone challenge Keely Hodgkinson when the world’s best gather for the ultimate indoor battle? 

Kenya has officially named a compact but promising team for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026, with Athletics Kenya selecting six athletes to carry the nation’s hopes at the global indoor spectacle scheduled for March 20–22 in Kujawy-Pomorze, Poland.

The carefully chosen squad blends experience with emerging talent, reflecting Kenya’s growing ambitions on the indoor stage. Traditionally renowned for its dominance in middle- and long-distance events outdoors, the country continues to expand its presence indoors, where speed, tactics, and adaptability on the tight 200-metre track often define success.

Leading the men’s lineup is Brian Omari Tinega, who will represent Kenya in the 400 metres, an event that demands both explosive speed and disciplined pacing. In the men’s 800 metres, the responsibility falls on Noah Kibet, one of the country’s rising middle-distance prospects known for his aggressive racing style. Completing the men’s side is Jacob Krop, who has been entrusted with the 3000 metres, bringing his proven endurance and championship experience to the indoor arena.

The women’s team mirrors that balance of speed and middle-distance strength. Mercy Adongo Oketch will compete in the women’s 400 metres, aiming to deliver a strong performance in an event where fractions of a second often separate medalists from the rest of the field. In the 800 metres, Rosemary Longisa will look to showcase Kenya’s depth in middle-distance running, while Susan Lokayo Ejore takes on the women’s 1500 metres, an event where tactical awareness and finishing speed are critical.

According to the federation, the selected athletes represent a strategic mix designed to maximize Kenya’s competitiveness across both sprint and middle-distance events. While indoor championships present unique challenges — from tighter tracks to faster tactical races — they also offer a valuable platform for athletes to test themselves against the world’s elite early in the season.

The three-day championship is expected to attract top indoor specialists from across the globe, creating an intensely competitive atmosphere. For Kenya’s six representatives, it will be an opportunity not only to chase podium finishes but also to strengthen the country’s growing reputation in indoor athletics.

As preparations intensify ahead of the trip to Poland, hopes remain high that the small but determined Kenyan delegation will rise to the occasion and leave a strong mark on one of the sport’s most prestigious indoor stages.

The men’s 1500 meters at the 2026 Orlen Copernicus Cup in Toruń, Poland produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the indoor season—only for the result to change minutes later.

South Africa’s Tshepiso Masalela crossed the line first in 3:32.55, appearing to claim a major victory at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting held on February 16, 2026.

But the celebration was short-lived.

Officials reviewed the race and disqualified Masalela for unsportsmanlike conduct after he gestured aggressively toward Morocco’s Azeddine Habz during the final sprint down the homestretch.

With the disqualification enforced, Habz was awarded the victory in 3:32.56, just one hundredth of a second behind Masalela at the finish.

Officials ruled that the gun gesture violated Rule TR 7.1 (improper conduct) under World Athletics’ competition regulations. The rule addresses behaviour considered unsportsmanlike or inappropriate during competition.

The incident unfolded in the final meters of a fiercely contested race. As the athletes drove toward the line, Masalela appeared to turn and gesture toward Habz while still sprinting. Officials ruled the action violated competition rules governing athlete conduct.

The decision immediately changed the outcome of one of the fastest indoor 1500-meter races of the season.

The Orlen Copernicus Cup is one of the premier meets on the World Athletics Indoor Tour, often serving as a key tune-up ahead of championship racing. The fast indoor track in Toruń has produced numerous world-class performances over the years, and this race looked destined to be remembered purely for its speed before the post-race ruling shifted the spotlight.

For Habz, the victory stands as an important result in a season building toward the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń next month.

For Masalela, it was a painful lesson in how quickly a victory can disappear—even after crossing the finish line first.

If the men’s 1500 meters at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland (March 20–22, 2026) comes down to the final 150 meters — as indoor championship races so often do — Portugal’s Isaac Nader may already hold the tactical edge.

On February 19, 2026, at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais in Liévin, France, Nader focused on a single objective: the 1500m. He did not attempt a double. He did not divide his attention across events. He executed with discipline and left with a composed victory in 3:32.44.

The time was strong. The execution was even stronger.

Indoor medals are rarely won through reckless aggression. They are earned through positioning, patience, and precise decision-making under pressure. In Liévin, Nader displayed all three.

A Race Built on Control

From the opening laps, Nader resisted the temptation to dictate pace. On a 200-meter oval where every bend compresses space and every surge risks being trapped on the rail, spatial awareness is everything. He remained close enough to stay dangerous, yet far enough to avoid unnecessary contact.

As the field tightened entering the decisive stages, the tension that defines elite indoor 1500-meter racing became visible. No one wanted to commit too early. No one wanted to be exposed before the bell.

Nader waited.

With roughly 200 meters remaining, he shifted gears — controlled, decisive, without panic. By the time his rivals reacted, the separation had formed. Indoors, that margin is often enough.

He did not win through chaos. He won through timing.

Why the Focus Matters

The World Indoor Championships will demand a heat and a final in compressed succession. Energy management becomes strategic. Athletes who stretch themselves thin across the indoor season often arrive sharp but fatigued.

By concentrating solely on the 1500m in Liévin, Nader signaled clarity of purpose. He sharpened one blade rather than swinging several.

That focus aligns with championship success.

The Tactical Landscape in Toruń

The field in Poland is expected to include athletes willing to test the pace early. Yet indoor finals frequently stall on the penultimate lap as runners hesitate, calculating risk versus reward.

That hesitation is where races are decided.

Nader’s Liévin performance suggests he thrives in contained tension. He absorbs surges rather than initiating them. He maintains structural positioning — avoiding being boxed, preserving outside options, and striking only when the window fully opens.

In tight indoor racing, composure can outweigh raw speed.

The Question Ahead

The issue is not whether Nader has the closing speed. Liévin confirmed that. The question is whether his rivals in Toruń can neutralize his patience.

Championship 1500-meter racing is rarely won by the athlete who leads longest. It is won by the athlete who controls the decisive movement.

If the race in Poland evolves into a tactical contest rather than an all-out tempo effort, Isaac Nader will not simply be in the final.

He will be the athlete everyone must account for.

Athletics Kenya has officially cancelled the World Athletics Indoor Trials that were scheduled to take place in Nairobi on January 30–31, 2026, dealing a significant change to the country’s indoor season plans. The federation confirmed the decision through an official notice addressed to athletes, officials, and key stakeholders.

According to Athletics Kenya, the trials were called off due to unavoidable circumstances, making it impossible to stage the event as planned. While specific details were not disclosed, the federation emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration, prioritising organisational, logistical, and competitive integrity concerns. The move underscores the challenges involved in hosting high-level indoor competitions and the need to ensure proper conditions for fair athlete selection.

Despite the cancellation, Athletics Kenya reassured athletes that the process of selecting Team Kenya for the upcoming global championships remains firmly on course. Instead of trials, the federation will adopt a time-based and merit-based selection system, relying on verified performances achieved during the official qualification window. Athlete monitoring will continue closely across approved competitions listed on the Athletics Kenya calendar.

The selection process will cover key indoor disciplines including 60m (men), 60m hurdles (women), 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m for both men and women. Final team selection will only be confirmed after the World Athletics qualification period closes on March 8, 2026, ensuring all eligible performances are fully assessed.

Athletes have been advised to remain focused on training and competition, as strong and consistent performances during the qualification period will now play an even more decisive role in securing national team slots. The federation also pledged to issue further updates should any changes arise.

Attention now turns to the global stage, where Kenya will aim to make a strong impact at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26. The championships will be held in Toruń, Poland, from March 20–22, 2026, bringing together over 2,000 athletes from approximately 150 countries for one of the biggest indoor athletics events on the calendar.

The Toruń championships will mark a historic milestone for the host nation — the second time Poland has staged a World Athletics Indoor Championships, and notably the first time the event will be hosted in the Kujawy and Pomorze Region. With elite global competition and high stakes, Team Kenya will be aiming to arrive fully prepared, despite the absence of national trials, ready to compete on one of athletics’ biggest indoor stages.

At just 17, Quincy Wilson had the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to represent Team USA at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing. He could have stood shoulder to shoulder with Olympians, tested himself against the world’s best, and made his international debut on one of track and field’s biggest stages.

But Wilson said no.

Instead of flying to China, the high school junior stayed home in Maryland—and focused on his homework.

Yes, you read that right. The teenager who stunned crowds with a jaw-dropping 43.99 anchor leg at the Penn Relays—one of the fastest relay splits ever recorded in high school—chose to prioritize his studies. “School comes first,” Wilson posted on Instagram. And just like that, the rising sprint star reminded everyone that discipline isn’t just about medals. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when not to chase one.

What Has He Done Since?

Plenty. Wilson didn’t fade after passing on the global spotlight—he’s continued to rise, one breakthrough at a time:

• Set the high school track world on fire with a 43.99 anchor at the 2024 Penn Relays, helping Bullis School (MD) break national records.

• Became the youngest athlete in history to win the All-Met Athlete of the Year four years in a row.

• Ran 45.76 indoors and 44.20 outdoors, setting U18 world bests and defeating professional-level athletes in senior-level finals.

• Earned Olympic gold in the men’s 4x400m relay in Paris 2024—competing in the heats, becoming the youngest male U.S. track athlete to medal at the Games.

• Maintained academic excellence while continuing to dominate both indoor and outdoor circuits, staying true to his commitment to graduate with his class at Bullis in 2026.

Why This Story Matters

Quincy Wilson’s decision to delay international glory for academics wasn’t just impressive—it was instructive. In an age when young athletes are often rushed into the limelight, Wilson’s path is a reminder that long-term greatness is built with patience, intention, and maturity.

• He didn’t chase headlines—he earned them.

• He didn’t sacrifice school for sport—he’s mastering both.

• He’s not rushing to be great—he’s building it brick by brick.

A Lesson for Every Runner

Whether you’re chasing a PR, a national title, or just personal progress, Wilson’s journey offers a powerful takeaway:

• Run your own race. Don’t let hype or pressure pull you off course.

• Respect the process. Like training, growth takes time—and consistency.

• Play the long game. True success is sustainable, not rushed.

Wilson has already achieved what most runners only dream of. But more importantly, he’s doing it his way—with humility, focus, and incredible perspective.

As the world buzzes about what he could’ve done on that global indoor stage, Quincy Wilson is still just getting started.

And he’s doing it on his terms.

Kenyan athletes Ferdinand Omanyala, Eliud Kipchoge, and Faith Kipyegon have been nominated for the prestigious Africa Golden Awards’ Best Athlete of the Year 2025. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Nairobi on April 27, 2025.

Ferdinand Omanyala

Renowned for his sprinting prowess, Omanyala had a mixed 2024 season. He secured a fourth-place finish at the World Athletics Indoor Championships and reached the semi-finals at the Paris Olympics, finishing eighth. Despite these challenges, his nomination underscores his significant impact on African sprinting.

Eliud Kipchoge

The marathon legend faced a challenging 2024, finishing 10th at the Tokyo Marathon and recording a Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Paris Olympics. Nonetheless, his enduring legacy in long-distance running and his influence on the sport have earned him a place among the nominees.

Faith Kipyegon

Middle-distance runner Kipyegon had a stellar 2024 season, highlighted by her third consecutive Olympic gold in the 1500m at the Paris Olympics. She also secured a silver medal in the 5000m, further cementing her status as one of the year’s top athletes.

Voting and Awards Ceremony

Voting for the Best Athlete of the Year award commenced on March 9 and will continue until April 21. The athlete receiving the highest number of votes will be honored at the awards gala on April 27 in Nairobi. The winner will receive Ksh4.5 million (USD 35,000), with the first and second runners-up earning Ksh2.5 million (USD 20,000) and Ksh1.2 million (USD 10,000), respectively.

The Africa Golden Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of African athletes, highlighting the continent’s growing prominence in the global sports arena.

After clinching his first global medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, you is setting his sights on something even bigger: gold in the 1500m at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo.

The Scottish middle-distance star delivered a commanding performance indoors, earning silver behind Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen. But for Gourley, it wasn’t just about the medal—it was about momentum. And belief.

Earlier that weekend, Gourley served as captain of the British team, delivering an inspiring speech to his teammates, urging them to “leave room for the extraordinary.” Then he went out and embodied those very words.

“It was an emotional weekend,” Gourley reflected. “To lead the team and then come away with a medal—it meant a lot. But I’m not satisfied yet. I’ve seen what Jake and Josh have done. I want that gold. It’s my turn now.”

He’s referring to fellow Scots Jake Wightman and Josh Kerr, who both made headlines by defeating Ingebrigtsen to win 1500m gold at the last two World Championships. Wightman shocked the field in Eugene in 2022, while Kerr executed a masterclass in race tactics in Budapest in 2023.

Now, Gourley wants to be the next name in that elite lineage.

“There’s something special happening in Scottish middle-distance running,” he said. “We’re not just showing up—we’re winning. I want to be part of that legacy.”

Gourley’s trajectory has been steadily rising. With a background in the NCAA system, British titles to his name, and a reputation for tactical intelligence and fierce finishing speed, he has quietly become one of the most dangerous men in the event.

But this September in Tokyo, he doesn’t want to fly under the radar. He wants the spotlight.

“The standard has been set, and I’m ready to meet it,” Gourley said. “I’ve visualized this. I’ve trained for this. I’ve seen what’s possible. Now I want to do it myself.”

As preparations begin for the outdoor season, Gourley will focus on sharpening his race craft, dialing in his training, and building toward the moment he’s dreamed about—standing on top of the podium in one of the sport’s most iconic events.

