The GB Golden Girls and ever dependable Mr Kerr did Team GB proud at the World Indoors. 

And so did Bayo. With Jody is sunning himself in Argentina Bayo had to interview the stars  in Toruń solo for the very first time. Luckily he was up to the job and on this review episode you’ll hear from Keely, Molly, Georgia, Josh, Tom, Chase, Luvo and MORE!!! 

We also discuss the single most exciting event in British Athletics since Roger Bannister’s 4 minute mile!!! Like we needed any more reason to discuss the relay team variations.   

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Two in a week!!! 🤯

Bayo’s off to Toruń for the World Indoors so we’ve invited our OG track bestie and 2004 WI 800m bronze medalist Jo Mersh to join us all the way from New Zealand. 

We cover all the events that we’re most looking forward this week in Poland including discussion about Mondo, Keely, Yulimar and more!!! 

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It's been a while. Huge apologies for our two month absence but we're back with a banger.

For our 200th Episode we are celebrating the long awaited arrival of our new passports with an Irish Athletics Special.

We're determined to be the best new fans possible so have invited Irish athletics luminaries from all generations to give us tips.

King of the Irish Athleticos Seamus Carey is here to explain the huge surge in fans appearing on our TV screen over the last few years.

2006 World Indoor 60mh champ Derval O'Rourke tells us all about the new crop of athletes that we can now support.

1983 World 5000m Champion Eamonn Coughlan takes us on a history lesson and gives us lots of homework.

And lastly 400m sensation Rhasidat Adeleke joins us all the way from Texas to tell us about her upcoming season.

Something for everyone or as Dana would say 'All Kinds of Everything'.

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A new year is upon us and we meet up with some of our Athletico besties to take a look at what’s coming up in 2026.

With Champs galore, exciting events and favourite athletes to cheer on we chose our highlight of the upcoming season and make some random prediction for a jam packed T&F calendar. 

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The gang’s all here and we’re joined by LOADS of Backstraight’s nearest and dearest to review a jam packed 2025.

From Apeldoorn to Tokyo with a detour through Götzis and Zurich we try and  remember it all as we highlight our favourite moments of the year 🤩

Big thanks to Jaz and all our special guests. 

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We’re joined by Heptathlon sensation Abigail Pawlett to chat about her stunning 2025 season and how that fall at the WC’s is motivating her into 2026  

Also JAZ IS BACK to tell us all about her post Tokyo adventures and how Team GB has lost out on another Heptathlon star  

We all discuss the recent news and gossip in the track world from Olympic timetables to potential drug scandals and our very special new T-shirts  

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We’re joined by 400h star Seamus Derbyshire to talk about his breakout season, surprise relay success and how being his authentic self has rejuvenated his career. 

We also fill you in on our guest appearance at The British Athletics Supporters Club annual get together and bemoan the inevitable mess that is World Athletics AOY award 🙄 

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After a lot of hand wringing about Team GB's showing in Tokyo we've decided to look on the bright side and celebrate some of our positive performances. 

We're joined by World Champ finalist Scot Lincoln to celebrate his great season,  recent move to Australia and potential new Sumo career.

We also discuss Femke Bol's shock move to the 800m and propose the idea of BSB merch!!!

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Thought we'd take a breather after returning from Tokyo before dropping our review pod. Not that we've been slacking, we've been rewatching every last minute of the action if course!!! You miss so much in the stadium. 

We're joined by one of the very few people we can be certain has followed everything as closely as we have broadcasting legend and honorary Backstraight Girl Jeanette Kwakye.

Together we discuss all of the ups and downs of a fantastic 2025. World Championships. 

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Better late than never, right???

Sorry for the delay but we’ve been having some Japanese adventures before finally dropping our update of the last weekend. 

There was lots of drama over the last two days including relay mishaps, surprise shared medals and lots and lots of rain ☔️ 

We’ll be back very soon with a full Champs review and hopefully some special guests. 

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Sorry we're late guys, but I'm sure you'll appreciate that after the exploits of Friday we we got a bit delayed in our podcasting responsibilities.

There was a fantastic turn out for our afternoon meet up and beers before we headed to the stadium and continued the partying.

Rai and Femke claimed more 400h GOLD whilst Noah 4peated in the 200m and MJW did the sprint double but it was our very own Amy Hunt claiming silver that tipped us over the edge and back to the pub.

To help us remember everything that went on we’re joined by sprint expert and host of The Final Leg channel Anderson Emerole  

We'll back on schedule tomorrow (I think).

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See you tomorrow x

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Who better to join us on a history making day of 400m running that the one lap Legend Christine Ohuruogu?

We discuss Sydney McLaughlin - Levrone’s jaw dropping run in 47.78,  second fastest time in history.

Keshorn Walcott also make history winning a World title 13 years after winning the Olympics back in London 2012 whilst  Collen Kebinatshipi became Botswana’s first ever WC.

TJ GOAT Yulimar Rojas made a brave attempt at retaining her title but has to settle for bronze behind Leyanis Pérez Hernández and OLY Champ Thea Lafond but Be Afraid for next year  

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Olympic 1500m finalist and host of The Running Channel podcast Andy Baddeley joins us to celebrate a well deserved Silver medal from Eugene ‘22 Champ Jake Wightman 🥈

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Colin’s back to take us through the 110m hurdles final and we all marvel at Ethan’s monster HT, Faith’s 4th 🥇🥇🥇🥇 and Sydney’s STUNNING Semi Final run 😮 

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We're joined by the legendary Olympic, World and Commonwealth 100mh Champion Sally Pearson to discuss another night of shock results here in Tokyo.

We get her expert take on a startling Ditaji Kambundji win in the sprint hurdles and an elated Geordie Beamish in the steeplechase. 

But not everything was as surprising. Of course Mondo did it again. A WR on the biggest stage!!!

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We had a fantastic evening in the stadium hanging out with some with Athletico Royalty and enjoying the iced wine 🧊 🍷

The action was pretty great as well.

A sensational 10k result gave fan fave Jimmy Gressier a surprise win and the 100m Finals didn’t disappoint with new Champions in both events and a resurgent Jamaica passing the baton to the next generation. 

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We’ve made it all the way to Tokyo and whilst the jet lag is kicking in we’re here to recap Day 1 along with Trackastic Podcast host and Atheltico royalty Chris Brown Sport. 

Golds from fan fave Evan Dunfee and a resurgent Ryan Crouser had us cheering, whilst Beatrice Chebet’s dominant kick finish outpaced all of her rivals as usual.

Mixed bag from the Brits with heartbreak for our Jaz but the sprinters all made it through safely with finals to come this evening 🤞🏾

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For our World Championships preview edition we're joined by Hurdles Royalty Sally Gunnell and Kevin Young 👑

Both Sally and Kevin were crowned the 1992 Olympic and 1993 World 400mh Champions,  setting WR's along the way and with Tokyo 2025 only days away we all get deep into what we're looking forward to most (There's a lot of hurdles chat).

We also reminisce about their legendary careers as well as discover that we've all known each other for a VERY long time!!!

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The DL Final action took second place to our epic quest to meet The Queen, Merlene Ottey 👑

Well mission accomplished, so whilst we quickly review the best perfs on the track we also fill you in on all our old skool ‘networking’ at a fabulous Weltaklasse. 

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EMERGENCY PODCAST ALERT!!! 🚨 

MORGAN JUMPED 2 METRES!!! 

THE TEAM WAS ALSO ANNOUNCED!!!

BUT MORGAN JUMPED 2 METRES!!! 🥳

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After a week of stunning DL performances the boys discuss Keely and Karsten comebacks, WR near misses and a very damp LJ competish before we all head to Zurich for the big Final later this week. 

They then have a good old gossip rounding up all the off track drama that’s been taking place and wonder if those last few selection decisions aren’t quite as set in stone as we’d all thought. 

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We promised you a special guest and they don’t come any more special than hurdles LEGEND Colin Jackson here to tell us all about his new venture the Track, Field & Life app. 

It’s a one stop shop for athletics nerds everywhere with results, rankings, bios and more. 

We also chat about the trials results from both sides of the Atlantic and make a plans for a right royal meet up in Zurich 🤞🏾

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The gang’s all here as FIVE times British Long Jump Champion Jazmin Sawyers returns to  tell us all about her fantastic weekend at a sensational UK trials. We discuss all the action, the marvellous new surroundings and the potential headaches for the selectors. 

Over in America the news was even more shocking and that’s was just the fights!!! The USATF champs never disappoint and this year was no exception with some jaw dropping performances and heartbreaking results. 

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Just dropping into you feeds with a quick round up of all the action from Day 1 of the British Trials.

Great performances and great stadium but some potential headaches for the selectors.

Thanks Mel. Sorry Divine.

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Trials season is upon us and this weekend we’re off the Birmingham to enjoy all the drama at the  Novuna UK Athletics Championships. 

As usual the selection criteria is somewhat complicated so join us as we break everything down and discuss the most exciting clashes off the weekend

Big thanks to Preet Majithia and Alex Seftel for doing all the hard work. 

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The boys have got LOADS to talk about after a jam packed London Diamond League with great performances all round, especially from the Brits. They’ve joined by some familiar names from the Mixed Zone after the event. 

There’s also discussion of a high go quality Euro U23’s and some great news about the 2029 World Champs. 

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The boys are back from Glastonbury and here to discuss all the fantastic athletics that's we've been enjoying over the last couple of weeks, including The European Team Championships and a sensational Pre Classic.

They're also joined by fan favourite and The Hardest Working Woman in Track Maia McKoy, who tells us all about her recent success on the circuit and how a certain African adventure went somewhat awry.

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The gang's all here to round up a very busy week of Track and Field, including a resurgent Diamond League and a shocking Grand Slam announcement, as well as great performances at the NAACP, but most importantly some major Jaz news!!!

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Instead of our usual round up edition of our trip to Götzis we have something a little different for you this week. 

Here is an interview that we did straight after the meet with the guys from The Swiss Track Check podcast. They’re basically the Swiss Backstraight Boys and when they spotted us in the crowd, invited us on to their pod to discuss our amazing weekend in the mountains. 

Normal service will resume next week with a big guest!!!

Hope you enjoy. 

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To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Hypo-Meeting in Götzis we’ve managed to bag some spectacular guests this week. 

Double World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Katarina Johnson Thompson and World and European Indoor Champ Sander Skotheim join us to chat about their experiences competing in the world’s premier multi event competition.

We’ll we heading a to the Austrian mountains as well to enjoy 2 days of action, meet some legends and most of all eat LOTS of apple cake. 

Look out on social media for lots of interviews and Götzis content. 

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EMERGENCY POD ALERT!!!!

Our Backstraight Girl is BACK. In her first competition since September 2023 she competed at the Loughborough International meet on Sunday and jumped very encouraging 6.53m.

Of course we had to her her straight on the pod to tell us all about it and celebrate another special occasion at the same time.

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The boys are back and to make up for their shameful absence they are really spoiling you with today's guests. Fresh from their spectacular victory at The World Relays Amy Hunt and Success Eduan drop by to tell us all about taking down some of the biggest names in the business.

They also catch up with all the other action that has taken place in the last month and hint at some exciting new interviews taking place this week You won't want ti miss them!!! 

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We’re joined by newly minted World Indoor 400m champ and long time friend of the pod Amber Anning to chat about her sensational last few months. 

Afterwards the we discuss last weekend inaugural Grand Slam Track meet and Decathlon Legend Daley Thompson’s entrance into the Big Brother house. 

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The gang are all recovered from their weekend jet lag and get together to do a speedy recap of the Nanjing World Indoors. Obviously it goes on longer than than planned. 

They each pick a favourite event and discuss how the overall champs was much better than anticipated. But it wouldn’t be a BSB pod without a good old rant so luckily their have been more baffling World Athletics announcements this week to have us all up in arms. 

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The Championships keep coming and so do the BSB podcasts!!!

The gang is all here and we're joined by European and World Indoor 60mh Champ Andrew Pozzi. 

Newly retired he tells us all about the highs and lows of his career and then joins us to try and make sense of a truly chaotic Nanjing World Indoor Champs. Despite our best efforts we fail miserably. 

Of course we'll be watching every last minute live, even is it does start 1am GMT.

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Jody didn’t make it to Apeldoorn so we’ve invited Backstraight Roving Reporter Preet on to fill us in on all the action. 

Netherlands cleaned up at their home champs with 7 Golds whilst Team GB had mixed results. 

Big names like Lieke, Jakob, Sander and Ditaji shone but Jerry’s win and a resurgent Andy Robinson stole the show for British fans 🤩

All this and we discuss the very weird UK team for Nanjing. 

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After many discussion about which legend we should invite on for our Apeldoorn  2025 Euro Indoors Preview, we realised we already had one in da house !!! 

Reigning European Long Jump champ (And more importantly #1 Backstraight Girl) Jaz Sawyers is here with us, to discuss all the action at the upcoming champs. 

Bayo has been up a mountain, Jaz is recovering from the Brit Awards and Jody still hasn’t decided if he’s attending the champs, but join us whilst we get absolutely everything wrong before the action starts on Thursday. 

Can’t wait!!!

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Four time Olympic Champ Carl Lewis called it an 'April Fools joke' and double champ Militiatis Tentoglu said it was 'dog shit'  and threatened to retire from the event, but World Athletics seem determined to implement their controversial new Long Jump innovations.

Obviously this is a topic very close to the podcast's heart so we gathered together an all star team of LJ luminaries to have a heated (If one sided debate). Jaz is back along 🥳 along with UK #1 Jacob Fincham - Dukes as well as friend of the pod 2 x World Champion Fiona May. They do not hold back.

Tune in for all the some long rants about the long jump and let us know your views about new rules. 

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This week we’re joined by a whole host of legendary guests to celebrate MOWA (The Museum of World Athletics). 

Last summer we were invited (Gatecrashed!) a gathering of dozens of Olympic and World champions who had joined Seb Coe to celebrate Paavo Nurmi’s 5 Olympic Gold medals from Paris 1924 being lent to MOWA for display at Paris 2024!!!

The Museum of World Athletics is a travelling and online collection of some of the most iconic memorabilia from the sports long and storied history. 

As we were surrounded by our favourite thing in the world, old school athletics legends, we had to get some interviews to share with you….

Aries Merrit - 110h Gold (London 2012)

Tia Hellebaut - High Jump Hold (Beijing 2008)

Michelle Carter - Shot Put Gold (Rio 2016)

Javier Sotomayer - High Jump Gold (Atlanta 1996)

Laser Viren - 5k + 10k Golds (Munich 1972 + Montreal 1976)

Joanna Hayes - 100mh Gold (Athens 2004)

Dwight Phillips - Long Jump Gold (2004)

Billy Mills - 10,000m Gold (Tokyo 1964)

 There may be tears!!! 

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The old gang are all here as we're joined by OG Backstraight Girl, Claire Thomas to round up the whole of 2024!!!

We has 3 Major Champs and a whole host of stunning performances to look back on so we choose our highs and lows from an amazing year of T&F.

Special shout outs to Jazmine Sawyers and Preet Majithia for all of their help this year and of course all our special guests.

See ya in 2025 :-)

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The year is coming to an end so we get together for a quick catch up on all of the recent news for the world of T&F

From the Euro Cross Country to new announcements from WA and British Athletics as well as updates on the Ultimate Championships and talk of a potential Treadmill  Champs. We pack in a lot before our End of Year Review, coming soon!!! 

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With World Athletics about to announce there Athletes and Performances of the Year awards (And inevitably get it wrong) we’ve called in some Athletico royalty to make the definitive decisions for 2024!!!

We’re joined by Chris Brown Sport and Jamie McGann from the TrackCastic podcast to hand out the most prestigious prizes of the year. 

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Ten years ago, long before the podcast, 20 year old sprint sensation Jodie Williams did an interview for our old blog Jody and Bayo's Athletics Spectacular. It was at the very beginning of her senior career and she could not have started it off in an more auspicious way, ending the season with both European and Commonwealth medals.

But all good things must come to and end, so it seems fitting that she should sit down with us again, a decade later, as a she announces her retirement, to chat about her inspirational legacy and leaving on a high with an Olympic Bronze medal.

The British women's spring scene had been transformed since 2014 much of which can be attributed to Jodie's trailblazing legacy.

We wish her all the best in her future coffee and 'frolicking' adventures. 

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Sprint Season 2 is here and we have MANY thoughts!!! 

Noah, Gabby and Shericka are back, but Season 1 faves Sha’Carri and SAFP are missing, as is the entire continent of Africa, whilst newcomers like Julian Alfred and Kushan’s Thompson prove that the biggest personalities don’t necessarily make the most compelling characters. 

The boys dig into the good and bad, discussing what might be required for a potential Season 3. 

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Nothing season has brought me more pleasure than to be able to say 'Olympic Silver Medallist, Bianca Williams'.

The sprint star joins us to chat about her 'first' Olympic Games, her plans for the future and that pesky 100m PB.

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A few tech probs behind the scenes meant that we've been MIA for the last few weeks. Instead of our planned podcast here's a very special interview with Backstraight fave Charlie Dobson that we're dropping for you early!!!

The gang will all be back very soon with some other famous names and a full round up of all that's been happening in the world of T&F.

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Back from gallivanting around Europe the gang are back in business with the hangovers to prove it. 

Whilst Jaz was celebrating the end of season in Paris and Barcelona the boys were reminded that their partying days are behind them at The Diamond League Final in Brussels. A certain Shot Put champion may be to blame. 

There also much to discuss about the upcoming IOC Presidential race and the exciting Commonwealth Games announcement as well as some special guests with quick chats to the likes of Dina Asher Smith, Cole Hocker, Georgia Brown and Daryl Neita. 

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With so much to catch up on and Jaz away at The Paralympics with call up some Athletico royalty to join as for this weeks pod.

Alicia from Liss on Track discusses everything that's happened on the Diamond League since Paris and then we welcome the notorious Owen M to give us the lowdown on the Sydney McLaughlin - Levrone debacle.

#AthleticosAssemble

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Can’t quite believe the guests we get on here!!! Jaz and the Boys welcome 2012 Olympic Champ Greg Rutherford on the pod to discuss their favourite Athletics moments from Paris 2024. It was so good we even forget to mention the Brits but do agree that Long Jump is deffo the most difficult event to win a medal in 😉

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 Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials. 

Thanks for listening and follow us on Social Media at 

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 Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials. 

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Paris 2024 has finally arrived and we're properly spoiling you with a spectacular Olympic guest to help preview all of the upcoming action. 

Dame Jessica Ennis Hill knows a thing or two about an Olympic Games and she joins us to discuss the events that we're most looking forward to (ALL OF THEM!!!).

With Jaz already in The City of Love and Jess about to join her we may be having second thoughts about BSB attendance. We'll keep you posted!!!



  

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 Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials. 

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 Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials. 

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Jaz is on the move, so the boys get together to discuss Olympic Teams, World Records, Sprint on Netflix and their own glorious reality TV pasts.

There's also talk of a Backstraight Meet Up at The London Diamond League, so 
let them know on Socials if you'll be around for a beer and a chat :-)
 

 

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We promised you we'd keep the content coming!!!! 

With teams finally being announced we caught up with Citius Magazine's Chris Chavez to give us all the down low on a very dramatic US Trials.  

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Back from the trials to discuss all the drama, great performances and selection controversy.

The weather may have been miserable but the likes of Dina, Charlie, Molly and Phoebe gave us plenty to smile about.

There was heartbreak in the Steeple, elation in the 400mh and confusion in the men's middle distances. But NOTHING could overshadow Louie Hinchliffe's mullett.

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Jaz is back from her daily Roma grind and we all get together to discuss our favourite moments from The Europeans as well as catch up on all the other news from the last couple of weeks  including some dubious WA 'innovations' and Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track venture. Expect some rants. 

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A hugely successful European Champs comes to and end and after a slight travelling hitch we team up to discuss the last day or action at Rome ‘24. 

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It’s Gimbo’s World and we’re just living in it. The High Jump King does it again in another Golden Night for Italy.

But before that we chat to 400h LEGEND and our new best track buddy KEVIN YOUNG who gives us all the lowdown on Karsten and Femke’s wins and makes some Olympic predix!!!

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Our faves may not have won but it was still a fantastic night of action at Roma ‘24. 

Talking of faves were joined by Long Jump LEGEND Fiona May to explain Italy’s unprecedented success!!!

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Our little Backstraight Meet Up had a surprise special guest which along with 2 Golds for #TeamGB and another Irish left us with plenty to celebrate 🥳 

Chris Brown-Sport joins us to reminisce on a particularly riotous night of athletics fandom in Roma!!!

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Another sensational night for Italy and Britain are on the medal table!!!

We cover Day 2 of an already amazing Champs

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It’s Day 1 of Rome ‘24 and were joined by Athletico legends Seamus Carey and Dan Peachey to discuss Irish elation, Italian celebrations and a gigantic rant about qualification. 