“I’m coming for it,” he said. “Tokyo is where I want to make it happen.”

With Wightman and Kerr already enshrined in British running history, Neil Gourley is ready to write his own chapter—and keep the golden streak of Scottish milers alive.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen proved once again why he’s one of the most dominant middle-distance runners of his generation, capturing double gold at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. In what was his first time winning a World Indoor title, the 24-year-old Norwegian made it two-for-two, taking the top spot in both the 1500m and 3000m finals.

“What’s better than winning your first World Indoor title? Winning two,” Jakob posted on Facebook.

“And four medals in total for Norway! Proud to be part of this historical team.”

1500m: Controlled from Start to Finish

Ingebrigtsen opened his championships campaign with a smooth and commanding victory in the men’s 1500 meters, running 3:38.79. He stayed near the front for most of the race before pulling away in the final laps.

• Gold: Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway) – 3:38.79

• Silver: Neil Gourley (Great Britain) – 3:39.07

• Bronze: Luke Houser (USA) – 3:39.17

3000m: A Tactical Masterclass

Just days later, Ingebrigtsen returned to the track for the 3000 meters, where he again showcased patience and tactical brilliance. Holding back early, he made his move with a lap to go and surged ahead to win in 7:46.09, just ahead of Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi, who finished in 7:46.25.

• Gold: Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway) – 7:46.09

• Silver: Berihu Aregawi (Ethiopia) – 7:46.25

• Bronze: Selemon Barega (Ethiopia) – 7:46.62

In doing so, Ingebrigtsen became one of the rare athletes to win both the 1500m and 3000m titles at a single World Indoor Championships, placing him in elite historical company.

A Historic Championship for Norway

With Ingebrigtsen’s double gold, Team Norway earned four total medals in Nanjing — their best-ever performance at a World Indoor Championships. The team’s success further underscores the country’s rising status in global athletics.

Ingebrigtsen doesn’t just win races — he defines eras. And in Nanjing, he made it clear that the era is still very much his.

Australian middle-distance standout Jessica Hull delivered another impressive performance on the global stage, earning a bronze medal in the women’s 3000 meters at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. Following her silver medal at the Olympics, Hull has now proven she belongs on the world podium — indoors and out.

Running with confidence and control, Hull led at several points in the race and kicked hard in the closing laps, crossing the line in 8:38.28 — just 0.02 seconds behind American Shelby Houlihan, who claimed silver. Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu took the win in 8:37.21, showcasing the kind of closing speed that has made her a dominant figure in middle-distance events.

“I knew it would come down to that final lap,” Hull said post-race. “I gave everything I had, and to come away with a medal among such a talented field is really special.”

This marks a major step up for Hull, who finished fourth in this event at the 2024 World Indoors. With back-to-back major medals, she’s now firmly part of the world’s elite.

A Deeper Look at the Medalists

Freweyni Hailu of Ethiopia, the 2022 world indoor silver medalist, finally struck gold with a calm, tactical performance and a powerful closing lap. Hailu, who also holds the world indoor mile record, played her cards perfectly — staying tucked in until launching her move in the final 200 meters to stop the clock at 8:37.21.

Shelby Houlihan made a stunning return to international competition, showing she’s still a force in middle-distance running. Her silver-medal effort in 8:38.26 came after a smartly managed race where she moved up steadily in the second half. Known for her 1500m prowess, Houlihan’s endurance over 3000m proved she remains among the world’s best.

Full Results – Women’s 3000m Final

1. Freweyni Hailu (ETH) – 8:37.21

2. Shelby Houlihan (USA) – 8:38.26

3. Jessica Hull (AUS) – 8:38.28

4. Whittni Morgan (USA) – 8:39.18

5. Birke Haylom (ETH) – 8:39.28

6. Sarah Healy (IRL) – 8:40.00

7. Marta García (ESP) – 8:40.80

8. Purity Kajuju Gitonga (KEN) – 8:44.56

9. Linden Hall (AUS) – 8:44.99

10. Nozomi Tanaka (JPN) – 8:47.93

11. Adva Cohen (ISR) – 8:59.62

12. Li Yuan (CHN) – 9:14.14

This thrilling final was a highlight of the Nanjing championships so far.  

The World Athletics Indoor Championships began on March 21, 2025, in Nanjing, China, featuring outstanding performances across various events.

Matheus Lima da Silva Sets South American Record

Brazil’s Matheus Lima da Silva set a new South American indoor record in the men’s 400 meters, clocking 45.79 seconds to win his heat and advance to the semifinals.  

Triple Jump Gold for Andy Díaz Hernández

Italy’s Andy Díaz Hernández secured gold in the men’s triple jump with a leap of 17.80 meters, setting a new Italian record. China’s Zhu Yaming took silver with 17.33 meters, and Brazil’s Almir Dos Santos earned bronze with 17.22 meters.  

Jeremiah Azu Triumphs in Men’s 60 Meters

Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu won the men’s 60 meters final, recording a personal best of 6.49 seconds. Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy finished second in 6.50 seconds, and South Africa’s Akani Simbine claimed bronze with 6.54 seconds.  

Woo Sang-hyeok Wins High Jump

South Korea’s Woo Sang-hyeok claimed gold in the men’s high jump, clearing 2.31 meters. New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr and Jamaica’s Raymond Richards both cleared 2.28 meters, earning silver and bronze respectively based on countback rules.

Strong Performances in Middle-Distance Events

In the men’s 800 meters heats, France’s Yanis Meziane led with a time of 1:46.07, followed by the USA’s Brandon Miller at 1:46.47, and Puerto Rico’s John Rivera at 1:46.84.  

The opening day set a high standard, with athletes delivering exceptional performances and setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.

After years of delays and anticipation, the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships will finally unfold in Nanjing, China, from March 21 to 23. While sprints and field events always generate buzz, this edition promises to be a landmark for distance running—with some of the world’s best athletes converging to test themselves against the clock, the field, and history.

At the center of it all is Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Norway’s Olympic gold medalist and world champion, who will attempt an ambitious and rare double in the 1500 meters and 3000 meters. If successful, he will join Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie, who last accomplished the feat in 1999. Ingebrigtsen’s smooth stride, iron pacing, and fierce final kick have made him one of the most dominant middle-distance runners of the past decade. But with Ethiopian and Kenyan contenders lining up with fast times and bold strategies, neither race will be a solo effort.

The 3000 meters is shaping up as one of the most exciting events of the meet. Alongside Ingebrigtsen, Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega—Olympic 10,000m champion—and Kenya’s Jacob Kropbring serious range and championship pedigree. With indoor tracks amplifying the tactical element and crowd energy, fans can expect a thrilling mix of surges, positioning, and all-out finishing kicks in the final laps.

In the 800 meters, the men’s race is wide open. With no clear dominant figure, the door is open for rising stars from Spain, Algeria, and the United States to make a breakthrough. Indoors, the 800 is a physical, high-stakes affair, with tight turns and strategic jostling—where positioning is just as important as speed. The women’s 800 features a mix of veterans and rising talent, with sub-2:00 runners all seeking to time their peak perfectly for Nanjing.

The women’s 1500 meters could become a showcase for a new era of stars. While no single name stands above the rest going in, there are multiple women capable of taking the crown, including contenders from Great Britain, Ethiopia, and Australia. As with the men’s race, the tight indoor track places a premium on tactical patience and decisive moves.

Also featured is the distance medley relay, a relatively new but fan-favorite event that brings a unique blend of speed and endurance. Countries with depth across the 400, 800, 1200, and 1600-meter legs will have the advantage, and the energy in the building is expected to be electric when teams hand off for the final mile leg.

Nanjing’s fast indoor surface and tightly packed arena create the perfect environment for records, surprises, and heroic runs. After years of waiting, the distance events at these World Indoor Championships promise to be the heart of the competition—where strategy, stamina, and raw speed will collide on the world stage.

The Ethiopian Athletics Federation has unveiled a formidable lineup for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships, set to take place from March 21 to 23, 2025, at the Nanjing Sports Training Centre’s Indoor Athletics Arena in Nanjing, China.  

Highlighted Athletes:

• Tsige Duguma: The reigning 800m indoor champion, Duguma clinched gold at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. She further showcased her prowess by securing a silver medal in the 800m at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a personal best of 1:57.15.

• Freweyni Hailu: Hailu captured the 1500m title at the 2024 World Indoor Championships. Her consistent performances have solidified her status as one of Ethiopia’s premier middle-distance runners.

• Gudaf Tsegay: The reigning World 10,000m champion, Tsegay has been selected for the 1500m event in Nanjing. She recently recorded a world-leading time of 3:53.92 in Torun, marking the second-fastest indoor 1500m performance in history, trailing only her own world indoor record.

• Samuel Tefera: A two-time world indoor 1500m champion, Tefera aims to defend his title and further cement his legacy in middle-distance running.

• Berihu Aregawi: The Olympic 10,000m silver medallist is set to compete in the 3000m event, bringing his endurance and tactical acumen to the indoor track.

Wild Card Entries:

Due to their outstanding performances in the World Athletics Indoor Tour, both Tsige Duguma and Freweyni Hailu have secured wild card entries for the championships. These wild cards permit Ethiopia to field three athletes in specific disciplines, enhancing the team’s competitive depth.

Event Overview:

The World Athletics Indoor Championships serve as a global stage for athletes to compete at the highest level in indoor track and field events. Originally slated for 2020, the Nanjing championships faced postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic but are now set to proceed in March 2025.  

Ethiopia’s delegation reflects the nation’s rich tradition in middle and long-distance running. With a blend of defending champions and rising stars, the team is poised to make a significant impact at the championships.

The 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships, set to take place from March 21-23 in Nanjing, China, marks the long-awaited return of the competition after a five-year hiatus. Originally scheduled for 2020, the event was postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this edition one of the most highly anticipated in recent history. With over 500 athletes from approximately 120 nations, the championships will feature world-class competition across 26 events, including the debut of the 4x400m mixed relay as an official indoor discipline.

The Venue: A World-Class Stage in Nanjing

The championships will be held at Nanjing’s Cube, a cutting-edge indoor arena within the Nanjing Youth Olympic Sports Park. Completed in 2019, the venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to accommodate both athletes and spectators, providing an optimal environment for record-breaking performances.

Exciting Events and New Additions

The championship program features sprints, middle-distance races, hurdles, jumps, throws, and combined events, offering fans three days of intense competition. The 4x400m mixed relay will be contested for the first time at the indoor championships, following its successful debut in outdoor competition. The race order—man, woman, man, woman—adds a strategic element, and the world record standard has been set at 3:12.44.

Qualification and the World Indoor Tour

This year’s World Athletics Indoor Tour, now in its tenth season, plays a crucial role in the road to Nanjing. Featuring over 60 competitions across Europe, North America, and Asia, the tour provides top athletes with an opportunity to secure qualification for the championships. Nine Gold-level meetings were part of the 2025 circuit, beginning in Astana, Kazakhstan, on January 25 and concluding in Madrid, Spain, on February 28.

Athletes who finished as the top point scorers in their disciplines earned a $10,000 bonus and automatic entry into the championships. This season’s scoring disciplines included:

• Women: 60m, 800m, 3000m/5000m, pole vault, triple jump, shot put

• Men: 400m, 1500m/mile, 60m hurdles, high jump, long jump

Star Athletes to Watch

Several elite athletes have confirmed their participation, ensuring a thrilling showdown in Nanjing. Some of the biggest names expected to compete include:

Sprints and Hurdles

Grant Holloway of the United States, the reigning world champion and world record holder in the 60m hurdles, is aiming for his third consecutive world indoor title. He recently extended his 82-race unbeaten streak in the event, making him a strong favorite.

Robin Ganter of Germany, fresh off his 60m national title with a personal best of 6.56 seconds, is a rising contender in the short sprints.

Middle-Distance & Distance Races

Tsige Duguma of Ethiopia, the defending world indoor 800m champion, has been dominant in recent races, including a victory at the Copernicus Cup in Poland.

Stefan Nillessen of the Netherlands broke the national indoor 3000m record with a time of 7:37.10 and clocked a personal best of 3:52.70 in the mile, making him one to watch in the middle-distance events.

What to Expect

With record chases, title defenses, and rising stars looking to make their mark, the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships promises electrifying competition. Fans can expect intense battles on the track, thrilling jumps and throws, and potential record-breaking performances as the world’s best athletes gather in Nanjing for three days of world-class indoor athletics.

Stay tuned to My Best Runs for updates, race previews, and athlete insights as the countdown to Nanjing continues!

The New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting, is set to deliver thrilling track action in Boston on Sunday (Feb 2), with an elite lineup of global gold medalists ready to ignite the indoor season. The competition will serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 in March.

Sprints and Hurdles: Lyles and Alfred Lead the Charge

Olympic and world sprint sensation Noah Lyles returns to defend his 60m title, after setting a meeting record of 6.44 last year. Lyles, who claimed 100m gold and 200m bronze at the Olympics, kicked off his season with a 6.62 win in Gainesville last weekend. He will face Trayvon Bromell (USA), Zharnel Hughes (GBR), and 2022 world indoor champion Marcell Jacobs (ITA), who is making his North American indoor debut.

In the women’s 300m, Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred steps up in distance for her New Balance Indoor Grand Prix debut. After winning world indoor 60m gold in Glasgow, Alfred took 100m gold and 200m silver at the Olympics and ended last season with a Diamond League Final victory. She faces a competitive field including 2019 world 200m champion Dina Asher-Smith (GBR) and USA’s Lynna Irby-Jackson.