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The season is in full swing and the first outdoor champs of the year is about to begin. Rome 2024 is likely to be a sensational feast of athletics and who better to get on to discuss it with us than Double World and Commonwealth Gold medallist, Olympics Silver medallist, long time World Record holder and FOUR TIME European 100h Champion Mr Colin Jackson!!!!

We take it in turns to discuss all of our most anticipated events taking place at the European Athletics Championship which start on Friday, including Britain's super strong team, fascinating head to heads and some of the biggest stars in the sport like Mondo, Femke, Karsten, KJT, Jacob, Keely, Miltiadis, Yaroslava, Dina and Gianmarco. 

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Backstraight's Back with a MAJOR announcement.

We've been and gone and gone and bowed to the inevitable, so are super excited to announce Jaz Sawyers our official new Backstraight Girl :-)

She'll be joining us across this Olympic summer to discuss EVERYTHING that's going on in T&F starting with the shockingly heavyweight British team for Rome 2024.

Join us for a dose of Backstraight Boys (and Girl) WEEKLY from now on - We Promise!!!

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With so much going on in the athletics world we thought we'd drop a quick, cheeky no frills catch up. The 'quick' bit got lost somewhere along the way as we discuss Marathons, Diamond Leagues, World Relays, World Records, Prize Money, Olympic Kits and more!!!!

 

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 Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials. 

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It took us a while but we finally get round to discussing a fabulous final session of Indoor action. The last day of Glasgow24 had it all, shocks, surprises, more British medals and another World Record!!!!

The likes of Devynne Charlton, Alexander Doom, Tara Davis - Woodhall, Femke Bol and Geordie Beamish made sure that the champs went out with a bang.

Join us as we chat about all things Day 3 at the World Athletics Indoor Champs. 

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After a packed night of Gold Medals and World Records we're joined by 2013 110h World Champ David Oliver to discuss all the action. 

British Champions Molly Caudery and Josh Kerr stole the headlines but Femke Bol's new World Record stole the show in another sensational night in Glasgow. 

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On the first day of the World Indoors we grab honorary Backstraight Girl Jazmin Sawyers for a quick chat about all the action including Gold Medals in the Shot Put, Pentathlon, women's HJ and men's 60m.

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We've been partying it up at the Rio Carnival for the last few weeks so introduce our background Backstraight Boy, Preet to catch us up on all the latest T&F gossip,  before welcoming Scottish track legend Eilidh Child onto the pod to discuss all things Glasgow 2024.

As we head up to Scotland (Bayo's first ever visit!!!) you can be busy listening and getting prepared for this weekend's feast of athletics action.

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After our astonishing success with a baton in Budapest we thought we'd dedicate this edition to all things relay and who better to tell us how they did it than the main man in charge Martyn Rooney, 4 time World medalist Laviai Nielsen and new kid on the block Rio Mitchum.

Join us as they celebrate their success and let us know what's to come in 2024 with multiple chances across 4 different champs!!! 

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Did you think we'd forgotten about you??? 

We took our time but it was worth it cos we couldn't do the end of year review without the First Ladies of Backstraight. Jeanette Kwakye and OG Backstraight Girl Claire Thomas made room in their very busy broadcasting schedules to join us and discuss an action packed 2023.

From Josh Kerr and KJT snatching Gold, Sha'carri  coming good, Faith having a season for the ages and Budapest maybe being THE GOAT, this year had EVERYTHING.

We sat down to reminisce about our the memorable moments and discuss our Bests and Worst of 2023 and look forward to 2024

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Backstraight's Back with a Women's Pole Vault Special.

We discuss everything that happened at the end of the track season before welcoming vaulting Queens Katie Moon and Molly Caudery on to tell us about their fantastic 2023 and then delve into some off track coaching dramas from UKA, DAS and the Ingebrigtsen brothers.

UKA Statement - https://athleticsweekly.com/athletics-news/uka-technical-director-stephen-maguire-leaves-post-1039972494/

Dina Statement - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/67101853

Ingebrigtsen Articles - https://www.vg.no/sport/friidrett/i/dweX7w/jakob-henrik-og-filip-ingebrigtsen-om-bruddet-med-gjert-ingebrigtsen-dette-er-vaar-historie

Ingebrigtsen BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/67164888

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We’re back for Part 2 of our Budapest Review. Hannah and Jenny are still with us and this time we’re celebrating the success of Team GB so there may be a few familiar names dropping in for a chat. 

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We're really spoiling you track fans!!!

Sorry the WC review is a bit late but it's certainly worth the wait. We're joined by some UK Middle Distance legends who know a thing or two about winning World Championship medals to discuss our favourite moments from a fabulous champs.

2009 800m Bronze medalist Jenny Meadows and 2011 1500m Silver medalist Hannah England bring all their broadcasting knowledge to our pod and we may be joined by a few extra special newly crowned champions as well!!!

It so good we had to split it into two parts!!!

Enjoy over the  weekend and Part 2 will be with you #Soon

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We had planned a big World Champs Review for you this week, but being all athleticsed out and with 2 Diamond Leagues and a London  Half Marathon to watch, our very special guests kindly agreed to delay for a week. Instead we're bringing you this bonus edition LIVE from Budapest.

We appeared with our good friends Chris and Kyle from Citius Mag on their YouTube Live show and instead of us interviewing the stars we get interviewed about all our adventures in Track and Field. It's a really fun chat and we end up laughing even more than usual. Hope you enjoy it and we'll be back with our Budapest round up VERY soon. 

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Talk about ending on a high!!! Neeraj, Yaroslava, Jakob, Mary and the World Athletics President Sebastian Coe on our little podcast. 

An amazing end to an amazing champs with amazing guests Tamsyn Manou and Sebastian Coe joining us to discuss the final night of Budapest 2023. 

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Full fledged Backstraight Boy Radzi joins us to revel ain another night of first class action. 

Champs kept on championing as the likes of Faith, Noah and Sha’Carri increased their Gold haul, Mondo and Chase retained their titles and Gong made history (We think). 

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On a night of sprints and jumps who better than sprint and jump legend Tianna Madison to join and discuss all the action. 

The field events left it until the very last rounds to claim their champions whilst the relay and 800m heats have us salivating for the finals. 

WR speculation in both 200m races may have been unfounded but they are definitely ‘under threat’. Roll on the rest of the season!!! 

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Matt upgrades to Silver,  Femke upgrades to Gold, Canada come out swinging and Jamaica rule the roost on Day 6 in Budapest. 

We’re joined by our new mixed zone besties Tiara from Real Talk With Tee and Citius Mag’s Katelyn Hutchison to once again rave about the night’s amazing action. 

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The Scottish/Norwegian War lasted between 1262 and 1266 but now, after nearly 800 years of peace, it seems that Jake and Josh are determined to reignite it.

Another sensational night of athletics, especially for Edinburgh AC, as Josh Kerr replicated club Jake Wightman's exploits from Eugene 2022 with another 1500m Gold.

Also on the track there were fantastic 400m/400h races and a double Gold in the wPV.

Join us with special guest Jazmin Sawyers to relive all the excitement. 

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Sorry we’re late but it took a very long time for a certain, exuberant Italian to make it to the mixed zone last night. Totally worth the wait obvs ♥️

Today we chat with special guest Kyle Merber from Citius Mag about Gianmarco Tamber’s full set, having faith in Faith Kipyegon and a shock win in the wDiscus. 

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Jade's back to discuss another astonishing night of Athletics.

Nuff Respect to Sha'carri Richardson for proving the doubters (Including us wrong).

What a champs!!!

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A Golden night for the Brits as KJT becomes a double World Champion and Zharnel Hughes lives up to his potential with a sensational 100m Bronze medal.

With the wLJ another highlight we invited Long Jump Queen Jade Johnson on to chat with us about a sweltering hot night if Track and Field. 

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In the first of our quick nightly pods we're aghast over the Dutch misfortunes but ecstatic who we managed to meet on day 1 of Budapest 2023.

If tonight is anything to go by it's gonna be a crazy champs. Bring it on!!!

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Budapest 2023 is finally upon us so it was time to pull out the big guns. To discuss the World Championships we thought we should get on some legendary champions and they don't come any more legendary than these two great ladies. 

Between them Dame Denise Lewis and Christine Ohuruogu have won everything possible in the sport with Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth Golds and a pile of other medals along the way.

We asked them to join us to discuss what we are most looking forward to at the 19th Edition of the World Athletics Champs and as you can imagine we had lots to talk over.

So join us and some get in the mood for a feast of athletics  with some real champs and keep an eye out for lots of BSB content coming your way over the next couple of weeks. 

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When we’re not debating relay lineups, there’s nothing us Athletics nerds love more than chatting about selection policy and now is the time to do it. 

With Budapest on the horizon and the team recently announced, it goes without saying there’s plenty to discuss, good and bad. 

To help us out we’ve invited on some special guests with very different selection experiences. 

Amber Anning is overjoyed to make her first senior World team in the 4x4 relay, but should she have an individual spot?

Jade Lally is a veteran of adverse selection decisions but has a plan to guarantee a place at Paris 2024. 

And UK track legend Dai Greene has been very vocal with his views on British Athletics latest decisions and has inside knowledge of the whole process. 

Join us to for rants,  celebrations and the usual factual errors 🤣. 

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Straight after the London Athletics Meet we thought we'd drop you a special, no frills episode discussing all the highlights. We chat about sensational performances from Femke Bol, Max Burgin, Ryan Crouser, Noah Lyles, Maree Jose Ta Lou, Jemma Reekie and many more!!! Roll on Budapest. 

Head over to Instagram @backstraightboyspodcast for interviews with all the stars

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There's been a feast of athletics over the last few weeks so we invited our good friend and athletics fanatic Lloyd Kempson to join as talk all things track.

Lloyd is a runner, coach and co-owner of the Track and Field social media platform @Trackstaa.

We chat about UK and US Trials, the Euro U23's, the Silesia Diamond League but mostly our current obsession with the w800m.

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It's been 2 months since Jody and Bayo were in the same room together. Now that they have stopped gallivating around the world, it's time to reunite and discuss everything that has been going on this season. Join us to chat about our favourite performances so far this year and the UK Trials happening this weekend (Just don't mention pacing lights). 

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A few months back Anyika Onuora was our guest on Instagram Live to discuss her wonderful new book My Hidden Race. Had so many requests that promised to release it as a pod so that all of our listeners not on Instagram can hear her fascinating story, so, by popular demand, here it is.

Apologies for the sound quality, we've had to rip the audio from IG but hope you enjoy listening to her as much as we did.