The men’s 300m features Olympic 400m hurdles gold medalist Rai Benjamin. A past winner in Boston, Benjamin is set to battle 4x400m relay star Vernon Norwood and Matthew Boling.

The 60m hurdles events promise fireworks, with world record-holder Devynne Charlton (7.65) and Olympic champion Masai Russell renewing their rivalry. Russell edged Charlton in their recent clash in Lubbock, but the Bahamian sprinter leads their head-to-head series 8-2. Joining them are Olympic finalists Ackera Nugent, Grace Stark, and 2018 world indoor silver medallist Christina Clemons.

For the men, world record-holder Grant Holloway (7.27) looks to extend his 10-year unbeaten streak in the 60m hurdles. The Olympic and world champion headlines the field alongside Olympic finalist Freddie Crittenden and 2022 world silver medallist Trey Cunningham.

Middle and Long Distance Races: Olympic Medalists Face Off

The women’s 3000m sees Olympic 1500m silver medalist Jessica Hull (AUS) take on Great Britain’s Olympic bronze medalist Georgia Bell. Hull, the defending champion, set an Oceanian indoor record of 8:24.93 in this event last year. They are joined by USA’s Parker Valby, Emily Mackay, Elise Cranny, Ethiopia’s Melknat Wudu, Italy’s Sintayehu Vissa, and Olympic steeplechase medalist Emma Coburn.

In the men’s 1500m, USA’s Grant Fisher (Olympic 5000m and 10,000m bronze medalist) takes on 2022 world champion Jake Wightman (GBR), Oliver Hoare (AUS), and Josh Hoey, who recently broke the North American 1000m record.

Bryce Hoppel, the reigning world indoor 800m champion, leads the men’s 800m field, while Hobbs Kessler, Cameron Myers, Neil Gourley, and Andrew Coscoran battle in the 3000m.

Other Key Events

Women’s 60m: Mikiah Brisco (USA) and Zoe Hobbs (NZL) lead the field.

Men’s 400m: 2022 world indoor champion Jereem Richards (TTO) races USA’s Quincy Wilson.

Women’s 500m: Dutch 4x400m Olympic champion Lisanne de Witte takes on USA’s Olympic 800m medallist Raevyn Rogers.

Women’s Mile: Heather MacLean (2023 winner) faces Olympic finalist Susan Ejore, Maia Ramsden, and Sage Hurta-Klecker.

With an electrifying lineup of Olympic and world champions, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix promises high-stakes racing and a preview of the talent heading to Nanjing 25.

Zablon Ekwam is keen to leave his mark in the 400m event at the Paris Olympics after securing his qualification time at the Kip Keino Classic last week. 

Ekwam powered to fourth place in 44.69 seconds, closely trailing Botswana’s Leungo Scotch at 44.54. Bryce Deadmon of the USA took second (44.41), while Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori clinched the title (44.10).

With the 2024 Olympic mark set at 45.00 for men and 50.95 for women, Ekwam’s performance puts him in prime position for the global showdown.

 “The Olympics is the climax of any sporting event and every athlete's dream is to make it to the global showpiece. I look forward to making my mark in Paris,” Ekwam remarked.

Ekwam highlighted the privilege of representing the country in an event where few Kenyan athletes qualify. “Representing the country in an event where there are not as many athletes qualifying is a nice feeling,” he stated.

Kenya has only secured two medals at the Olympics in the 400m, first at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, where Julius Sang clocked 44.92 to secure bronze and in 1992 in Barcelona, where the late Samson Kitur also won bronze in 44.24.

The last athlete to represent the country at the Olympics in the 400m was Emmanuel Korir at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he was disqualified for a false start.

 Despite missing out on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Ekwam remains determined to post impressive results this time around. 

 “I have been fighting for this spot for four years. I missed out on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because I did not make the cut,” he stated.

He pointed out that consistent training was the key to making the Olympic team. “I went back to training consistently for three years to make the 2024 Olympics.”

Ekwam’s dedication paid off, as he recently contributed to shattering two African records with the 4x400m men’s relay team at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in March.

He was in the company of Wiseman Were, Boniface Mweresa and Kelvin Tauta.

Looking ahead, Ekwam is also set to represent Kenya at the World Relay Championships in Nassau, Bahamas as he seeks to showcase his prowess in the 4x400m mixed relay.

He will be joined by Were, Kennedy Kimeu, Mercy Chebet, Mary Moraa and Maureen Thomas as they hunt for a top-14 finish that will secure Olympic qualification for the relay team.

Just before the bell sounded in the men’s 3000m final, Josh Kerr made his move, sweeping through to join Selemon Barega at the front of the field with one lap of the track remaining.

Could the Scot who brought down Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the Norwegian prince of the middle distances, in the last 200m of the stunning men’s 1500m final at the outdoor World Championships in Budapest last August do the same to the defending 3000m champion back on home ground at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24?

Indeed, he could. And then some.

The noise threatened to raise the roof in the Glasgow Arena as the pride of Glasgow kicked again halfway down the back straight. Barega, the Olympic champion at 10,000m, was unable to respond.

As Kerr rounded into the home straight, the gold medal was in the bag. He still dipped for the line but with 0.61 to spare.

The time, 7:42.98, was a statistical irrelevance as the double world champion savoured his victory ahead of his US rival Yared Nuguse, who came through to snatch silver in 7:43.59, Barega fading to third in 7:43.64.

Kerr had become the first British man to win the world indoor 3000m title and only the third Scottish athlete to strike world indoor gold in any event.

He wasn’t even born when the Bellshill Bullet Tom McKean hit the bullseye in the men’s 800m and his training partner Yvonne Murray did likewise in the women’s 3000m in Toronto back in the mists of 1993.

Fittingly, McKean and Murray were both in the house to join in the celebrations as Kerr soaked up the applause wrapped in a Scottish Saltire flag.

“For Scotland and for the UK, this is a huge championships,” said the Tokyo Olympic 1500m bronze medallist, who has been based in the United States in Albuquerque since the age of 17.

“I needed to be at my best. It was a hard-fought race.”

It was indeed and Kerr fought the smartest, judging his effort to absolute perfection, as he had in that wonderful world outdoor 1500m final seven months ago.

He was happy to sit back in the pack as Barega and his Ethiopian teammate Getnet Wale toyed with the pace at the front, injecting fleeting surges.

The field remained bunched with 800m remaining, at which point Kerr coolly drifted up into second, behind Wale. It was the perfect position to react to any major move.

That came with 500m remaining, Barega making his way past into the lead. Nuguse’s US teammate Olin Hocker entered the equation too before Kerr closed down Barega at the bell – and proceeded to break not just the Ethiopian runner but the Ethiopian stranglehold on the event.

After wins by Yomif Kejelcha in Portland in 2016 and in Birmingham in 2018, and Barega’s success in Belgrade two years ago, Kerr became the first European winner since Italy’s Gennaro Di Napoli retained the title in Toronto in 1993.

“I just didn't want to short change anyone because I knew I had the support of all Scotland and the UK tonight,” added Kerr, who has raced sparingly on the boards but set a brilliant world indoor two mile best of 8:00.67 in New York on 6 February.

Behind the three medal winners, Wale finished fourth in 7:44.77 and Hacker fifth in 7:45.40.

When the Olympic champion met the world indoor champion, something was always going to give. In the end, as Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Samuel Tefera fought towards the line in the men’s 1500m final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22 on Sunday (20), it was the Norwegian star who had no choice but to concede. 

Not that Ingebrigtsen ever gave up, the 21-year-old trying to summon something – anything – to repel the late charge of Tefera, but it was no use, with the 22-year-old Ethiopian taking gold in 3:32.77, Ingebrigtsen taking silver in 3:33.02, and Kenya’s Abel Kipsang the bronze in 3:33.36. 

Before the race, the head-to-head record between the big two was 11-0 in favour of Ingebrigtsen, but no one beats Samuel Tefera 12 times in a row, not when this is a distance at which he held the world indoor record at 3:31.04 for the past three years, until Ingebrigtsen broke it earlier this year with 3:30.60. 

That race in Lievin, France, in mid-February made the Norwegian the hot favourite for the title in Belgrade, and when the gun fired he adopted similar tactics to the Olympic final in Tokyo, or indeed most races on the circuit. 

He made sure it was fast. 

With Kipsang rocketing through the opening lap in 27.60, Ingebrigtsen waited until the second to hit the front, stringing the field out behind as he passed 400m in 55.81, 800m in 1:53.9 and 1200m in 2:51.16. 

But tracking him all the way, keeping his powder dry, was Tefera, the slightly more measured pace compared to the race in Lievin allowing him to sit in his slipstream into the final bend. Tefera then moved wide off the turn and emptied the tank to edge past his rival up the home straight, retaining his world indoor title with a championship record of 3:32.77. 

“The race was very tough, but I feel very happy now because I became the champion,” said Tefera, who said he had surgery on his achilles tendon last year, an injury picked up during the Tokyo Olympics. 

“I could not do many activities within the training but now I am completely fit,” he said. “I feel normal and I am ready for any kind of races and championships.”

Ingebrigtsen was gracious in defeat, not that he was too pleased about his silver.

“I came here to fight for the gold and it was a good fight,” he said. “I didn’t feel that great. Usually I feel a bit tired from 600 to 800 then it starts to loosen up but that didn’t happen tonight so I’m not 100 percent. Tefera was better than me tonight. I thought I was better than him, having run the record.”

Asked if he would do anything different if the race was run again, he said: “If I knew that I was completely s*** tonight, then of course I’d do a lot of things different, but I didn’t have any factors telling me that before the race.”In third, Kipsang claimed the first global medal of his career, having been edged into fourth at the Olympics last year. Ethiopia’s Teddese Lemi finished fourth in 3:33.59, with Australia’s Ollie Hoare fifth and Britain’s Neil Gourley sixth.

The following day, on his return home after not feeling fully fit, Ingebrigtsen shared a photo of a positive Covid test on his social media and wrote: "Just arrived home in Sandnes, and decided to take a health check after a strange feeling last night. Leading up to the race, everything felt normal, with negative PCR test and several rapid tests. Bad timing but in some way unavoidable. Now it's all about recovering and getting back to training."

The United States has named a team of 57 athletes for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 on March 1-3.

World and Olympic champions Ryan Crouser and Katie Moon head the men’s and women’s entries respectively. They will be joined by world champions Noah Lyles, Grant Holloway and Chase Jackson (nee Ealey).

Sandi Morris will defend her world indoor pole vault title, while world leaders Tara Davis-Woodhall, Yared Nuguse and Shelby McEwen also feature on the team.

US team for Glasgow

Women

60m: Celera Barnes, Mikiah Brisco, Aleia Hobbs

400m: Talitha Diggs, Alexis Holmes

800m: Addison Wiley, Allie Wilson

1500: Nikki Hiltz, Emily Mackay

3000m: Josette Andrews, Elle St Pierre

60m hurdles: Christina Clemons, Masai Russell

High jump: Vashti Cunningham

Pole vault: Katie Moon, Sandi Morris

Long jump: Tara Davis-Woodhall, Monae' Nichols

Triple jump: Jasmine Moore, Keturah Orji

Shot put: Maggie Ewen, Chase Jackson

Pentathlon: Chari Hawkins

4x400m: Quanera Hayes, Bailey Lear, Na'Asha Robinson, Maya Singletary, Jessica Wright

Men

60m: Christian Coleman, Noah Lyles

400m: Brian Faust, Jacory Patterson

800m: Isaiah Harris, Bryce Hoppel

1500m: Cole Hocker, Hobbs Kessler

300m: Olin Hacker, Yared Nuguse

60m hurdles: Trey Cunningham, Grant Holloway, Cameron Murray

High jump: Shelby McEwen, Vernon Turner

Pole vault: Sam Kendricks, Chris Nilsen

Long jump: Jarrion Lawson, Will Williams

Triple jump: Chris Benard, Donald Scott

Shot put: Ryan Crouser, Roger Steen

Heptathlon: Harrison Williams

4x400m: Chris Bailey, Trevor Bassitt, Matthew Boling, Paul Dedewo, Wil London

Mariano Garcia forms part of the Spanish team for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 and will defend his 800m title at the event that takes place from March 1-3.

The 26-year-old claimed his first global title in Belgrade two years ago and went on to win European 800m gold that year in Munich.

In Glasgow, Garcia will be joined in the men’s 800m by teammate Mohamed Attaoui.

Maria Vicente heads to Glasgow in the form of her life, having scored a world-leading national record of 4728 points in the pentathlon in Aubiere in January.

National mile record-holder Marta Perez and national champion Esther Guerrero are both entered for the women’s 1500m.

After winning three medals at the European Indoor Championships between 2017 and 2023 and finishing fifth at the 2018 World Indoor Championships in the 3000m, Adel Mechaal will contest the 1500m in Glasgow. He will be joined in that event by two-time world finalist Mario Garcia.

Asier Martinez will look to build on his fourth-place finish in Belgrade in the 60m hurdles.

The full team will be confirmed once world rankings places have been finalised.

Spanish team for Glasgow

Women

60m: Jael Bestue

1500m: Esther Guerrero, Marta Perez

60m hurdles: Xenia Benach

Pentathlon: Maria Vicente

Men

800m: Mohamed Attaoui, Mariano Garcia

1500m: Mario Garcia, Adel Mechaal

60m hurdles: Enrique Llopis, Asier Martinez

Sprinter Ewa Swoboda is bang on target for her first global senior medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 next month. And the Pole, No.2 in the world this year over 60m, is sure to be well supported at the Scottish venue on March 1-3.

Not only is it the same arena in which she won European Indoor Championships 60m gold in 2019, but she also has strong family ties nearby.

“It’s a big event for me,” she says. “I want to win a medal and a PB.

“I like Glasgow. It’s also close to where my brother lives in Edinburgh.”

Swoboda opened her year in searing style, winning at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze event in Lodz and then at World Indoor Tour Gold events in Ostrava and Torun. At the latter, she clocked a then world lead of 7.01, her best time for two years. Only Julien Alfred, with the 6.99 she ran in New York, has gone faster so far this year. That 6.99 matches Swoboda's PB, set in Torun in 2022.

Speed has always been a feature in the life of the Zory-born runner, who also takes an interest in fast cars. Recalling her school days, Swoboda says: “I (was) faster than the boys too and my teacher looked at me and she told my parents, ‘She must go to training.’ And here I am, since 2009.”

Her first major competition saw her finish fourth in the 2013 World U20 Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine, aged 16. She then placed fifth at the same event in 2014 in Eugene, USA, and became European U20 champion in Eskilstuna, Sweden, in 2015.

Then, at the 2016 Bydgoszcz World U20 Championships, she thrilled the home crowd by winning 100m silver. She went on to represent her country at the Rio Olympic Games, where she reached the semifinals.    

Now, 26, she is asserting herself on the world stage. She was fourth at the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade and last year she reached her first World Athletics Championships final, placing sixth over 100m.

It followed an unfortunate career blip, which meant she missed the opportunity to defend her 60m title at the 2021 Torun European Indoor Championships in her home country due to Covid-19 and then the Tokyo Olympics through injury.

Now, as well as enjoying her current success on the track, Swoboda embraces being an extrovert figure in the sport. Her heavily tattooed body, painted nails and playful personality have won her a legion of fans at home and overseas.  

“I am not playing any role,” she says “I am just Ewa. I am open, I don’t have a problem smiling! It’s important. I like what I do, and I am happy.” 

She also welcomes being part of the current era of the women’s 100m and its colourful crop of champions, particularly world champion Sha’Carri Richardson.

“I love to run with Sha’Carri,” smiles Swoboda. “Sha’Carri is a gorgeous girl, and her energy is welcome and it’s nice to be a part of this little family.” 

This year promises to be a huge one for Swoboda, with the World Indoor Championships, European Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games all in her plans: “First Glasgow, then Rome and Paris!”

As for whether, there will be more body art this year, she says: “Not now. Maybe when I win something? Maybe after (the) indoors, some more tattoos. 

“I like this, it’s my hobby,” she adds, putting precious metal above tattoos as her favoured decoration for now.

World champion Josh Kerr and Olympic silver medalist Laura Muir are among the athletes selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24.

World leader Molly Caudery is also on the host nation team for the event taking place at the Glasgow Arena from 1-3 March.

Kerr, who won world 1500m gold at the World Championships in Budapest last year, will contest the 3000m. Olympic 1500m silver medallist Muir, who claimed 1500m silver and 3000m bronze at the 2018 World Indoor Championships, will also race the 3000m in Glasgow.

Caudery heads to the event as the current world leader in the pole vault following her 4.85m PB clearance at the UK Indoor Championships on Saturday.

They will be joined in Glasgow by athletes including Jemma Reekie, who sits second on this season’s top list with the 1:58.24 she ran to win the national 800m title on Sunday, plus 60m hurdlers Cindy Sember and David King, high jumper Morgan Lake and sprinter Jeremiah Azu.

The full team will be confirmed once world rankings places have been finalised.

British team for Glasgow

Women

400m:Laviai Nielsen

800m: Isabelle Boffey, Jemma Reekie

1500m: Georgia Bell, Revee Walcott-Nolan

3000m: Laura Muir

60m hurdles: Cindy Sember

High jump: Morgan Lake

Pole vault: Molly Caudery

4x400m: Hannah Brier, Hannah Kelly, Jessie Knight, Laviai Nielsen, Lina Nielsen, Ama Pipi

Men

60m: Jeremiah Azu

1500m: Callum Elson, Adam Fogg

3000m: Josh Kerr

60m hurdles: David King, Tade Ojora.

By running the fastest time in hurdling history on Friday (16), Grant Holloway also extended one of the sport’s longest stretches of dominance.

On the first day of the US Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Holloway ran 7.27* in the heats to break his own 60m hurdles world record before skipping the final hours later because he was already assured of a berth on the US team bound for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow next month. 

The victory was Holloway’s 60th consecutive at the senior 60m hurdles, part of an astounding, decade-long streak that has left him still the only hurdler all time to dip under 7.30, a feat he has now achieved three times. That longevity and speed ensures he will arrive at Glasgow the prohibitive favourite to win a second straight world indoor gold medal – what he called the “main goal” of this season.

“I knew it was going to be a good one after I got out of the blocks,” Holloway said. “My main thing was just to continue going through with my steps and my rhythm. I wasn’t too upset about it but, you know, 7.27 at a nice track is always a good thing.”

With Holloway a spectator for Friday’s final, Trey Cunningham’s comeback season continued with a personal best 7.39 to claim his first national indoor title. The silver medallist at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, Cunningham was hobbled by an injured back and hamstring in 2023, but has returned to form. 

Holloway’s world record run came only 20 minutes after another. Tia Jones equalled the women’s world record in the 60m hurdles by clocking 7.67* in the heats to match the mark set by Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas just five days earlier at the Millrose Games.

After crossing the finish line and bouncing off the facility’s protective padding, Jones glanced at the clock and initially turned away – before doing a double-take when recognising she had just equalled Charlton’s mark. 

In the final more than two hours later, Jones nearly matched her record yet again. Her winning time of 7.68 was 0.10 ahead of Jasmine Jones.

They were not the only favourites to win convincingly on the championships’ first day.

World-leading marks were set by Daniel Haugh, whose weight throw of 26.35m also broke the US record; Chase Jackson, who led the shot put from her first attempt and won it on her third with a mark of 20.02m; and long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall, who described herself as “shocked” after leaping a personal best of 7.18m. Despite acknowledging that she was struggling with her approach on her final four jumps, Davis-Woodhall’s mark moves her to No.6 on the all-time list indoors.

“I think we have more in the tank,” said Davis-Woodall. 

In the pole vault, Chris Nilsen set a US Championships record with his winning vault of 6.00m, ahead of Sam Kendricks, who cleared 5.95m. Nilsen missed once and Kendricks twice at a US record height of 6.05m, before Nilsen raised the bar to 6.10m and missed two more attempts at the record. In one of the night’s few instances where a top contender stumbled, KC Lightfoot finished eighth on 5.65m.

Elle St. Pierre, the only racer in the 3000m with the World Indoor Championships standard, ran alone for much of the final to win in 8:54.40, nearly nine seconds ahead of second-placed Josette Andrews. Countries are allowed two entrants per event for the World Indoor Championships – unless they also have a wild card entry in certain disciplines due to athletes winning the World Indoor Tour in 2023 or 2024, as is the case for Holloway – and competitors must either own their event’s qualifying standard or, if not, advance via world ranking.

Expecting a tactical race, St. Pierre, who was accustomed to racing at Albuquerque’s altitude after months of training at elevation in Arizona, took control of the pace early. If she qualifies for the World Indoor Championships in the 1500m as well, St. Pierre indicated she “would just focus on the 3km” in Glasgow.

Like St. Pierre, Yared Nuguse entered his own 3000m final as the only racer already owning the standard for the World Indoor Championships. Unlike St. Pierre, he waited out a slower, more strategic race with his kick to win in 7:55.76.

Running in fifth through 1400m, Nuguse moved up to stay patient in second until taking the lead entering the bell lap. He never let it go by closing the final 400m in 54.39 to edge Olin Hacker, who was second in 7:56.22. Nuguse set the US mile record last year, but said he and his coach had aimed for the 3000m in Glasgow out of a desire to maintain the strength he’d accumulated during winter training.

Will Nuguse race Josh Kerr in Glasgow, in what would be a showdown of top 1500m medal contenders stepping up to a longer distance? Kerr, fresh off running 8:00.67 for two miles at the Millrose Games, has not tipped his hand. 

“Honestly, I like the suspense factor,” Nuguse said. “Maybe he’ll be there, maybe he won’t. It’s great.”

Vashti Cunningham’s reign in the high jump continued, needing only three jumps and never missing en route to winning her eighth consecutive indoor national title at 1.92m. Cunningham will enter Glasgow in position to add to her gold and silver medals earned at previous World Indoor Championships, as her season’s best of 1.97m is tied for third-best in the world this season. 

The men’s high jump saw another repeat champion, as Shelby McEwen leapt 2.28m to retain his title. McEwen has not yet met the World Indoor Championships standard of 2.34m, but could advance based on world ranking.

In other finals, Chris Carter won the men’s triple jump on his last attempt, though his mark of 16.49m remains short of the world indoor standard. Nick Christie claimed the men’s 3000m race walk in 11:56.06, and Miranda Melville claimed the women’s title in 13:55.24.

David Rudisha has been named World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 ambassador inspiring athletes for the event on 1-3 March.

World 800m record holder David Rudisha has been appointed as the World Athletics ambassador for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships set to dazzle Glasgow from 1-3 March 2024. 

The Kenyan legend, a revered figure in athletics with two Olympic gold medals and two World Championships titles in his storied 800m career, is no stranger to the city, having clinched a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held there.

David Rudisha has been named World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 ambassador inspiring athletes for the event on 1-3 March.

World 800m record holder David Rudisha has been appointed as the World Athletics ambassador for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships set to dazzle Glasgow from 1-3 March 2024. 

The Kenyan legend, a revered figure in athletics with two Olympic gold medals and two World Championships titles in his storied 800m career, is no stranger to the city, having clinched a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held there.

The 35-year-old's career has been punctuated by remarkable achievements, notably his world record-breaking performance of 1:40.91 at the London 2012 Olympics.

With this ambassadorship, Rudisha is poised to inspire a new generation of athletes at the first global championships of 2024.

"I really feel honored," Rudisha remarked, reflecting on his successful career and his role in encouraging young talents to aspire to global accolades.

Rudisha's fond recollections of competing in the UK, and particularly in Glasgow, add a personal touch to his ambassador role. 

He recounted the 2014 Commonwealth Games with fondness, praising the supportive and kind-hearted Glasgow crowd. 

"The people were very kind and supportive. I got silver in that race, but it was clear that the crowd supported and cheered for every athlete, regardless of the position they finished," he said.

As the world gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Rudisha highlighted the importance of a strong start to the competitive season. 

"The Olympics is at the helm of any sport," he asserted, underscoring the significance of the Games in an athlete's career. 

His anticipation for the championship in Glasgow is not just as an ambassador but also as a fan, especially for events close to his heart like the 800m and 400m races.

 He expressed his excitement to see athletes like Femke Bol, who has already posted impressive times early in the season.

The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 promises to be a spectacle, with over 700 athletes from around 130 nations vying for medals across 26 disciplines.

There are many things to look forward to in the sport of athletics in the upcoming year.

There’ll be six global championships in 2024, with ever-expanding one-day meeting circuits spread throughout the year. Rivalries will be renewed, and record-breakers will continue to push boundaries in their respective disciplines.

Here are just 10 of the many reasons to be excited by what’s to come over the next 12 months.

1. Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Athletics is the No.1 sport in what will be the biggest event on the planet this year. 100 years after Paris last hosted the Games, the Olympics will return to the French capital where 2000 athletes from about 200 countries will compete for medals in 48 disciplines from August 1-11 . Expect duels, drama and record-breaking performances as athletes compete for the highest honor in the sporting world.

2. World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24

The first global track and field championships of the year will start in just two months’ time as Glasgow hosts the World Indoor Championships on March  1-3. In Belgrade two years ago, pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis and triple jumper Yulimar Rojas set world records to claim gold; they’ll be looking to add to their medal – and record – tally in Glasgow, as will a host of other top track and field stars.

3. World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24

For the first time since 2017, the World Relays will be held in the Bahamian capital as the global event returns to the venue of the first three editions. From May 4-5, athletes will be vying to secure their place in the 4x100m, 4x400m and mixed 4x400m for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Expectations of a nation rests on their shoulders – and their baton exchanges.

4. World Athletics Cross Country Championships Belgrade 24

Just two years after the Serbian capital hosted the World Indoor Championships, Serbia will this year play host to the world’s best cross-country runners. Recent editions of the event, in both Aarhus and Bathurst, have put athletes to the test on grueling courses, so expect more of the same on 30 March.

5. World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24

After the latest successful edition of the World U20 Championships in Cali two years ago, the global event will return to South America as Lima becomes the first city in Peru to host a World Athletics Series event. The championships will take place from August 27-31, and will showcase the world’s most promising up-and-coming stars.

6. World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Antalya 24

Is there room on the calendar for one more global event? Go on, then. For the first time ever in the history of these championships – including all previous iterations – Turkiye will play host to the World Race Walking Team Championships on April 21 . The first 22 teams here will automatically qualify for the marathon race walk mixed relay – the newest Olympic discipline – at the Paris Games.

7. One-day meeting circuits

While championship action is great, the likes of the Wanda Diamond League and World Athletics Continental Tour is where athletes can be seen in action week in, week out throughout the peak of the outdoor track and field season. Before that, there’s also the World Indoor Tour, while other series such as the Cross Country Tour, Combined Events Tour, Race Walking Tour and Label road races will provide competition opportunities throughout the year.