AND BUY THE BOOK!!! I can't recommend it enough. So many behind the scenes stories and so much detail about the lives of athletes off the track that us fans never even consider.

Big thanks to Mel Anning for editing. 

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We usually save out interview specials for retired legends of the sport but after this  winter's exploits we 'Why wait?'. Here's everybody's favourite singing Long Jumper, Jazmin Sawyers.

Big thanks to Mel Anning for editing.

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We promised to repost some of our fave Backstraight episodes and what better place to start than our UK Sprint Queen Special from back in 2018.

Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all of our socials

 Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials. 

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Keely made it look easy, Karsten was in PB form, Nafi made history and Jaz had us all jumping for joy. The Boys have been journalising in Istanbul and in the studio they are joined by a lady who loves athletics as much as they do - Mel Anning. 

Journalist and administrator in Sussex, a founding trustee of the Lloyd Cowan Bursary  - which supports young athletes and coaches - and mum of three sporty girls including 400m specialist Amber Anning, Mel joins us to talk all things Euro Indoors.

We also chat to a host of stars about their Istanbul exploits. Listen in to hear from Laura Muir, Femke Bol, Kevin Mayer, Karsten Warholm, Nafi Thiam, Long Jump Queen Jaz Sawyers and more!!!

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Having been unceremoniously dumped by their devoted girlfriend of the last 5 years, the newly single boys run back into the arms of an old flame and welcome OG Backstraight Boy, Matt Wood onto the show. It was Matt who introduced Claire and the twins in the first place so you have him to thank for the last 5 years of podcast mayhem.

A former GB international Matt now heads Run Through, organising large scale running events across the the UK to keep you all fit. You can see see more of what he’s up to at @mattwoodywood and @runthroughuk

This episode they’ll be previewing The European Indoor Champs and discussing some of most anticipated clashes before jetting of to Istanbul and chatting to all the stars in person.

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Our 100th episode passed us by in a flash. 
Like a home straight Kyle Langford. Like the naps you desperately snatch whilst balancing a championship across the globe with your commitments at home. Like the time between each jaw-dropping performance from Rojas and Duplantis. 
We missed it just as surely as we've habitually missed Diamond Leagues (why are they so inconsistently scheduled??) since starting this podcast - all the way back in 2017.
'Better late than never' we figured, and so we sat down - on New Year's Eve of 2022 - to look back at the show so far. We reminisced about doing parkrun, about interviewing some of the greatest that've ever done it, about screwed-up fantasy predictions, and about the moments which have stayed with us - of which there are many.
So, without further ado: here's 71 minutes of nostalgia and laughter. We hope you enjoy it.
And - from Claire - thanks for having me. It's been a complete and utter joy - and I hope you'll all stay in touch xoxo

Twitter: @Claire_GThomas @BackstraightB
Instagram: @backstraightboyspodcast @clairegthomas

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Where to even begin? 2022 had it all: a World Indoors, World Outdoors, Commonwealths, Europeans, and the GOAT Shelly-Ann adjusting her hair mid-200 metres.

Can you even believe that Marcel Jacobs beating Coleman in that fantastic 60m was only nine months ago? Us neither. It's bonkers how much athletics there's been this year. Bonkers and brilliant - but also impossible to summarise in a single podcast episode, unless you really, really know your onions.

Enter: Jeanette. Sprint Queen turned Broadcast Queen, and an utter *delight* to discuss T&F with. Honestly - it's left us buzzing for everything that's to come in 2023.

We decide our performances, moments, athletes, and low points of the year - plus what we're most excited for next season. 

So, without further ado: here's our look back at the busiest twelve months in track and field history. We loved it. It was exhausting. We can't wait for next year. Let's never have one like it again...

Twitter: @backstraightB & @Claire_GThomas
Insta: @backstraightboyspodcast & @clairegthomas

Thank you for all of your fantastic suggestions and personal highlights: we loved reading them. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. Back soon xoxo

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EUROPEAN CHAMPS REVIEW. GET IT WHILE IT'S HOT.

Twitter: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas
Insta: @BackstraightBoysPodcast & @ClaireGThomas

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'Three is a magic number' - and so it often proves. Destiny's Child. Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Major outdoor champs this summer. Members of this podcast. Stages in the wonderful, bronze-clinching personal best achieved by this episode's guest in the Commonwealth triple jump final.

That's right: the one and only Naomi Metzger joined us for our Birmingham review - fresh from soaring onto the Alexander Stadium podium.

We chat Commonwealths, competing in Germany, the majestic Yulimar Rojas, her new coach and newfound love of lifting,  and a whole lot more besides.

It was a proper pleasure to have her on  - thanks so much for stopping by, Naomi! - and the reminisce fully cemented Birmingham in our minds as a fantastic championship. From Eilish to Laura, from Kat to Arshad, and from to Olivia to Ferdinand: we cover almost as much ground as Metzger did en route to her terrific gong.

Thanks for listening, you lovely lot. It means tonnes, and we're so grateful to you for tuning in.

Enjoy Europeans, and we'll catch you soon! Rate, review, subscribe, and say 'hi' on socials - if you fancy.

J, B, and C xoxo

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It's our 100th episode. One *hundred* podcasts. Can you believe that? We certainly can't.

Jody and Bayo are sleep deprived after watching all of Eugene live, Claire is trying (and failing) to instil some sort of structure into our Oregon World Championships review, and all three of us are fuelled by M&S birthday cake. It's neither organised nor comprehensive, but it's certainly opinionated and enthusiastic (a sentence which applies to each of the 100 episodes we've produced so far, and will probably cover any we publish in the future, too...).

Jakob and Jake, Alison and Allyson, Jeanette and Geoff, and the queen of them all - SAFP. "It's Shelly-Ann's world, and we're all just living in it", after all. Devon's DQ and whether or not Sydney is enjoying her athletics. What we made of the event itself, and why it's left us a little confused over our stance on taking full teams to championships. There's a lot in here, if you can overlook the frequent  fishing chat and sound of forks on plates...

We're not polished, but we sure love bringing you our ramblings - and hope you enjoy the listen.

Say 'hi', or let us know what *you* made of Oregon, on socials:
Twitter: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas
Instagram: @BackstraightBoysPodcast & @clairegthomas

Perhaps our second century of pods will bring newfound levels of cohesion (spoiler: it won't)... xoxo

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Yo: it's the Oregon set. 
Backstraight Boys: live and direct.
Kath Merry mash up (she was with Wightman on the deck).
It's the Eugene World Champs - we're live and direct.

Just in case you missed it: here's our mid-Worlds review, with a lengthy and outstanding cameo from the ever-glorious Kath Merry - who dialled in from Oregon (and brought some much-needed knowledge and class to proceedings in the process).

Kath: thanks for joining <3
You lovely lot: thanks for listening xoxo

Full Oregon 2022 review pod coming soon! 

Twitter: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas
IG: @backstraightboyspodcast & @clairegthomas

 Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials. 

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Made in haste and love. Join our lobby. Chat to us on socials xoxo

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After a brief sabbatical (Claire was feeling a bit swamped), we're back - and all roads lead to Eugene. The Worlds are a week and a bit away, with Commonwealths and Euros looming large, and the British squad has been announced. It's big, it's teeming with talent, and it's getting us as extremely excited as we always are for anything involving supremely fit individuals running, throwing, and jumping.

Jody and Bayo were at the trials, so report back on a gusty and eventful couple of days, before the team delve into the 78 athletes named for Oregon's Greatest Show.

Daryl dazzled, middle distance running was straight flames, and we're obsessed with Max Burgin. Plus ça change.

Anyway: it's terrific to be back. We've missed it, and we've missed you. 

Let us know your thoughts in all the usual places: your podcast provider, Twitter (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas) and Instagram (@backstraightboyspodcast & @clairegthomas).

Back soon with a Worlds preview plus more information on the fun collab we're doing with World Athletics throughout that big meet across the pond. 

J, B & C xoxo

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Jody and Bayo went to Belgrade, and returned with: photos with everyone's favourite Italian high jumper, a fractured wrist, memories of a splendid birthday feat. the athleticos, and... Covid. A mixed bag, it's safe to say.

More broadly, the 2022 World Indoors were a varied championships themselves: Keely and Elliot were DNS, and Kat was DNF, but there were 3 world records, medallists from 31 different countries, and some outstanding performances. Yaroslava Mahuchikh winning gold was the best moment of all - displaying astonishing poise and grit - but we also loved Rojas' WR, Grant's flames-emoji start, and how at home Holly Mills appears to be at this level.

We had *tonnes* to discuss, so here it is: our big review of Belgrade 2022. Enjoy!

Got an opinion? Let us know your thoughts! @Claire_GThomas and @BackstraightB (plus @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Intsa). Leave us a review on your podcast provider, while you're at it... xoxo

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Full description to follow, but - for now - treat yourselves to an hour of Belgrade chatter with multiple world indoor medallist, Jamie 'Sporting Hair of the Year' Baulch: as heard via Instagram live earlier this week.

Rate, review, subscribe, and SAY 'HI': @BackstraightB, @Claire_GThomas, and @JamieBaulch

The first major championship of 2022 is upon us... phwoar. Enjoy xoxo

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Keely doing Keely things, baby 'brig setting world records, Mondo soaring, and the Winter Olympics rocked by a doping scandal with a 15-year-old girl at its heart. 2022 hasn't exactly got off to a quiet start, has it?

Backstraight is back (alright!) - with a romp through recent indoor results, a discussion about the Kamila Valieva story and Sha'Carri's take on it, and plenty more besides.

It is GOOD to be back podding, and you can expect plenty from us this year, as the busiest athletics season we've ever seen begins. Hold onto your hats...

We've missed you, dear listeners, and would love to hear from you. Get in touch on Instagram (@backstraightboyspodcast) or Twitter -(BackstraightB or @Claire_GThomas) - and please don't forget to leave us a review.

As Jody would say: gracias por escuchar, y adios xoxo

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In so many ways, 2021 was a year to forget. It won't be one looked back upon with universal fondness, and there are lots of reasons to be pleased to leave it behind. But one of the reasons we love sport is the phenomenal escapism it offers, and the way its narratives can transcend arenas to leave indelible marks upon the world we live in. On the track, on the field, and out on the roads - 2021 was a year full of those moments. Time and time again, athletes shrugged off the challenges of the last couple of seasons to lay down historic markers, and give us events we'll never forget. Karsten! Keely! Queen Val! The two golds! Following the sport has been a delight, and so it was about time we looked back on the year's highlights.