8. Record breakers

Athletes continued to push boundaries throughout the past 12 months on the track, field and roads. Expect more of the same in 2024 as the likes of Faith Kipyegon, Mondo Duplantis, Kelvin Kiptum, Yulimar Rojas and Ryan Crouser look to run, jump and throw better than they ever have done before.

9. Big clashes

Rivalries between the sport’s biggest stars always provide a gripping narrative for any season. For 2024, expect some mouth-watering clashes to come from the likes of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol in the 400m hurdles, Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud Kipchoge in the marathon, Gudaf Tsegay and Sifan Hassan in the 10,000m or Daniel Stahl and Kristjan Ceh in the discus to name but a few.

10. New stars

Every year a new generation of talent emerges. Some of those will be athletes who started to make a bit of a breakthrough towards the end of last year, while others may be athletes who fans have barely heard of. Either way, keep your eyes peeled as the season unfolds to witness the future stars of the sport mixing it with the world’s best athletes.

Britain’s world 1500m champion Josh Kerr will headline the men’s two mile field when he returns to the Millrose Games, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold event, for the fifth time on February 11.

Kerr, the Olympic bronze medallist, ran 3:48.87 for the mile in Boston in 2022 and sits fourth on the world indoor all-time list for the discipline. He will look to make a similar statement in the two-mile event when he races at The Armory in New York in February.

He won the 3000m at this year’s Millrose Games, his season opener, in 7:33.47 and went on to take the world 1500m title in Budapest. Kerr was second in the Millrose Games mile in 2022, while he was also second and fourth in that discipline in New York in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The world indoor two-mile best is 8:03.40, set by Britain’s Mo Farah in Birmingham in 2015.

“There's going to be a fantastic field and it will be paced at the two-mile world record,” Kerr told CitiusMag. “Currently, I'm in fantastic shape. I'm having an amazing fall and dealing with everything new and everything that's exciting, amazing and also terrible about being a world champion. I'm very excited for it.”

More than 50 meetings feature on the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Tour calendar, including seven Gold level events, in a season that culminates with the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24.

Other athletes already confirmed for next year’s Tour include world gold medallists Noah Lyles, Jake Wightman and Gabby Thomas, who will all compete at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston on February 4.

Over 2,000 athletes from around 200 countries-including Kenya are set to benefit from the world record programme during this month's World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

During the nine-day global extravaganza, World Athletics will once again run its world record programme that rewards record breakers.

Athletes who will set a world record will be eligible for a special award of US$100,000 offered by TDK and World Athletics’ new Inside Track platform.

The performance must be an improvement on the existing World Athletics world record. Performances that equal the existing world record will not be eligible for a world record award.

During last year's World Athletics Championships in Oregon, Eugene, USA’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis were rewarded for their performances.

McLaughlin-Levrone clocked 50.68 setting a new 400m hurdles world record bettering her previous time of 51.41.

Duplantis took the pole vault to another level again by clearing the 6.21m mark also bettering his previous jump of 6.20 set during the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Serbia in March.

The Japanese electronics company TDK will offer the awards for men's events while the women’s world record programme will be supported by Inside Track.

For the mixed 4x400m relay, the programme will be supported by both TDK and Inside Track. Aside from the world record programme, a total of US$8,498,000 in prize money will be on offer in Budapest.

Individual winners will get  US$70,000, US$35,000 for second-placed and  US$22,000 for bronze. Positions four to eight will receive between  US$16,000 and US$5000.

Relays winners will get US$80,000 with second and third placed receiving US$40,000 and US$20,000 respectively. Positions four to eight will get between US$16,000 and US$4000.

When the Olympic champion met the world indoor champion, something was always going to give. In the end, as Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Samuel Tefera fought towards the line in the men’s 1500m final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22 on Sunday (20), it was the Norwegian star who had no choice but to concede. 

Not that Ingebrigtsen ever gave up, the 21-year-old trying to summon something – anything – to repel the late charge of Tefera, but it was no use, with the 22-year-old Ethiopian taking gold in 3:32.77, Ingebrigtsen taking silver in 3:33.02, and Kenya’s Abel Kipsang the bronze in 3:33.36. 

Before the race, the head-to-head record between the big two was 11-0 in favour of Ingebrigtsen, but no one beats Samuel Tefera 12 times in a row, not when this is a distance at which he held the world indoor record at 3:31.04 for the past three years, until Ingebrigtsen broke it earlier this year with 3:30.60. 

That race in Lievin, France, in mid-February made the Norwegian the hot favourite for the title in Belgrade, and when the gun fired he adopted similar tactics to the Olympic final in Tokyo, or indeed most races on the circuit. 

He made sure it was fast. 

With Kipsang rocketing through the opening lap in 27.60, Ingebrigtsen waited until the second to hit the front, stringing the field out behind as he passed 400m in 55.81, 800m in 1:53.9 and 1200m in 2:51.16. 

But tracking him all the way, keeping his powder dry, was Tefera, the slightly more measured pace compared to the race in Lievin allowing him to sit in his slipstream into the final bend. Tefera then moved wide off the turn and emptied the tank to edge past his rival up the home straight, retaining his world indoor title with a championship record of 3:32.77. 

“The race was very tough, but I feel very happy now because I became the champion,” said Tefera, who said he had surgery on his achilles tendon last year, an injury picked up during the Tokyo Olympics. 

“I could not do many activities within the training but now I am completely fit,” he said. “I feel normal and I am ready for any kind of races and championships.”

Ingebrigtsen was gracious in defeat, not that he was too pleased about his silver.

“I came here to fight for the gold and it was a good fight,” he said. “I didn’t feel that great. Usually I feel a bit tired from 600 to 800 then it starts to loosen up but that didn’t happen tonight so I’m not 100 percent. Tefera was better than me tonight. I thought I was better than him, having run the record.”

Asked if he would do anything different if the race was run again, he said: “If I knew that I was completely s*** tonight, then of course I’d do a lot of things different, but I didn’t have any factors telling me that before the race.”

In third, Kipsang claimed the first global medal of his career, having been edged into fourth at the Olympics last year. Ethiopia’s Teddese Lemi finished fourth in 3:33.59, with Australia’s Ollie Hoare fifth and Britain’s Neil Gourley sixth.

The following day, on his return home after not feeling fully fit, Ingebrigtsen shared a photo of a positive Covid test on his social media and wrote: "Just arrived home in Sandnes, and decided to take a health check after a strange feeling last night. Leading up to the race, everything felt normal, with negative PCR test and several rapid tests. Bad timing but in some way unavoidable. Now it's all about recovering and getting back to training."

Tim Tollefson celebrated the new year shoveling a lot of snow, dreaming about a summer of possibility, and changing his shoes.

After six years with Hoka, Tollefson, 37, the well-known elite American ultrarunner from Mammoth Lakes, California, signed a new multi-year sponsorship deal with Craft. It might seem like a curious move this time of the year, but, in reality, most athlete sponsorship contracts in running are one-year partnerships that end on December 31. That typically gives brands the upper hand in these situations because they can have an easy out whenever an athlete doesn't have a great year of results, or they no longer fit with their marketing goals. It always comes down to the money, though sometimes it's in the athlete's best interests to start fresh, to leverage their recent results and social media platform to find a better deal with a brand that better fits their racing goals.

Because there are more brands partnering runners than ever before, and presumably more sponsorship money available, top-tier distance runners who are still at the top of their game-like Tim Tollefson, Allie McLaughlin, Josette Norris, Paige Stoner, David Ribich, Dani Moreno, Erin Clark, Natosha Rogers, Colin Bennie, Dillon Maggard, Camille Herron, and others-have been able to seek out new opportunities to continue their careers with the necessary support.

The terms of the newly signed deals haven't been disclosed, but there is a huge range in pay for professional distance runners-roughly $15,000 on the low end for a partially sponsored trail runner without significant international results, to $300,000 at the high end for a top-tier marathoner with Marathon Majors podium results. Certainly that means some live a life of luxury, while others are forced to work part-time jobs and pinch pennies to get by.

But there are also often signing bonuses, as well as premiums paid for earning appearance fees, major victories, global medals, podium finishes, breaking records, and other incentives, so running faster can be a fast track to a boost in income. However, most athletes are considered independent contractors, and many have to pay for their own healthcare, body work, and travel, depending on the details of their brand partnership.

"You start getting an idea of who's going to be available, for one reason or other, in the last few months of the year, and that's when brands and athletes start talking," said Mike McManus, Hoka's global sports marketing director. "As an athlete, you're as valuable as whatever money anyone wants to give you, but it's a process and all about negotiating. Sometimes you can match the money being offered; sometimes it just doesn't make sense for the partnership."

What Tollefson liked about Craft was similar to what he liked about Hoka six years ago-an upstart brand ready to make an impact in trail racing, its new line of trail shoes, and the trail community overall. Craft sees Tollefson as a runner with name recognition and several significant race wins in the past three years, not to mention a leader in the sport who started the Mammoth Trail Fest last year.

"This [new partnership with Craft] has reignited my deep passion for the sport and has reminded me of the things I want to accomplish," he said. "It's almost like a start-up situation led by passionate people who are excited to make an impact and want to support the people who are along for the journey. Curiosity drives me and I like a challenge. I know I am going to have some lifetime achievements ahead."

More Big Moves in Trail and Ultra

After an extraordinary year of racing on the trails, Allie McLaughlin changed from On to Hoka as her primary sponsor. The charismatic 32-year-old from Colorado Springs won the daunting Mount Marathon race in Alaska, placed among the top five in several Golden Trail Series races, and won both gold and bronze medals in the inaugural World Mountain and Trail Running World Championships in Thailand. She'll be representing the U.S. in this year's World Championships in Austria, in June, while also returning to the OCC 54K race, as part of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) festival in Chamonix, in August.

"It was really interesting to see how much trail means to them [Hoka], not only with their sponsorship of UTMB, but in general how they're helping push the sport forward," said McLaughlin, who had been with On since 2021. "There are a lot of reasons I like what Hoka is doing, but ultimately, the emphasis they're putting on the team and their athletes is really exciting."

Other trail and ultrarunners who have switched brands include Erin Clark,  who finished 7th at last year's CCC, who left Hoka to sign with Nike, even though her partner, Adam Peterman, the 2022 Western States 100 champion and ultrarunning world champion, re-signed with Hoka. 

Spanish trail runner Sara Alonso has changed from Salomon to ASICS, while Craft also signed Arlen Glick, a prolific 100-mile specialist from Ohio, and Mimmi Kotka, a Swedish runner with numerous podium finishes in Europe, to its team. Meanwhile, previously unsponsored American trail runners Tabor Hemming (Salomon) and Dan Curts (Brooks) are among those who have signed new deals.

Meanwhile, Dani Moreno, a world-class mountain runner from Mammoth Lakes, California, and Camille Herron, a record-setting ultrarunner from Warr Acres, Oklahoma, are both also leaving Hoka for yet-to-be-announced brands that offered better deals.

Bigger Transitions for Road and Track Runners

For track athletes and marathon runners, a change of shoe brands is often a more involved change, mostly because it often means changing training groups and coaches, too.

For example, Josette Norris, the fifth-place finisher in the 1,500m at the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships, not only switched from Reebok to On, but she left Reebok's Virginia-based Boston Track Club, and coach Chris Fox, and moved west to Boulder, Colorado, to join the On Athletics Club under Dathan Ritzenhein.

Similarly, David Ribich, one of the best American mile runners on the track last year, switched from the Seattle-based Brooks Beasts track club to the Nike-backed Union Athletics Club under Pete Julian.

Colin Bennie, the top American finisher in the Boston Marathon in 2021-previously with Reebok but unsponsored last year-signed with the Brooks Beasts but will be training on his own in San Francisco. Dillon Maggard, who was second at the U.S. cross country championships and ninth in 3,000m at the indoor world championships in 2022, is returning to Seattle to train with the Brooks Beasts, after being unsponsored last year. Natosha Rogers, who was a finalist in the 10,000m at last summer's World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, has changed from Brooks to Puma, but will continue to train on her own in Colorado. Middle-distance runner Cruz Culpepper, after short stints at the University of Washington and the University of Mississippi, gave up his remaining college eligibility to sign with Hoka and its NAZ Elite (NAZ) team.

Last summer, Paige Stoner left the Virginia-based Reebok group and Fox, her longtime coach, to train in Flagstaff, Arizona, partially because she didn't have other marathoners to train with on a regular basis in Charlottesville. She increased her volume last fall training with Sarah Pagano and Emily Durgin and won the U.S. championship at the California International Marathon in December with a course record of 2:26:02, her debut at the distance.

In January, Stoner parlayed that into a new deal with Hoka, as she also joined the Flagstaff-based Northern Arizona Elite and will be training with a group of strong marathoners-including Aliphine Tuliamuk, Alice Wright, Kellyn Taylor, and the recently unretired Stephanie Bruce-under the guidance of coaches Alan Culpepper, Ben Rosario, and Jenna Wreiden.

"I was especially drawn to NAZ because they have proven to be a powerhouse in the marathon, which will likely be my primary focus in the years to come," Stoner said. "I believe the team has all of the tools it takes to compete at the highest level in the sport, and I am eager to begin this new chapter."

Learning the Ropes

For track and road running, the path to success for elite-level, post-collegiate athletes typically includes earning a sponsorship right after the track season in June and joining a sponsored training group and coach. From there, it's all about improving times and placing high in U.S. championship races, with hopes of becoming fast enough to earn a spot in elite track meets in Europe or one of the World Marathon Majors.