Claire essentially moved into Alexandra Palace in December to cover the darts, leaving her unavailable for podding duties, but - don't fear - we found a phenomenal temporary occupant  of the 'Girl' chair at Backstraight HQ: Olympian, broadcaster, and star of Estelle's 2012 hit 'International': the one and only Jeanette Kwakye.

So - here you go - our season review. Tuck in, leave us a review in all the usual places, and let us know your thoughts on Twitter - @BackstraightB 

Happy New Year, you lovely lot xoxo 

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World Athletics have named their end-of-season gong longlists. They've also named their shortlists, but we weren't organised enough to realise that, so we covered all ten athletes per field. Death, taxes, and us merrily getting things slightly wrong on this podcast... Anyway: great fun pitting Elaine against Yulimar, and debating Karsten versus Ryan. There was some *wonderful* running, throwing, and jumping this year, it transpires.

We also turn our attention to the changes at UKA, Kat's move to Florida, and our delight at the imminent return of the Night of the 10km PBs (FWIW - Claire is not fast enough to compete in the F race; she's checked) - whilst chatting away about plenty of other T&F stories which piqued our interest this Autumn.

There are a few special guests on the horizon, and our own annual awards to come very soon, so please do stay tuned. Leave us a review, why don't you? And get in touch on 'socials': @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, and @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Insta

Love and festive cheer to you all xoxo

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Diamond League finals, Sha'Carri and #DeadLast, a shout out to the surprisingly excellent Continental Tour, *that* 100 metres in Nairobi, a change in attitudes towards DSD athletes, and plenty more besides - including, of course, quotes from both 'Grease' and 'The Hollow Men'.

It might be rambling, but at least we don't spend 90% of the pod talking about American steeplechasers who aren't even leading the race...*

A huge thank you to Hal Leonard Europe for their support - we adore our new Samson microphones and mixer - and to you for tuning in. You can find HLE on Twitter as @HalLeonardEUR, or Instagram as @halleonardeurope

Got an opinion? Let us know your thoughts! @ClaireGThomas and @BackstraightB (plus @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Intsa). Leave us a review on your podcast provider, while you're at it...

We'll be back very soon with our special 2021 season review, and we can't wait.

Peace, love, and SAFP memes to you all xoxo

* we love Courtney and Emma. This nonsense isn't their fault.

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Two World titles, two Olympic silvers, and a personal best of 7.11m. Fiona May achieved an awful lot in a stellar long jump career, but - despite having been born in Slough and becoming a Junior World Champion whilst competing for Great Britain - her greatest moments were for the Azzurri, after she switched citizenships in 1994, and never looked back. Her daughter, Larissa, is European Junior Champion, and already closing in on her mother's records.

With Italy winning five golds in Tokyo - including a jaw-dropping 4x100 title, and an internet-breaking sob fest of a win in the men's high jump - we could think of no one better to chat it all through with.

From her decision to change allegiances, and her attempts to persuade her daughter to pick any event but the long jump, to what it means to represent Italy - such a passionate sporting nation - we cover it all, and hope you enjoy the listen as much as we relished the conversation. 

Fiona - it was a JOY. Grazie. 

Thanks so much for tuning in. Please let us know your thoughts, and give us a follow on socials: @Claire_GThomas and @BackstraightB on Twitter, and @backstraightboyspodcast on Instagram.

We weren't able to use our amazing microphones for this one, but - because we love them, and are so grateful for their support - here's a shout out to our friends at Hal Leonard Europe, who provided our swanky Samson gear.

Enjoy Pre Classic, guys xoxo

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'What's the plan for this one, Claire?'
'I'll do a quick intro, and then how about we just talk about the Olympics for an hour?'

And there you have it: a non-stop romp through just a sliver of a truly magical Games. From Karsten to Rojas, and back again via Tamber(in)i and some stellar British performances.

We laughed, gasped, and cried our way through the games, had a blast doing World Athletics' Inside Track, and remain utterly in love with the Olympics. We're sure you are, too.

So, tuck in and enjoy. We'll be back soon to reflect some more - we hardly scraped the surface here - but couldn't not get together to celebrate a fortnight of glorious, glorious, track and field.

Thanks, as per, to Hal Leonard Europe for their support - we adore our Samson microphones and mixer - and to you for tuning in.

Please remember to rate/review/subscribe on your podcast platform, and to get in touch with any thoughts on Twitter (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas) or Instagram (@BackstraightBoysPodcast). We really do enjoy hearing from you.

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Athletics in Tokyo is just hours away, and - if we thought we were excited before Roger Black joined us to discuss it all - we had another thought coming. The three-time Olympic medallist has left us like kids at Christmas: he really was the perfect guest for this one.

Stacked middle distance fields, infinite and bonkers scheduling permutations, and those 400 metre hurdle races... Be still, our beating hearts.

We honestly cannot wait, and promise to keep serving up track and field chatter throughout.

Let us know what YOU'RE excited about, why don't you? @Claire_GThomas, @BackstraightB, and @RogerBlack400 

Don't forget to check out our Instagram Lives - @BackstraightBoysPodcast - and to leave us a review, if you haven't done so already.

A remote recording this week, so no Samson mics in use, and - wow - did we miss our swanky kit. We can't wait to be back using our Hal Leonard gear very, very soon.

Lots of love. Let the Games begin xoxo

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When British Athletics offer you accreditation for Olympic trials, you drop everything, and so Claire and Bayo headed up to Manchester for a blockbuster Sunday of runs, jumps, and throws.

They caught up with Adam, with Beth, with all three women's 800-metre medalists, with the ever-wonderful Elliot Giles, the prodigious Oliver Dustin, the gravity-defying duo of Jaz and Morgan, a delighted Tiff Porter (off to her THIRD Games), an ecstatic Jess Judd, a not-yet-qualified Amy-Eloise Markovc, and Jodie 'two golds' Williams. It was a blast.

Here's a bit of chatter, a glorious smorgasbord of some of Britain's finest, and then a bit more chatter. We hope you enjoy it.

We'll be back in the studio with our wonderful Samson gear (thanks, Hal Leonard Europe!) as soon as Jody is better (get well soon, other Backstraight Boy xxx), ready to get - if possible - even more excited for the Olympics than we already are. What a time, eh? We. Can't. Wait.

Social media info, should you want to get in touch: @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, and @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Instagram. 

Please give us a rating on your podcast provider, if you haven't done so already. Means an awful lot.

Happy British Champs to you all xoxo

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US trials start today, so we hopped on Instagram Live with the reigning Olympic Champion, the goat, and the birthday boy, Christian 'friend of the pod' Taylor: the future president of World Athletics (/the world).

Here's - and, brace yourselves, it's entirely unedited - our preview of what should prove a humdinger of a championship. On paper, the US trials are simple: have the standard, finish top three, and go to Tokyo. In reality, they're high pressure, high quality, and high drama. We. Can't. Wait.

Thanks so much for tuning in. Please let us know your thoughts, and give us a follow on socials: @Claire_GThomas and @BackstraightB on Twitter, and @backstraightboyspodcast on Instagram.

We weren't able to use our amazing microphones for this one, but - because we love them, and are so grateful for their support - here's a shout out to our friends at Hal Leonard Europe, who provided our swanky Samson gear.

Happy birthday Christian. Good luck to all those competing at the trials. Check the origins of your food truck burrito meat. Much love to you all xoxo

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We're never short on opinions at Backstraight Towers, but this week includes some particularly impassioned discussions: why on Earth are World Athletics persevering with the ghastly 'top three' jump competition format? does the European Team Champs have any relevance or merit as a meet these days? and what have we all made of sprinting sensation, Sha'Carri Richardson?

We look back at Gateshead (wet and windy) and Doha (exactly the opposite), Silesia and Ostrava, and award a few gongs for recent performances. Of course, we also bring up Merlene Ottey and the boys getting drunk at various international competitions. Plus ca change...

Got an opinion? Let us know your thoughts! @ClaireGThomas and @BackstraightB (plus @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Intsa). Leave us a review on your podcast provider, while you're at it...

A huge thank you to Hal Leonard Europe for their support - our love for our new Samson microphones and mixer is growing by the week - to Faloola Chong for her recent review, and to you for tuning in. Stay hydrated, and always wear sunscreen xoxo

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We're back in the same room! We've got amazing new recording equipment! Katie Snowden's run 4:02! The women's 100 metres at Gateshead is going to be incredible! 'Sarah' actually exists! 

There's so much to be excited about this week, as the gang meet up - in the actual flesh - to look at recent standout performances by athletes all over the world, and preview the first Diamond League of the season. 

Bayo said it best: there are going to be some entirely 'wait, who?' unpredictable Olympic Champions this year, but the performances themselves are guaranteed to be brilliant.

A huge thank you to Hal Leonard Europe for their support - we adore our new Samson microphones and mixer - and to you for tuning in.

Please remember to rate/review/subscribe on your podcast platform, and to get in touch with any thoughts on Twitter (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas) or Instagram (@BackstraightBoysPodcast). We really do enjoy hearing from you.

Happy Diamond League, you lovely lot. From Jody, Bayo, Claire, and Sarah x

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The World Relays were a funny old meet, but - as per - we were just thrilled to have athletics to watch, and used it as an opportunity to *finally* welcome along Martyn 'relay' Rooney: one of the country's most adored, decorated, and long-limbed stars.

Why didn't British Athletics send a 4 x 100 squad? How much can be learned at events like this? What on earth is the point of a Mixed 2×2×400 m? All this and more on the latest episode.

A reminder that you should absolutely get yourselves down to a Runners Need store pronto, or - if online shopping is more your (virtual) bag - don't forget to nab yourself a discount at runnersneed.com, with our code 'backstraight'. 15% off is not to be sniffed at...

Ts & Cs:

*15% off is valid from 16th February 2021 to 30th April 2021 using the code backstraight and applies to full price products only at www.runnersneed.com and excludes electronics. The code does not work with any other offer or discount. The promotional code must be used at the basket stage to activate the discount.  Outdoor and Cycle Concepts Limited trading as Runners Need reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

A huge 'thanks' to Martyn for his time and expertise. Come back soon, please!

We'll be releasing another pod within the next fortnight, so don't forget to hit 'subscribe', and hit us up on Twitter (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas). The results are coming thick and fast now, and we cannot wait to dive into them all for you xoxo

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British javelin throwing is not in a good place right now. The days of Fatima, Tessa, Steve, and Goldie feel long gone, and it's not entirely clear why that is.

Lack of coaching or competition? Poor talent identification? Other sports poaching promising youngsters? Lacklustre marketing of the event? 