But most road and track runners have agents to help smooth out those transitions, whereas most trail runners do not. Plus, trail running is considerably more unstructured, with a greater range of race distances and a lot more unknown variables. That means the challenge of figuring out what opportunities exist on the trails-what races to run, how to train on trails, what gear is needed, how to race considerably longer distances, and how to attract sponsors-often requires them to learn on the fly.

Those are all reasons professional trail runner Andy Wacker recently formed The Trail Team, a non-profit organization that will help guide young runners along the path becoming successful, potentially sponsored trail runners, while also playing a role in boosting the level of competitive trail running in the U.S.

The Trail Team put out a call for candidates to become one of six inaugural team members in 2023. Once selected this spring, those athletes will go through a training camp, receive a stipend, get continued mentorship from Wacker, McLaughlin, Adam Peterman, and Grayson Murphy, and prepare for a variety of U.S. races.

"I've reached out to a lot of young athletes and the main thing I found is they need a mentor," said Wacker, a Salomon-sponsored athlete. "They don't necessarily need a coach-a lot of them have a college coach that they might continue working with-but they need someone who is going to help them with all of their questions and translate everything to trail running.

"It's still really hard to be an individually sponsored athlete, and I think it's hard for a young athlete to get recognition and build their brand, so we're hoping to help with that," he added. "There are more participants and more excitement than ever in trail running, but there are also growing pains. So there are a lot of ways we think we can help so they don't have to figure it out on their own."

Like Wacker, Tollefson is one of those athletes who did have to figure it out on his own. He was a good runner in high school and college, but he never qualified for the state meet and never earned All-American honors. But, with a relentless work ethic, he's become one of the most successful American trail runners of the past decade, having placed second at the CCC 100K in Chamonix, in 2015, and twice placed third in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 171K in 2016 and 2017.

Although his personal race plans aren't finalized yet, those deals are allowing him to step away from his career as a physical therapist and become fully immersed in running for the first time in his career.

"All of us athletes are multidimensional; we're more than just a pretty face rocking a bib," Tollefson said. "Everyone has a unique story. I think there are more brands interested in telling those stories, and Craft is definitely one of them. Some people have written me off, but I'm confident my best races are ahead of me. Craft believes in me, and I feel like I need that belief to get the best out of myself."

Athing Mu is already the second-fastest women’s indoor 600m runner of all time and the US middle distance star could make another statement when she returns to the Millrose Games, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting, in New York on February 11.

It was in 2019, at the age of just 16, that Mu clocked 1:23.57 at the US Indoor Championships to miss the world 600m best by just 0.13.

Since then, she has become an Olympic and world champion in the 800m and has taken her PB in that discipline to 1:55.04, the US record.

The 800m final at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 on 24 July last year, which Mu won in 1:56.30, was her most recent race and she will now be looking for another strong indoor season in a year that offers her the chance to defend that world title in Budapest.

“The women’s 600m will be one of the highlights of this year’s Millrose Games, and we are delighted to welcome Athing back to the track she grew up on,” said Millrose Games director Ray Flynn.

However, Mu will have to contend with athletes including her US compatriot Shamier Little and Jamaica’s Natoya Goule if she is to secure more success.

Hurdles specialist Little, the 2015 world 400m hurdles silver medallist, will look to continue testing herself in the flat event over a slightly longer distance, after opening her season with a world-leading 600m time of 1:24.65 last weekend.

While Goule, who has an indoor 600m best of 1:25.35, was the fourth-place finisher in the 800m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22 and also finished fifth at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon last year.

They will be joined by Olivia Baker and Sophia Gorriaran in the 600m field.

Also in action in New York will be Chase Ealey, as she returns to compete in front of a home crowd as the world shot put champion.

Recently announced for the opening meeting in the 2023 World Indoor Tour Gold series in Karlsruhe on 27 January, Ealey has now also been confirmed for the Millrose Games, where the world champion and world indoor silver medallist will take on her US compatriots Maggie Ewen and Jessica Woodard, plus Canada’s Commonwealth and NACAC champion Sarah Mitton.

It means fans will be treated to two thrilling shot put showdowns in New York, with Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs already announced for the men’s contest.

“I am really excited to have the Millrose Games as my first competition in the US as the world champion,” said Ealey. “I hope that with the success of the male and female competition, people will love our event indoors!”

The names of the five finalists for Women’s World Athlete of the Year have been confirmed, as the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2022 continues.

The five athletes, who represent five countries from three area associations, have achieved sensational performances across a range of athletics disciplines in 2022, at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world.

The finalists are (in alphabetical order):

Tobi Amusan, NGR- World 100m hurdles champion- Diamond League, Commonwealth and African 100m hurdles champion- Set a world 100m hurdles record of 12.12

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, JAM- World 100m champion, claiming a fifth gold medal in the event- Diamond League 100m champion- Ran a world-leading 10.62 among her record seven sub-10.70 100m races of the season

Kimberly Garcia, PER- World 20km race walk champion, winning Peru’s first ever World Athletics Championships medal- World 35km race walk champion in a South American record to complete a race walk double- World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships 20km bronze medalist

Sydney McLaughlin, USA- World 400m hurdles and 4x400m champion- Broke the world 400m hurdles record with 51.41 at the US Championships- Further improved the world record to 50.68 to win the world title

Yulimar Rojas, VEN- World indoor and outdoor triple jump champion- Diamond League triple jump champion- Improved her world record to 15.74m in Belgrade

Voting procedure for 2022 World Athletes of the Year

A three-way voting process determined the finalists.

The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family cast their votes by email, while fans logged their decisions online via the World Athletics social media platforms where a record 1.3 million votes were registered.

The World Athletics Council’s vote counted for 50% of the result, while the World Athletics Family’s votes and the public votes each counted for 25% of the final result.

Voting closed on 31 October.

The World Athletes of the Year will be announced on World Athletics’ social media platforms in early December, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2022.

The names of the five finalists for Men’s World Athlete of the Year have been confirmed, as the countdown to the World Athletics Awards 2022 continues.

The five athletes, who represent five countries from three area associations, have achieved sensational performances across a range of athletics disciplines in 2022, at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world.

The finalists are (in alphabetical order):

Mondo Duplantis, SWE- World pole vault champion indoors and outdoors- Diamond League and European pole vault champion- Improved his world record to 6.19m and 6.20m indoors, and then 6.21m outdoors

Soufiane El Bakkali, MAR- World 3000m steeplechase champion- Diamond League 3000m steeplechase champion- Unbeaten in 2022, running a world-leading 7:58.28 in Rabat

Jakob Ingebrigtsen, NOR- World 5000m champion, world 1500m silver medallist indoors and outdoors- European 1500m and 5000m champion- Ran a world indoor 1500m record of 3:30.60 and won the Diamond League title in a world-leading 3:29.02

Eliud Kipchoge, KEN- Improved his world marathon record to 2:01:09- Berlin Marathon champion- Tokyo Marathon champion

Noah Lyles, USA- World 200m champion- Diamond League 200m champion- Ran a world-leading national record of 19.31 to move to third on the world all-time list

Voting procedure for 2022 World Athletes of the Year

A three-way voting process determined the finalists.

The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family cast their votes by email, while fans logged their decisions online via the World Athletics social media platforms where a record 1.3 million votes were registered.

The World Athletics Council’s vote counted for 50% of the result, while the World Athletics Family’s votes and the public votes each counted for 25% of the final result.

Voting closed on 31 October.

The World Athletes of the Year will be announced on World Athletics’ social media platforms in early December, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2022.

Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge will battle nine world champions for the men's 2022 World Athlete of the Year Award. The 37-year-old Kipchoge, who is fresh from breaking his own marathon world record, won the 2018 and 2019 awards but also made the final list for the 2020 and 2021 awards.

The winner of the prestigious award in world athletics will be revealed on World Athletics’ social media platforms in early December.

The announcement on Thursday marked the opening of the voting process for the 2022 World Athletes of the Year ahead of the 2022 World Athletics Awards in December.

Olympics 400m hurdles champion Karsten Warholm last year became the first Norwegian to win the Male Athlete of the Year Award, beating four other finalists who included Kipchoge and Olympic 5,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda  for the award.

Kipchoge will face world champions Ceh Kristjan (discus) from Slovakia, Brazilian Alison Dos Santos (400m hurdles), the 2020 winner, Swede Mondo Duplantis (pole vault), Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali (3,000m steeplechase) and American Grant Holloway (110m hurdles).

Others are Norwegian Jakob Ingerbrigtsen (5,000m), Noah Lyles (200m) from United States, Grenada’s Anderson Peters (javelin) and Pedro Pichardo (triple jump) from Portugal.

The athletes were selected by an international panel of athletics experts, comprising representatives from all six continental areas of World Athletics.

“It has been another memorable year for the sport and the nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world,” said a statement from World Athletics.

Kipchoge recaptured the Berlin Marathon title, smashing his own world record by 30 seconds on September 25 in the German capital.

The 2016 and 2020 Olympic marathon champion clocked 2:01:09 to win, beating his previous world record time of 2:01:39 set when winning in Berlin in 2018.

Kipchoge had on March 6 this year won the Tokyo Marathon in a course record time of 2:02:40, beating the newly crowned London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto to second place in 2:03:13.

Kenya's Olympic and world 1,500m champion Faith Chepng'etich was on Wednesday named among the 10 nominees for the female 2022 World Athlete of the Year award.

Kipchoge is the only other Kenyan male to win the award besides 800m world record holder David Rudisha, who claimed it in 2010.

No Kenyan woman has won the award.

A three-way voting process will determine the finalists.

The voting process closes on October 31.

The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family will cast their votes by email, while fans can vote online via the World Athletics social media platforms.

Individual graphics for each nominee will be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube this week; a 'like' on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or a retweet on Twitter will count as one vote.

The World Athletics Council’s vote will count for 50 percent of the result, while the World Athletics Family’s votes and the public votes will each count for 25 per cent of the final result.

Voting for the World Athletes of the Year closes at midnight on October 31. At the conclusion of the voting process, five women and five men finalists will be announced by World Athletics.

Nominees

Kristjan Ceh (Slovakia)

- World discus champion

- Diamond League discus champion, throwing a national record 71.27m on the circuit in Birmingham

- European discus silver medalist

Alison dos Santos (Brazil)

- World 400m hurdles champion

- Diamond League 400m hurdles champion

- Ran a world-leading South American record of 46.29

Mondo Duplantis (Sweden)

- World pole vault champion indoors and outdoors

- Diamond League and European pole vault champion

- Improved his world record to 6.19m and 6.20m indoors, and then 6.21m outdoors

Soufiane El Bakkali (Morocco)

- World 3000m steeplechase champion

- Diamond League 3000m steeplechase champion

- Unbeaten in 2022, running a world-leading 7:58.28 in Rabat

Grant Holloway (USA)

- World 110m hurdles champion

- World indoor 60m hurdles champion

- Diamond League 110m hurdles champion

Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway)

- World 5000m champion, world 1500m silver medalist indoors and outdoors

- European 1500m and 5000m champion

- Diamond League 1500m champion in a world-leading 3:29.02

Eliud Kipchoge, (Kenya)

- Improved his world marathon record to 2:01:09

- Berlin Marathon champion

- Tokyo Marathon champion

Noah Lyles (USA)

- World 200m champion

- Diamond League 200m champion

- Ran a world-leading national record of 19.31 to move to third on the world all-time list

Anderson Peters (Grenada)

- World javelin champion

- Commonwealth javelin silver medalist

- Threw a world-leading NACAC record of 93.07m, moving to fifth on the world all-time list

Pedro Pichardo (Portugal)

- World triple jump champion with a world-leading leap of 17.95m

- World indoor triple jump silver medalist

- European triple jump champion.

Olympic and World 1,500m champion Kenya’s Faith Chepng'etich has once again been nominated for the 2022 Women’s World Athlete of the Year Award.

The 28-year-old Faith Chepng’étich will battle nine other top athletes for the coveted award whose winner will be revealed on World Athletics’ social media platforms in early December.

The announcement on Wednesday marked the opening of the voting process for the 2022 World Athletes of the Year ahead of the World Athletics Awards.

Chepngétich is up against world champions Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan (100m hurdles), American Chase Ealey (shot put), 2013 Women’s World Athlete of the Year, Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (100m) and Shericka Jackson (200m) and American Sydney McLaughlin (World 400m hurdles and 4x400m).

Other world champions in the race are the 2020 Women’s World Athlete of the Year, Yulimar Rojas (Triple jump) from Venezuela, Shaunae Miller-Uibo (400m) from Bahamas and Peru’s Kimberly Garcia (20km race walk).

Also in contention is the World Indoor and World High Jump silver medalist  Yaroslava Mahuchikh from Ukraine.  

These athletes were selected by an international panel of athletics experts, comprising representatives from all six continental areas of World Athletics.

“It has been another memorable year for the sport and the nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon,  World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world,” noted a statement from World Athletics.

Chepngétich recaptured the world 1,500m tile clocking three minutes and 52.96 seconds on July 18, before going on to win the Monaco leg of the Diamond League in a national record time of 3:50.37, missing the world record by just three tenths of a second.

It was the second fastest time in history of the women’s 1,500m race where Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba holds the world record of 3:50.07 set in Monaco in 2015.

Chepngétich would retain her Diamonds League Trophy, winning in Zurich in 4:00.44 on September 8.  

Double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah beat Chepngétich and Tokyo Olympics 10,000m/ 5,000m champion Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands to win last year’s award.

A three-way voting process will determine the finalists. The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family will cast their votes by email, while fans can vote online via the World Athletics social media platforms.

Individual graphics for each nominee will be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube this week; a 'like' on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or a retweet on Twitter will count as one vote.

The World Athletics Council’s vote will count for 50 percent of the result, while the World Athletics Family’s votes and the public votes will each count for 25 per cent of the final result.

Voting for the World Athletes of the Year closes at midnight on October 31. At the conclusion of the voting process, five women and five men finalists will be announced by World Athletics.

It is with regret that the World Athletics Council has decided to postpone the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 2023, scheduled for 17-19 March 2023, until March 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed).

This decision was taken with the agreement of both the Nanjing organizing committee and the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA), due to the ongoing pandemic conditions.

Nanjing was originally selected to host the 2020 World Athletics Indoor Championships, which were first postponed until March 2021, and then to March 2023, as the pandemic continued.

The next edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships will now be in Glasgow on 1-3 March 2024, and the bid process has already commenced for the 2026 edition of the championships, which is why 2025 has been designated as the year for the Nanjing championships.

“We’re disappointed that we have had to postpone this event again due to circumstances beyond our control, but we have done so to give certainty to athletes and Member Federations preparing for the 2023 competition season,” World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said. “Unfortunately, the time frame will prevent us from relocating the 2023 event, but the indoor championships will return in 2024 in Glasgow.

“We have offered Nanjing the 2025 edition because we are mindful of the substantial preparations the LOC has already done to host the event and we want to avoid potential financial losses for all parties. I want to thank CAA and the LOC for their cooperation in resolving this situation.”

Despite this postponement, athletes will still have substantial competitive opportunities available in the early part of 2023 through the World Athletics Indoor Tour, which will offer a full calendar of events from late January to March (more events to be added) and is organized across four different tiers of competition – Gold, Silver, Bronze and Challenger.

The Ethiopian domination of the men’s 3000m continued with an eighth gold and a second successive 1-2 in the event, Selemon Barega emerging victorious from a last-lap sprint with compatriot Lamecha Girma in the final morning session at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22.

Four years ago in Birmingham in 2018, Barega had to settle for silver behind Yomif Kejelcha but that was when he was an 18-year-old junior still learning his craft.

Four years on, with an Olympic 10,000m gold and world 5000m silver back home, the 22-year-old had too much strength and speed when Girma attempted to launch an attack on the back straight of the final lap, crossing the line 0.25 clear in 7:41.38.

As in the Olympic steeplechase final in Tokyo last year, and over the barriers in the 2019 world final in Doha, Girma finished in the silver position again, clocking 7:41.63, with Marc Scott timing his effort to perfection to claim Britain’s first medal in Belgrade – and their first in the event since Rob Denmark’s bronze in Seville in 1991.

It was a slow burner of a contest, Barega moving to the front after the opening lap and leading the field to 800m in 2:04.20. At that point, however, he was content to drift back as Kenyans Daniel Ebenyo and Jacob Krop assumed the lead but without ever threatening to make a decisive break.

At the bell Barega was back in front with six others still in the hunt but none of them could match him – even Girma, who had got the better of him earlier in the season in Lievin and Torun.

“We came to Belgrade aiming to make history for Ethiopia,” said Barega. “I have had a good season, so I was ready both physically and mentally to fight for gold. With Girma we discussed the possibility of helping each other make the podium. Our tactic has paid off.

“It was a tough race in which we were focused mostly on the Kenyan guys,” he added. “I decided to lead the race from the beginning because many runners in this final are 1500m specialists. I just wanted to make the pace fast and comfortable. Then I slowed down to save some energy for the finishing kick. It was a good plan and another great experience for me.”

And so the Ethiopian with the awesome range found himself emulating his celebrated compatriots Haile Gebreslassie and Kenenisa Bekele as an Olympic champion at 10,000m and a world indoor winner at 3000m

Gebrselassie, of course, also struck world indoor gold as a 1500m runner in Maebashi in 1999 – as well as taking the 3000m crown in 1997, 1999 and 2003.

The other Ethiopian 3000m golds came from Bekele in 2006, Tariku Bekele in 2008, and Kejelcha in 2016 and 2018.

Scott took the bronze in 7:42.02, 0.95 ahead of Ebenyo in fourth, with Krop in fifth, Zouhair Talbi of Morocco in sixth and Spain’s Adel Mechaal seventh.

Team Kenya coach Janeth Jepkosgei is confident that her young charges will win some medals for the country at the World Athletics Indoor Championships starting Friday at Štark Arena, Belgrade, Serbia.

The 38-year-old, who last competed for Kenya at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, said that though she can’t predict the type of the medal they will get, something nice will come from the Balkans.

Jepkosgei is in a team of 10 athletes and six officials that was to left at 11.55pm on Tuesday aboard an Emirates flight for the three-day championships.

“You can tell from their body language in training that they are hungry for results. They are simply happy free souls,” said Jepkosgei, the 2007 World 800m champion and 2008 Beijing Olympics 800m silver medallist.

Though a different experience virtually for all the members, this being an indoor championship event, Jepkosgei said that she has instilled the essence of being courageous and tough at that particular stage.

“They need not to be scared and should fight to the finishing tape,” said Jepkosgei, who described her team as Kenya’s future stars.

“I have told them that they have a long and bright future ahead, hence being in the team should motivate them. They deserve to represent Kenya, “explained Jepkosgei, who is indebted to Athletics Kenya for giving her a chance to handle the national team for the first time.

“This is another responsibility and stage in my athletics career after having hang up my spikes from competitive running back in 2015. I am happy but I am in the process of learning,” said Jepkosgei.

Kenya only won one medal- bronze by Bethwell Birgen in men’s 3,000m-from the last 2018 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

The last time Kenya won gold in the men’s event was in 2014 in Sopot, Poland where Caleb Mwangangi reigned supreme in the 3,000m.

Hellen Obiri (3,000m) and Pamela Jelimo (800m) won last for the country in 2012 Istanbul, Turkey.

Team captain and Africa’s 100m record holder, Ferdinand Omanyala and his teammates have promised a good show with the sprinter targeting a sub 6.57 seconds in the men’s 60m.

The 2018 World Under-20 5,000m champion Beatrice Chebet is eyeing a podium place in the women’s 3,000m alongside Collins Kipruto in the men’s 800m.

Kipruto will partner with World Under-20 800m bronze medallist Noah Kibet in the 800m event.

Chebet, 22, said she is eager to emulate Obiri on her maiden major tour as a senior in the women’s 3,000m where she will team up with prodigy Edinah Jebitok.

Jebitok, who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, will also double up in the 1,500m.

World Relay 2x2x400m silver medalist Naomi Korir makes the women’s 800m team that also has Eglay Nalianya.

Abel Kipsang, who represented Kenya at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is a lone ranger in men’s 1,500m, while Jacob Kiprop and Daniel Simiu will battle in the men's 3,000m.

Two global champions are on a collision course in the men’s 1500m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22, with Olympic gold medallist Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway looking to depose Ethiopia’s Samuel Tefera as the world indoor champion.

Based on their recent clash in Lievin, where Ingebrigtsen broke Tefera’s world indoor 1500m record, clocking 3:30.60, the pressure and expectation will rest with the 21-year-old Norwegian. That Lievin race was Ingebrigtsen’s sole outing of the indoor season, and he looked majestic as he bounded away from Tefera over the final 300 metres after the pacemaker stepped aside.

A championship final, of course, will present a very different challenge, but Ingebrigtsen showed in Tokyo and at last year’s European Indoor Championships that he has the tactical nous to go with his physical gifts. With his long-time rival Timothy Cheruiyot bypassing the indoor season, he will likely have to do his own pace-making if he wants a fast final, the kind of race in which he has become nigh-on unbeatable.

Tefera, however, will not go down without a considerable fight, and the 22-year-old Ethiopian gave Ingebrigtsen a much better race in Lievin than the three-second margin of victory suggested.

Perhaps Ingebrigtsen’s biggest challenger, though, will be Kenya’s Abel Kipsang. He finished fourth in the Olympic final last year and showed impressive indoor credentials when taking victory in Birmingham last month in 3:34.57. A recent 1:45.84 clocking for 800m outdoors in Nairobi signals he’s got the speed to be a threat here.

The British challenge will be led by Neil Gourley, who clocked 3:35.32 in Boston last month and who was runner-up in a slow 1500m final at the British Indoor Championships. He will be joined by George Mills, who impressed in Birmingham last month when clocking a PB of 3:36.03 against a world-class field.

Another athlete keen to see a fast final will be Oliver Hoare, the Australian who clocked a 3:50.83 mile to win at the Millrose Games in New York in January. In that race he powered away from Olympic bronze medallist Josh Kerr, showing the kind of closing speed and strength that will make him dangerous, particularly in a fast race.

Spain’s Ignacio Fontes, like Hoare, was an Olympic finalist last year and he booked his place here with a runner-up finish behind Adel Mechaal at the Spanish Indoor Championships, with Mechaal later electing to focus on the 3000m in Belgrade.

Germany’s Robert Farken is another who’ll have high expectations after the 24-year-old lowered his PB to 3:35.44 in Birmingham last month, while Ethiopia’s Teddese Lemi clocked an indoor PB of 3:35.84 last month and has 1:44 800m speed – which should prove useful in this realm.

Ireland’s Andrew Coscoran will be hoping to reproduce the form that saw him take victory in Staten Island last month with a 3:53.64 mile, where he was followed in third place by compatriot Luke McCann, who will join him in Belgrade.

The US charge will be led by Josh Thompson and Sam Prakel, who finished second and fourth respectively at their national championships.

Martinot-Lagarde will lead French team for Belgrade.

Pascal Martinot-Lagarde already has two world indoor silver medals and one bronze to his name and he will look to add to that tally when he returns to Belgrade, scene of his European indoor silver medal win in 2017. He will be joined in the men’s 60m hurdles by 2021 European indoor champion Wilhem Belocian and Cyrena Samba-Mayela contests the women’s event

While former world record-holder Renaud will not be competing, there will be a Lavillenie in the pole vault competition, with European indoor silver medallist Valentin Lavillenie selected along with Thibaut Collet. Triple jump places have been secured by Jean-Marc Pontvianne and Melvin Raffin.

Aurore Fleury lines up in the 1500m while Leonie Cambours contests the pentathlon.

French team for Belgrade

Women1500m: Aurore Fleury60m hurdles: Cyrena Samba-MayelaPentathlon: Leonie Cambours 

Men60m hurdles: Wilhem Belocian, Pascal Martinot-LagardePole vault: Thibaut Collet, Valentin LavillenieTriple jump: Jean-Marc Pontvianne, Melvin Raffin

On March 3, Athletics Canada announced the 18-member team that will represent Canada at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia from March 18-20. This team is made up of six men and 12 women who have successfully achieved the World Athletics Indoor standard in their event. Athletics Canada has chosen to send an experienced team, with 16 out of the 18 athletes selected having represented Canada on the world stage previously. 

Toronto native and Bowerman Track Club member Gabriela DeBues-Stafford headlines the team, sitting at fifth in the World Athletics rankings over the 3,000m and first in the 5,000m. DeBues-Stafford has had a remarkable indoor season, breaking the Canadian indoor 3,000m and 5,000m records in back-to-back weekends. In Serbia, DeBues-Stafford will be among those contending for a medal in the women’s 3,000m.

Canada’s 2021 Lou Marsh Award winner, Damian Warner, who won gold in the decathlon at the Tokyo Olympics, was also named to Team Canada, competing in the indoor heptathlon. Warner won silver at the 2018 World Indoor Championships in this event and he’ll be looking to upgrade that to gold in Serbia. 

That was the only medal a Canadian brought home from in 2018. Team Canada’s head coach Glenroy Gilbert expects this year’s team to contend for high placings across all disciplines in Birmingham. 

There are high expectations on what could be Canada’s best 4x400m women’s team ever, comprised of Natassha MacDonald, Lauren Gale, Kyra Constantine, Micha Powell and Sage Watson. The women’s 4x400m team finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics and will be looking for redemption this time around in Serbia. 

Indoor Worlds Team (information via Athletics Canada)

Athletes

Bolade Ajomale (Richmond Hill, Ont.) – Men’s 60 metres

Cameron Proceviat (Burnaby, B.C.) – Men’s 400 metres

Damian Warner (London, Ont.) – Men’s Heptathlon

Ehab El-Sandali (Toronto, Ont.) – Men’s 3,000 metres

Gabriela DeBues-Stafford (Toronto, Ont.) – Women’s 3,000 metres

John Gay (Kelowna, B.C.) – Men’s 3,000 metres

Julie-Anne Staehli (Lucknow, Ont.) – Women’s 3,000 metres

Kyra Constantine (Brampton, Ont.) – Women’s 4×400 metres

Lauren Gale (Ottawa, Ont.) – Women’s 4×400 metres

Lindsey Butterworth (North Vancouver, B.C.) – Women’s 800 metres

Lucia Stafford (Toronto, Ont.) – Women’s 1,500 metres

Madeleine Kelly (Pembroke, Ont.) – Women’s 800 metres

Marco Arop (Edmonton, Alta.) – Men’s 800 metres 

Micha Powell (Toronto, Ont.) – Women’s 4×400 metres

Michelle Harrison (Saskatoon, Sask.) – 60 metres hurdles

Sage Watson (Medicine Hat, Alta.) – Women’s 4×400 metres

Sarah Mitton (North York, Ont.) – Shot put

According to Athletics Canada:

a second list of athletes who met the Athletics Canada indoor qualification standard in their respective events will be added to the team if they appear as “Qualified by Entry Standard” or “In World Rankings quota” on the March 9 World Athletics rankings list and the quota places remain open in their event.