We had plenty of ideas at Backstraight HQ, and you lovely lot sent us plenty of fantastic suggestions of your own, but - with an Olympics looming large, and a very real chance that Team GB won't be sending a single javelin thrower - it was time to bring in the big guns.

How big? Oh - just a pair of Olympic medallists, one of whom is a former World Record-holder... We don't mess around here. 

With Goldie Sayers and Steve Backley's passion and expertise to help, here's our attempt to get to the bottom of Britain's ailing javelin landscape.

If you enjoy the listen, please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, and remember to hit that 'subscribe' button. We also love a chat on Twitter (@BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas), plus think you should check us out on Instagram (@BackstraightBoysPodcast). 

An aspiring javelin thrower yourself? Goldie and Steve *actually say on this episode* that they'd love you to reach out, and coaches don't come much better than that. What are you waiting for..??

Don't forget to check out runnersneed.com, and to use 'backstraight' for 15% off at the checkout. Here are the full Ts & Cs:

*15% off is valid from 16th February 2021 to 30th April 2021 using the code backstraight and applies to full price products only at www.runnersneed.com and excludes electronics. The code does not work with any other offer or discount. The promotional code must be used at the basket stage to activate the discount.  Outdoor and Cycle Concepts Limited trading as Runners Need reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

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Tom Bedford made it happen. Tim Hutchings will be on the mic. Tom Bosworth will be doing all that he can to finish... second? Intriguing.

This one came together very last minute, but we couldn't not look ahead to the first Team GB Olympic trials event - taking place on the morning of March 26th at Kew Gardens, and available to watch on BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, and the British Athletics website. Not. To. Be. Missed.

A big thanks to all three of our guests, and to you lovely lot for tuning in.

Enjoyed the listen? Leave us a review, and let us know in all the usual places: @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, or @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Instagram.

Don't forget to check out runnersneed.com, and to use 'backstraight' for 15% off at the checkout. Here are the full Ts & Cs:

*15% off is valid from 16th February 2021 to 30th April 2021 using the code backstraight and applies to full price products only at www.runnersneed.com and excludes electronics. The code does not work with any other offer or discount. The promotional code must be used at the basket stage to activate the discount.  Outdoor and Cycle Concepts Limited trading as Runners Need reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

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The second fastest of all time, and - if we're going by performances - the third, ninth, and tenth, too. Norway's all-conquering Viking horn-adorned superstar, Karsten Warholm, only took up the 400-metre hurdles a few years ago, but has come to dominate one of the highest quality events in the sport, and in real style. 

A huge presence on the start line, a rocket out of the blocks, an aggressive racer, and an effusive victor: he's got the personality to back up the pace, and - along with his smartphone-toting, caffeine-chugging, detail-nailing mastermind, Coach Leif - looks pretty unbeatable right now. Kevin Young's record is quaking in its spikes.

The two-time World Champion looked nailed-on for Olympic gold, before Covid hit 'pause' on all of our plans, but has been honing his craft away from the circuit (when he's not building lego castles, of course), and it was a delight - a proper delight - to catch up with him for this latest interview special.

Enjoy the listen? Let us know by leaving us a review, or dropping us a line in all the usual places: @Claire_GThomas & @Backstraight B (Twitter), or @backstraightboyspodcast (Instagram).

Thanks for stopping by xoxo

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You could be forgiven for thinking that this is the second instalment of our women's middle distance special -  70% of this episode is either us waxing lyrical about the tactical excellence of the British contingent in these events, or Jody's interview with the brilliant Holly Archer - but we do discuss other bits: promise!

From Hannah England and Richard Kilty's analytical abilities, to the weeping Lavillenies, and back again via the piece of toast Torun employed as its mascot - our latest offering attempts to cover the 2021 European Indoor Championships, which were such an utter treat in these strange old times.

Keely H is a star, Amelia Q is a new pod favourite, the DQs have been gratuitous, and Jodie W is now - officially - a 400-metre athlete.

Oh, and gold star to Jody for nabbing European silver medalist Holly Archer for a really fascinating chat: she's a total delight, and we can't wait to see her use her gutsy run/wrestle as a springboard into Tokyo preparations.

Enjoyed the listen? Leave us a review, and let us know in all the usual places: @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, or @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Instagram.

Don't forget to check out runnersneed.com, and to use 'backstraight' for 15% off at the checkout. Here are the full Ts & Cs:

*15% off is valid from 16th February 2021 to 30th April 2021 using the code backstraight and applies to full price products only at www.runnersneed.com and excludes electronics. The code does not work with any other offer or discount. The promotional code must be used at the basket stage to activate the discount.  Outdoor and Cycle Concepts Limited trading as Runners Need reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

Lots of love (and gingerbread) -  Jody, Bayo, and Claire x

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We say it so often, we might as well replace that part where Jody and Bayo forget their social media handles at the end  of each episode with this refrain, but: the British middle distance trials are going to be something else.

Olympic qualifying standards are casually scattered up and down the domestic rankings, and we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to world-class athletes over 800 and 1500 metres.

In 2020, we had three women in the global top ten over 800 metres, and four in the metric mile. Laura Muir's so phenomenal that we no longer bat an eyelid when she runs sub-four minutes, and Jemma Reekie was breaking British indoor records for fun last winter. Keely Hodgkinson is the fastest teenager there's ever been over four laps of an indoor track, and there are some seriously speedy juniors nipping at her heels.

With that in mind, we caught up with three of our favourites - Sarah McDonald, Melissa Courtney-Bryant, and Reekie - to discus this gloriously congested landscape of middle distance excellence.

If you enjoy the episode, please do leave us a quick review or rating, and let us know in all the usual places: @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, or @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Instagram.

Don't forget to check out runnersneed.com, and to use 'backstraight' for 15% off at the checkout. Here are the full Ts & Cs:

*15% off is valid from 16th February 2021 to 30th April 2021 using the code backstraight and applies to full price products only at www.runnersneed.com and excludes electronics. The code does not work with any other offer or discount. The promotional code must be used at the basket stage to activate the discount.  Outdoor and Cycle Concepts Limited trading as Runners Need reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

Thanks for listening.

Jody, Bayo, and Claire

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There's regular athletics back on our screens, which is heaven (cheerless cheerleaders in Lievin aside). With Euros just around the corner, we take a deep - far deeper than planned, as per - dive into the performances we've enjoyed so far.

From the absurdly talented Grant Holloway, to the fact that Laura Muir ran 3:59 and was beaten by six seconds. From the contrasting styles of two huge middle distance talents - Elliot Giles and Jakob Ingebrigsten  - to the gift that keeps on giving: the pole vault. Oh: and the handful of world records we've seen. There are those, too.

The crowning jewel this week is Claire's chat with Trayvon Bromell, who is back and better than ever. His world-leading 6.48 marks a return to form for the 2015 World medallist, who explains the struggles he's faced to be back at the summit of sprinting, and what motivates him each and every day. Bromell's passion is infectious, and we're thrilled that the men's 100 metres - for the first time since Bolt - is exciting once more, and full of  Bayo's three Cs: competition, charisma, and consistency. Might we see a Tumbleweed 1-2-3, come Tokyo?

We also welcome along Sarah, the newest member of the team (spoiler alert: it's just Jody repeatedly forgetting Claire's name...), and apologise for the audio issues: we know there's some crackling here, and much more background noise than we'd like. Won't happen again.

Finally, here are the terms and conditions for our hugely exciting discount code, which you can redeem at runnersneed.com. We're over the moon to have such a wonderful brand on board, and very much appreciate their support.

*15% off is valid from 16th February 2021 to 30th April 2021 using the code backstraight and applies to full price products only at www.runnersneed.com and excludes electronics. The code does not work with any other offer or discount. The promotional code must be used at the basket stage to activate the discount.  Outdoor and Cycle Concepts Limited trading as Runners Need reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time.

Thanks for listening, you lovely lot x

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Earlier this year, UKA announced that they were going to consult clubs, athletes, and competition organisers about cross country race distances. A host of GB runners, including three-time World Champion over the cross - Paula Radcliffe - penned a response, arguing against equal distances for men and women. As could only have been expected, Twitter immediately became the sort of rocky, perilous landscape only previously seen in Aarhus in 2019.

Why the furore? Should gender parity, something we love about athletics, extend to XC race distances? Women *can* run as far as men, but should they? With Paula’s near-peerless expertise and passion, we debate all of this in the latest Backstraight pod - before talking through some other distance goodies (or baddies, in some cases): pacing lights, shoe technology innovations, and how Mo Farah’s return to track is going.

This is a contentious one, and we’d love your thoughts, so please - as ever - get in touch on Twitter (@BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas), or on Instagram (@BackstraightBoysPodcast). 

Thanks, as ever, to Mark Shearman MBE - @athleticsimages - for the photographs in our show artwork.

Don’t forget to write us a review, and hit ‘subscribe’ to make sure you never miss an episode.

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2021 is upon us. Covid’s still here. Winter training is well underway. The calendar is teeming (but for how long, we don’t know). And - most excitingly - Backstraight is back.

In their first pod of the new year, Jody, Bayo, and Claire are joined by Olympic medallist and broadcasting superstar Kath Merry, to discuss everything 2021: the events we can expect to happen and are most excited for; the stars we can't wait to see - both established and rising; and what we would guarantee for this season, if we were given a magic wand each with one wish in it...

Expect plenty of Tokyo and Karsten, Wightman and Weightman, shot put and trials - and, bizarrely,  a big love-in for the hosts with the mosts this season: Poland.

We're thrilled to be back, and want this year to be our best ever. YOU can help make that happen, by letting us know what sort of content you'd like, and by leaving us a review.

Want to get in touch? @KatharineMerry, @BackstraightB, and @Claire_GThomas

We hope that you and yours are happy and healthy, and that this listen is a fun hour in a pretty tough January x

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2020: the year that we witnessed garden-staged pole vault AMRAPs and a London Marathon consisting of 19 laps of St James' Park. A season that brought us world records, empty stadia, and Noah Lyles running a devastating 180 metres (in every sense of the word). Months of waiting for Karsten Warholm to scorch his way to history, and a few seconds of explosive perfection as Johannes Vetter hurled a javelin beyond the 97-metre mark. A season sprinkled with individual moments of brilliance, and yet overshadowed by a global pandemic, a decimated calendar, and a huge amount of uncertainty. It's been a strange year for us all.

With all of this in mind, and a few rants about the new long jump competition structure and the lights being used to help pace WR attempts, the team look back on 2020: celebrating its highs and the *incredible* podcast guests we've been lucky enough to host, and reflecting on where things were just as disappointing as they had every right to be, given the circumstances...