The 2022 World Indoor Championships will kick off on March 18 and run until March 20.

World Athletics will impose sanctions against the member federations of Russia and Belarus as a consequence of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian athletes will be excluded from all World Athletics events for the foreseeable future, effective immediately.

This sanction means that all Russian or Belarusian athletes who have received ANA (Authorized Neutral Athlete) status will have their accreditation withdrawn and entries denied, as will any coaches, personnel and officials.

The suspension will include the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, and the 2022 World Athletics Race Walking Championships in Muscat, Oman, which are set to begin on March 4.

World Athletics has also agreed to consider the suspension of the Belarus Federation, which will be a topic of discussion at the scheduled WA Council meeting on March 10.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said:

“The world is horrified by what Russia has done, aided and abetted by Belarus. World leaders sought to avoid this invasion through diplomatic means but to no avail given Russia’s unswerving intention to invade Ukraine. The unprecedented sanctions that are being imposed on Russia and Belarus by countries and industries all over the world appear to be the only peaceful way to disrupt and disable Russia’s current intentions and restore peace.”

The Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) has been suspended from competing in World Athletics events since 2015 due to multiple doping violations. They are currently not eligible to host World Athletics events or send teams to international championships until 2023.

Two weeks ago, on Feb. 17, World Athletics and its Doping Control Review Board (DRB) announced it had approved the applications of 33 Russian athletes to compete in international competition as neutral athletes (ANA) this year. Now, the 33 Russian athletes who received ANA status for 2022 are excluded from World Athletics Series events.

The 19-year-old, who broke Kelly Holmes' British 800m record at last summer's Tokyo Olympics, was part of a 33-strong squad announced on Tuesday.

British 400m champion Jessie Knight and Ama Pipi join Hodgkinson in the relay squad.

The World Indoors take place in Belgrade, Serbia, from 18-20 March.

Several athletes confirmed their places in the GB team at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham last weekend.

They included Andrew Pozzi, the 2018 world indoor champion, in the 60m hurdles, in-form Elliot Giles in the 800m and 2016 world indoor medalist Lorraine Ugen in the long jump.

Ed Faulds and Marc Scott, who have broken European indoor records this season, are also included in the team.

Olympic head coach Christian Malcolm said: "Those called up have earned their vest and I know they'll all represent their country with pride in Belgrade.

"We have a number of athletes who have really stepped up during this indoor season, setting a number of personal and season best, so it'll be exciting to see how they translate that into the Championship environment."

Multiple Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah will race over 60m at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix – a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting – at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Saturday, February 19.

Thompson-Herah, gold medalist in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the Tokyo Olympics, is the Jamaican national record-holder and second-fastest woman of all time over 100m (10.54) and 200m (21.53). Her incredible CV includes five Olympic titles and one silver across two Games, in addition to a World Championships relay title and 200m silver in 2015. A World Indoor Championships bronze medalist over 60m, she has a personal best of 6.98.

“I’m so excited to race in Birmingham to start my 2022 campaign,” the 29-year-old told the British Athletics website. “I have enjoyed competing in the UK over the years and there is always a special atmosphere at this venue.

“I ran my PB at this arena in 2017 (6.98), so competing here means a lot to me. This year is a huge one. I have big goals for the World Athletics Championships later this summer, but first I’d like to give fans something to cheer about in Birmingham.”

The Müller Indoor Grand Prix is the fifth meeting of the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Tour (Gold). There are seven ‘Gold’ level meetings across the series, which started with Karlsruhe on January 28 and culminating in Madrid on March 2.

Throughout the series, each athlete’s best three results will count towards their overall point score. The athlete with the most points in each scoring discipline at the end of the tour will be declared the winner and will be awarded a USD$10,000 bonus along with a wild card entry for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade (March 2022).

Birmingham event on February 19 features Wightman, Neil Gourley, Piers Copeland, Charlie Da’Vall Grice and more

Olympic finalist Jake Wightman leads a strong British contingent in the men’s 1500m at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix – a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting – at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Saturday February 19.

The European and Commonwealth bronze medalist was 10th in Tokyo and is the Scottish indoor 1500m record-holder (3:34.48). The British record, held by Peter Elliott since 1990, is 3:34.20.

In what promises to be an enthralling domestic showdown, Wightman, who opened his season with a 7:50.97 3000m PB at the BMC Grand Prix in Sheffield on January 9, is joined by Piers Copeland, Archie Davis, Neil Gourley, Charlie Da’Vall Grice, George Mills and James West.

In-form Gourley, a World Championships finalist in Doha 2019, ran an outright 5000m PB (13:34.35) – the best indoor performance by a Scottish athlete over the distance – in Boston in December, and most recently clocked an impressive 7:48.94 3000m PB at the Razorback Invitational in Arizona on January 28. His 3:35.79 1500m best, which ranks him seventh on the Scottish all-time list, was achieved at the World Indoor Tour meeting in Toruń, Poland, 12 months ago.

Da’Vall Grice, Olympic 1500m finalist in Rio 2016, is the British indoor 1000m record-holder (2:17.20) with a 1500m PB indoors of 3:38.95, while Copeland is the Welsh indoor record-holder over 1500m (3:38.55). Both athletes are European Indoor Championships finalists, finishing fifth in 2015 and 2021 respectively.

West, who opened his season with a 7:59.96 3000m at the Millrose Games, has run 3:36.93; Mills is the reigning national indoor 1500m champion and has a best of 3:39.25; and Davis has an indoor 1500m best of 3:41.18.

“After running 3000m indoors, I’m looking forward to dropping back down to 1500m and hopefully challenging my Scottish record,” said 27-year-old Wightman.

“This is a special time for British endurance running and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to compete against these guys in Birmingham. We’ve seen what’s possible by our athletes on the global stage and that provides us with inspiration every day to do even better. I hope we can deliver some fast times, possibly even a British record, and a great race for the home crowd.”

The Müller Indoor Grand Prix is the fifth meeting of the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Tour (Gold). There are seven ‘Gold’ level meetings across the series which started with Karlsruhe on 28 January and concludes in Madrid on 2 March.

Throughout the series, each athlete’s best three results will count towards their overall point score. The athlete with the most points in each scoring discipline at the end of the tour will be declared the winner and will be awarded a USD$10,000 bonus along with a wild card entry for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade (March 2022).

For all its strength across the sporting spectrum, Mexico has had scant success of late on the track when it comes to major championships. At the Tokyo Olympics, the nation of 128 million fielded full teams across the marathons and race walks, but had just one male competitor on the track. 

That athlete was Jesus Tonatiu Lopez, a 24-year-old whose Games came to an end in the semifinals of the 800m, a tactical mistake costing him precious fractions of a second and leaving him wondering what might have been. Lopez finished third, just 0.03 behind Emmanuel Korir of Kenya and 0.17 behind Patryk Dobek of Poland – who went on to win gold and bronze respectively. 

“I cried,” says Lopez, who made his 2022 debut at the Millrose Games, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting, on Saturday (29). “I felt very frustrated. I knew maybe I could be in that race.”

Over the coming months, he’ll have ample opportunity to make amends, with Lopez targeting the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22 in March and the World Athletics Championships Eugene 22 in July. 

“I’m not looking for a big achievement,” he says of Belgrade. “To compete with the best in the world is going to be helpful; I’ll get a lot of experience. In Eugene, I want to make the final. Obviously I want a medal, but I try to not stress myself with (such a) specific objective.”

On the build-up to Tokyo, the medal question was often put to him by Mexican journalists, and Lopez did his best to play down expectations. 

“I don’t like to talk like that,” he says. “I just want to run the best I can. I’m going to do my best, but of course with my best race I can get a medal.”

The past 12 months have taught him as much. 

Through 2020 and 2021 Lopez has taken many small steps that, ultimately, led to one giant leap into world-class territory. In May last year he lowered his national record to 1:44.40 and then two months later, he hacked almost a full second off that mark, clocking 1:43.44 in Marietta, USA. 

It sounds strange, but Lopez was actually happier after the first race. The reason? 

“When I ran 1:43, that same day was (the) Monaco (Diamond League meeting), and (Nijel) Amos ran 1:42.91,” he says. “I wanted to be there, so I was frustrated. I thought I could run faster.”

What led to his breakthrough? Lopez’s story is similar to many other athletes who had their worlds turned upside down in 2020, forced to reassess his approach, rebuild his fitness and return better than ever once racing resumed.

“I think the pandemic helped me,” he says. 

In 2019 he set a Mexican record of 1:45.03 shortly before the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, but he was struck down with injury in the heats at that championships and failed to finish. 

“In 2020 our philosophy was to get better in the things we do well and fix the things we don’t do well,” he says. “It was to get better in our weaknesses. I was not giving it everything I had (before) and I felt I needed to give a little more to get better.”

Lopez is a full-time athlete these days and trains in Hermosillo, a city of 800,000 people, located in the state of Sonora in northwest Mexico. It’s also where he grew up, first finding athletics at the age of seven, brought to it by his parents, Claudia Alvarez and Ramon Enrique. 

At the time, he was playing American football, putting his speed to good use as a running back, and in those early years he “didn’t really care so much” about athletics. His parents, though, made sure he stayed the course. 

“They obligated me to train,” he says. “When I was a boy I wanted to (play) American football, soccer, but they were like, ‘no, you’re going to be a track and field athlete.’”

There was no athletics background in his family, but his coach knew talent when he saw it. In 2013 Lopez – then 15 – competed at the World U18 Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine, and it left an indelible mark. 

“I realized: I want to do this all my life,” he says. 

At 16 he lowered his best to 1:50.33, and competed at the World U20 Championships in Eugene, USA. At 17 he was running 1:48.13. At 18: 1:46.57. 

In 2017 he made his first World Championships at senior level, competing in London before going on to win the World University Games title in Taipei. By then he was a student at the University of Sonora, studying physical culture and sports and training under Conrado Soto, who still coaches him today. 

Lopez would rise early, training at 6am before his classes, steadily progressing each month, each year. The sporting and academic demands meant he wasn’t able to work on the side, but support from his parents – who started him out on this path – has never wavered. 

“Even with not much money, they gave me what I needed to put me in the city where I need to compete,” he says. “The first years were very difficult but thanks to them I was able to be consistent from year to year. They were also always there for me for emotional support. All this, I owe to my parents.”

As he told his story, Lopez was sitting trackside in the Armory, New York City, ahead of the Millrose Games. He’d never raced on a 200m indoor track before but Lopez ran well to finish sixth in 1:48.60.

“It was a very fierce competition but I’m satisfied,” he said. “I can get better and I know what I need to do to be better next time.”

Given his pedigree as a teenager, he had a range of options available to study in the US but Lopez overlooked them in favor of staying at home. “My coach was great, I had my family, my home,” he says. “I don’t need to go to other places when I have everything in Hermosillo.”

Growing up, he had few compatriots to look up to who were mixing it at the top level in middle-distance events, but Lopez is hoping his presence on that stage – both now and in the future – will inspire many others to follow. 

“I always wanted that,” he says. “Every competition, I want to have people by my side. It took me a long time to believe I could compete with the (world’s best), but one year ago I really believed. I can compete with them.”

Next month’s Müller Indoor Grand Prix will see the Olympic 1500m silver medalist target the long-standing global mark of 2:30.94 held by Maria Mutola

Laura Muir will attempt to break the 1000m world indoor record at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Saturday February 19

Muir holds the European indoor 1000m record after having clocked 2:31.93 in Birmingham in 2017, whereas the world record is held by Maria Mutola, the Olympic 800m champion in Sydney 2000, who ran 2:30.94 in Stockholm in 1999.

With a packed athletics calendar over the next 12 months featuring two global championships – in addition to the European Championships and Commonwealth Games – Scotland’s Muir, a multiple European indoor champion, is determined to get her year off to a strong start at the Birmingham meeting, which takes place in exactly one month’s time and which forms part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold series.

“I’m currently out in South Africa continuing my preparations for the 2022 season, so it will be exciting to get a chance to race indoors and I’m looking forward to testing myself over 1000m at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham,” said the 28-year-old, who also holds the European indoor record over 3000m.

“I had an incredible year in 2021 and it was fun to finish it off by racing in Scotland over cross country, but it’s time to get back to running fast times on the track. Birmingham holds many fond memories for me winning two medals at the World Indoor Championships and breaking a number of national records.

“I ran the British and European record of 2:31.93 on this track in 2017 which made me the second fastest of all time over the distance, so I would love to try and go one better and break the world indoor record.

“It won’t be an easy record to break – it has stood since 1999 – but the track is fast and the crowd in Birmingham are great, so hopefully I can run it close.”

The Müller Indoor Grand Prix is the fifth meeting of the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Tour (Gold). There are seven ‘Gold’ level meetings across the series, starting with Karlsruhe on January 28 and culminating in Madrid on March 2.

Throughout the series, each athlete’s best three results will count towards their overall points score. The athlete with the most points in each scoring discipline at the end of the tour will be declared the winner and will be awarded a USD$10,000 bonus along with a wild card entry for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade in March.

In addition to Muir, athletes set to compete in Birmingham include pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, 800m star Keely Hodgkinson and sprint hurdlers Andy Pozzi and Grant Holloway.