The conclusion? We've been ever so lucky to have so much high-calibre athletics, but we cannot wait for this to be over, and have no doubt that you all feel the same...

What have you made of the season? Let us know in all the usual places: @Claire_GThomas and @BackstraightB (Twitter), @BackstraightBoysPodcast (Instagram), and in the review section of your podcast provider.

Thanks, as ever, for listening.

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One left with a national record, one left not a dry eye across the land, but both Harrys were stars of the show at last weekend's British Championships. Alongside the now world-leading Aimee Pratt, the prodigious Lucy-Jane Matthews, the wonderful trio of women's 100m medallists, and - you know what? It'd take too long to list; the event was just gorgeous, which is really saying something, given the circumstances.

No crowds and seriously depleted fields could have turned the whole affair in Manchester into a damp squib, but we were thoroughly entertained for two days of personal bests, returns from injury, and athletics at its most pure, dramatic best. That men's 400m final? Loved it. Jess Judd's determination to cover more ground than anyone else at the entire event? Heroic. Jaz Sawyers' brilliant 2020 consistency resulting in her topping the domestic podium for the first time since 2016? Fabulous. Daniel Rowden's performance against the magnificent Jake Wightman? Standing-ovation-in-your-living-room-worthy.

We also touch upon Christian Malcolm's appointment as Head Coach of the British Athletics Olympic Programme, and a few other meets and performances we've particularly enjoyed of late.

Essentially (and disarmingly) - this is just under an hour of us enthusing. This year has been difficult and disorientating, and this event threatened to underwhelm, but athletics - because all it requires is passionate competitors and somewhere to run/jump/throw - came through big time, and we remain smitten.

Twitter: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas
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Let us know your thoughts with a review. Go on; make our day...

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Safe to say we all had *big* Friday nights... from our sofas... drowning in world record attempts, huge performances, and that ubiquitous green-and-blue Nike race kit.

That's right: athletics - proper athletics - is back, and Monaco. Went. Off.

Joshua Cheptegei broke Bekele's 5,000m WR, Baby Ingebrigsten has his first European Record, and Faith Kipyegon ran the second-fastest kilometre of all time.

Laura Muir broke a British Record, Laura Weightman is now behind only Paula Radcliffe on the all-time 5000m list, and Jake Wightman is also sitting pretty in second after his 3:29.47 performance over 1500m. Cracking runs by Gemili, Reekie, Langford, and Pozzi, too.

Amongst all the drama and blink-and-you'll-miss-it heroics, there was the soothing constant of Karsten Warholm, setting off at a speed which appears deranged, but transpires to be genius. He's just the best, isn't he?

Anyway - Claire has lots of work to do, so has trusted Jody and Bayo to chat this one through. Expect the usual: strong opinions, forgotten names, and oodles of enthusiasm.

@BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas, if you want to say 'hi'.

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'One Dream, One Team, One Chance', reads the tagline of Regan Hall's 2012 masterpiece, 'Fast Girls'.

Those of us at Backstraight HQ suggest the following might be more accurate: 'a plethora of inaccuracies, 91 minutes of madness, one seriously feel-good movie'. 

It is brilliant and bonkers and almost as full of drama as it is famous athletics faces amongst the extras (seriously; look at the credits. EVERYONE is in this film), and it's the perfect choice for our first Backstraight Film Club.

Similarly ideal are our two guests this week - phenomenal fast girls in their own right, and fabulous company for a discussion of this nonsensical romp of a film: World Champion and true star of the sport Dina Asher-Smith, and junior world record-holder and prodigious talent Amy Hunt.

We discuss Amy's breakthrough 2019, Dina provides some amazingly honest advice for the teenager, and we attempt to cajole the pair into committing to a 4 x 400 in the future - before turning our attention to 'Fast Girls'. 

There's a lot of talking over one another, and a lot of howling with laughter at the prospect of learning how to run a relay in an underground car park the night before the weird fake Olympics, but the result - we hope you agree - is as enjoyable as the film itself. 

Thinking about it, perhaps we love 'Fast Girls' so much because it's as chaotic as our podcast... Gosh. That hits hard.

A huge thanks to Amy (@AmyHunt02) and Dina (@DinaAsherSmith) for their time and insights, to Bayo (@BackstraightB) for organising #BackstraightFilmClub, and to you lovely lot for your thoughts and questions.

Thanks for listening xoxo

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Athletics is creeping back - from the Showdown in Otown to the Inspiration Games. In the former, Noah Lyles beat Justin Gatlin over 100 metres. In the latter, Noah Lyles beat no one over 185 metres. The world's gone mad.

Bowerman TC continue to tear things up across the pond, Allyson Felix is looking *quick*, and we still can't bring ourselves to get excited by 100 yard dashes or 3 x 100m relays.

There's also been the patter of tiny feet down the home straight: welcome along, Olympia Lightning Bolt and Ruby Elizabeth Pearson. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe, little ones: there's no such thing as being too young to enjoy a good podcast.

In sadder and more serious news, beloved President of European Athletics, Svein Arne Hansen, passed away last month, and Bianca Williams was left distraught after an encounter with police in Maida Vale. 

We discuss all of the above in this episode, plus launch 'Backstraight Film Club', which kicks off with the astonishing masterpiece that is 'Fast Girls'. It's one of the best worst films ever made, and we're going to be chatting about it next week with two of our very own fast girls: Dina Asher-Smith and Amy Hunt. To get involved in the conversation, fire us a DM or drop us a tweet with your thoughts on the film, which is available to rent online. If you've not seen it: BOY, are you in for a treat.

Thanks for listening, let us know your thoughts, and stay safe. Proper athletics is getting closer by the day, people; hang on in there...

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Sprint queens, step aside (for one week only, please; we still adore you): the jump queens are in town, and it's been a total hoot.

When we say 'in town', we mean on a Zoom call with us, for a lockdown special featuring two of our favourite Team GB athletes - the wonderful Morgan Lake and Jazmin Sawyers. Not only are these two international medallists, articulate podcast guests, and major fans of the sport itself, but they're regular listeners to this show, and so it was a no-brainer to get them on for a chat.

Topics covered include: Christian Coleman's latest whereabouts palaver (by the time you read this, he's probably blocked all of us on Twitter (although it should be noted that Jody and Bayo have actually been blocked by the geographically-challenged World Champ for almost a year already)); the recent statement by the IOC confirming that athletes will not be permitted to take a knee at the Games; adapting as athletes to the challenge of training during lockdown; their targets for the 2021 season; and a smattering of other goodies, too.

Essentially: it was an hour and a half of glorious conversation, and we're ever so grateful to the pair of them for their time.

As mentioned in a chaotic final few minutes, we've been nominated for an award! Vote for us, if you fancy, here: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/vote

As per, you can get in touch with us (and, indeed, we actively encourage that you do so) in all the usual places: @Claire_GThomas, @BackstraightB, @Morgan_A_Lake, and @JazminSawyers

Thanks for listening!

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It would be remiss to talk about anything else right now, so - here it is - a Backstraight episode with neither bells nor whistles: just a discussion of this essential global movement away from racism and towards equality. 

To help us sift through this weighty, complex topic, we're joined by two incredibly knowledgeable former athletes: Chris Lambert - whose impassioned, articulate writing has inspired and educated thousands of people on the topic in recent weeks - and Donna Fraser, whose work as Equality, Diversity & Engagement Lead at British Athletics allows her to shed real light on what's being done at an organisational level to address these issues within the sport we all hold so very dear, but which still has a long way to go.

If you've any questions or thoughts, please get in touch via all the usual places (we're @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas, and you can find our guests at @DonnaLegz and @LambsEnglish). We'd love to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, how we can all be actively helping, and the place of athletics within all of this - so please do reach out.

Let's set about writing to MPs, educating ourselves, donating to crucial causes, and - as Donna and Chris urge - empathising more than we've ever managed in the past. We all have a part to play here.

As ever - thanks for listening.

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WHAT a cliff-hanger that was. Aren't we wicked?

But - great news - Bayo is back, and so is Denise, and we're ready to pick up where we left off: approaching the 2000 Olympic Games.

Just in case you don't know how Denise got on in Sydney (although the episode title does contain a slight spoiler in that regard), we won't ruin the surprise here, but her recounting of the competition makes for a cracking listen. That said, the highlight of this episode is probably Lewis' Dolly Parton impression, which has to be heard to be believed. 'Better than her one of Eunice Barber in the last episode..? Surely not!' we heard you cry, but - trust us - it's magnificent.

Denise also discusses injury struggles and her ill-fated trip to Edmonton for the 2001 Worlds, her retirement a few years later, her move into broadcasting, and some of the most memorable moments she's witnessed at championships over the years.

Last, but certainly not least, there's a really quite lengthy chat about the cult-inspiring Denise Lewis Heptathlon game. Don't tell us we don't give you the hard-hitting journalism you want, listeners.

A HUGE 'thank you' to Denise for her time, honesty, humour, and insight: she really was a dreamy guest.

And 'thanks', in advance, to all of you, for those shiny reviews you're going to leave us on your podcast provider. We massively value the feedback, and it helps other people find this series. Go on: scribble something down about how we fill the athletics-shaped hole in your lives right now.

Twitter: @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas
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From Wolverhampton to the top of the podium in Sydney - via a handful of Commonwealth titles and records, a pair of World silvers, a couple of take-off leg changes, and the opportunity to compete against some of the greatest multi-eventers to have ever donned a pair of spikes - Denise Lewis has some cracking stories to tell.

So many, in fact, that she spoke with Bayo for two hours for this interview special, and we made the decision at Backstraight HQ to split their conversation into two instalments. Two episodes, spanning five decades, from the one and only seven-event superstar, Denise. And that's Numberwang.

She discusses her early drive and junior career, her breakthrough at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, missing out on SPOTY to Michael Owen, and a whole lot more besides. Don't worry: she's *just* as honest, humorous, and insightful as she is in her current role as an analyst, and we know you'll love the listen.

Thanks for all the wonderful questions you submitted ahead of time, and for tuning in.

Serving suggestion? Find a quiet place, pour yourself a long Diamond White, sit back, and enjoy. 

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We say this with love - enormous amounts of it - but Christian Taylor is a serious over-achiever. 

Double and reigning Olympic Champion, four-time and reigning World Champion, seven-time and reigning Diamond League Champion, and the second best triple jumper of all time. He's also a 45.07 quarter miler, has a gold medal from the World Relay Championships, and is using his platform and influence to benefit his fellow athletes, through the foundation of The Athletics Association.

OH - and he's also super duper lovely and interesting.

We were chuffed to bits that he took time out of doing lots and lots of things really, really well to come on the podcast - offering wonderful insight into his determination to smash that world record, and how his love of the sport is driving him to want to modernise, protect, and democratise it.

Thank you to all of you who submitted questions for Christian, and to all of you listening now. 

Enjoy, review, subscribe, tweet, give us a follow on Insta, and stay safe.

Christian - you're the man.

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Adam Gemili likes to break records. When he produced a dazzling 9.97 in 2015, he became the first British athlete to dip below the two hallowed barriers of men's sprinting. When he scorched past several of his competitors down the back straight of the Olympic Stadium in the 2017 4x100 final, he helped Great Britain to their first ever global title, and a whopping national record. When his funding was reduced to that of a relay athlete only, he marked his return to form with a championship record at the 2019 British Champs.

We reckon you'll love this interview special, which is with a bona fide world class athlete and proper fan favourite: a hugely talented sprinter who's been bringing smiles to spectators since he burst onto the scene in 2012, having switched from football to the track just that season.

It's not all been sunshine and rainbows, however: Gemili has endured his fair share of disappointment - from recurrent injury troubles to agonising 4th-place finishes at both the Rio Olympics and last year's World Championships. His tearful mixed zone interview after the latter broke hearts nationwide, and he's open about his burning desire to start to clinch individual medals on the global stage.

We talk about all of the above, plus - and this is perhaps the most important question of them all: is there any substance to the viral 'FOOTBALLER RUNS FASTER THAN CHRISTIAN COLEMAN' videos driving track and field fans nuts every few months? If anyone can set the record straight - it's Gemili.

If you enjoy this episode (and we think you will), why not let us know? You can leave us a review via your podcast provider, tweet us (@Claire_GThomas and @BackstraightB), or say 'hi' on Instagram (@BackstraightBoysPodcast).

Stay safe, and thanks for listening. We think you're all brilliant.

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Does Caster Semenya have the raw speed to challenge the world's best over 200 metres? Does Britney Spears..? As the Olympic Games are postponed for the first time in their history, and Mark Dry receives the same length of ban as Ruth Jebet, the world - it seems - has truly gone mad.

The only constant right now is that Mo Farah is embroiled in drama, as a new Panorama documentary airs, and his name makes headlines once more. At least we've something comfortingly familiar in these desperate times, eh? 

Speaking of Farah - do the delayed Games help or hinder his attempts to return to the track? Something tells us not; the new kids on the distance block don't scare easy, and an extra year's mileage in his legs can't be a good thing.

What's fascinating, though, is that the delay *does* help some athletes. Wayde van Niekerk has an extra year to recover from knee surgery. Kirani James and Niamh Emerson have been given more time to return to form. Would Mondo have preferred to have ridden his extraordinary head of steam right to the top of that podium? You betcha, but we've no doubt he'll manage something brilliant out there anyway.

Much to discuss, it seems - even without any athletics taking place.

As per - let us know your thoughts, and come and say a digital 'hi' on Twitter: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas

Enjoy!

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We'll level with you: this might be a middle distance special, but it's the length of a marathon. It's an hour and forty-eight minutes of athletics chat, including four substantial interviews with a quartet of Great Britain's finest current 800 and 1500 metre racers. You could get half way through the responsibly-spaced queue at your local Tesco's in that time.

'The optimal length for a podcast episode is between 40 and 50 minutes', the received wisdom will tell you. 

Well, we've a few responses to that:

1) You've nothing better to do right now. You've either cancelled all your plans (like Bayo); you're waiting for this whole thing to blow over in your holiday home (like Jody); or you actually have the virus, and so are a mopey, isolated mess (like Claire). This will help with *any* of those.

2) We are enjoying incredible success in middle distance disciplines right now, leaving us all nostalgic for the Cram/Coe/Ovett era, and getting us super excited for what is to come. Six out of twelve available medals won at last year's European Juniors, and three Brits toeing the 1500 metre start line in Doha last year. British trials are now world-class affairs. This is a hot topic. It merits the time.

3) The guests we have on are fabulous. Jake Wightman leads the charge, with Scottish records, European and Commonwealth medals, and a 5th-place global finish to his name. Jamie Webb has burst onto the scene, and - with that European Indoors silver and a 1:44.52 personal best - this Chemistry teacher has all the elements to make his mark on the international stage (sorry...). Josh Kerr headed to the States as a 17-year-old, where he won multiple NCAA medals and set the collegiate 1500 metre record, before staying out there to run for Brooks, place 6th in Doha, and start his own podcast ('Sit & Kick': check it out). Oliver Dustin is the reigning European U20 Champion, but - most excitingly - loves tactical racing, and knows he's plenty more to give as he progresses to the senior ranks. You really want to hear what these speedsters have to say.

You see our point. So - what are you waiting for? Download, buckle up, and enjoy the longest we've ever gone without interviewing a Sprint Queen...

Twitter: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas
Instagram: @BackstraightBoysPodcast

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Mondo Duplantis is making history at whim, Jemma Reekie has stepped out of Laura Muir's shadow and is eating national records for breakfast, and Jessie Knight is laughing in the face of her own previous bests. Oh, and Joshua Cheptegei just dropped a 12:51 5km on the roads in Monaco. 2020 looks set to be epic.

Claire's back with the boys this week, with all of the above covered, plus plenty of shout-outs to other Backstraight favourites around the globe (we see you, Amber Anning), an update on Christian Coleman's location, and a look at Joanna Adams' appointment.

We also take a moment to savour how healthy much of athletics looks right now. YES, there are troublesome shoes, disturbing revelations about top-flight coaching set-ups, and ongoing issues around clean sport and athletes with DSD, but there's lots to find exciting. There's such strength and depth out there right now, and Team GB are spoilt for choice in so many disciplines, come selection season. Plus, Andy Pozzi is healthy, for goodness' sake; let's relish that at the very least. How brilliant to see him competing consistently well once more.

We've had some lovely reviews and feedback in recently. Thank you. We want to produce the sort of pod you love to listen to, so get in touch however you like: @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Instagram, or via a review.

That's quite enough rambling for now. If we don't shut up soon, Jemma will have broken another NR, and we'll have to re-record... 

As ever, thanks for stopping by xoxo

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It's an Olympic year. Mondo has already broken a World Record. Jemma Reekie has broken three British ones. Jeanette Kwakye and Jon Mulkeen are on the pod. Goodness gracious, 2020 really is off to a fabulous start at Backstraight HQ.

We've had a wonderful couple of months off, but are back with an absolute bang, and thought this would be the perfect appetite-whetter ahead of what ought to be a sensational year of running, jumping, throwing, and walking.

Here's to rants, raves, and records; to sprint queens and distance duels; to packed stadia and lined streets; to podding our way through a jam-packed season, and sharing all of it with you.

Here's to 2020. Enjoy!

Want to get in touch? @BackstraightB, @Statman_Jon, @JNETTEKWAKYE, and @Claire_GThomas

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Radzi's back. He's an expert and a professional, who covered - with great warmth and nous, we might add - many of this year's major events. This recording should be plain-sailing... right?

Of course not. Radzi thinks Kipchoge's sub-two was a phenomenal athletic performance. Jody and Bayo think it's a gimmick. Chaos ensues. He also thinks Christian Taylor might be his Male Athlete of the Year. Claire 'Keep it Karsten' Thomas is apoplectic.

It was terrific fun, however, and we did agree on a few things: Muhammad's supremacy, the ridiculousness of some of the officiating in Doha, that a happy Kat is a pretty unbeatable Kat, and that we'll never forget Barshim's gold-winning performance, nor the men's shot put final.

Thanks very much to those of you who sent in your thoughts on this year's highlights, and to all of you who listen to us. There's a proper Backstraight community growing, and we absolutely love it. 

Merry Christmas, don't forget to vote for Kat or Dina for Sports Personality, and let's raise a glass to what's been one hell of a year in the best sport of them all.

@iamradzi @backstraightb @claire_gthomas x

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Was Eliud Kipchoge's sub-two marathon an extraordinary athletic achievement? Or was it a technology-doped gimmick? Could it be viewed as both? A little late to the party, perhaps, but full of opinion as ever - we took a look at his history-making run through the streets of Vienna.

Within 24 hours of that, Brigid Kosgei was smashing Paula's time in Chicago, and so fell one of the greatest statistical outliers in the sport: the longest-standing marathon record of the post-War era. 

What a time to be a distance runner, eh? That is, unless you want to compete on a track on the World Athletics circuit... #DiamondWhat?

We also cast our eyes over the end-of-season awards, and - with hindsight - did a pretty good job guessing the winners... 

Finally - Christian Taylor's The Athletics Association is up and running, and Adam Gemili (plus others) are taking legal action against the British Olympic Association's application of Rule 40. We'll hear more over the coming weeks from athletes involved in both schemes, but it's fantastic to see them increasing their say over the governance of their own sport and careers. In the words of Billy Bragg: there is power in a union.

@BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas. You know what to do.

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We've had a lovely, restful month off. Unfortunately, the IAAF haven't. They've been busy chopping the triple jump, steeplechase, discus throw, and 200 metres from the 2020 Diamond League. Honestly. You couldn't make it up. Taylor v Claye? Meh. Noah Lyles? We've had enough charismatic sprinters. World records? Completed it, mate. Some of the best discuss-throwers in history? Throws leave people cold... right?

There's that rant to have, and then there's the NY Times' interview with Mary Cain to discuss. Once one of athletics' most prodigious talents - a distance dynamo with an infectious smile and the world at her feet - Cain's stint at the Oregon Project saw her, in her own words, 'emotionally and physically abused'. She's articulate, thoughtful, emotive, and very brave in the piece, and it seemed only right we touch upon the issues raised.

And - finally - some good news. Three bits of good news, in fact. Jody and Bayo have been journalising, and it is with enormous pleasure that we present to you interviews with: Tom 'friend of the pod and the face of race walking' Bosworth; Sophie '18.61 DID THAT REALLY JUST ACTUALLY HAPPEN??' McKinna; and Adam 'everyone's absolute and most adored favourite' Gemili. What a trio. Enjoy.

As ever, please do let us know what you thought of the episode: we accept tweets (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas), Insta DMs (@backstraightboyspodcast), reviews on your podcast platform of choice, and declarations of love at athletics meets. Thanks in advance, you lovely lot. 

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Where do we begin..? With the empty seats? The fainting marathon runners? Alberto Salazar's ban? With the DQs that were and weren't? Or the fact that we missed experiencing Mihambo's 7.30m live because it was necessary to watch (another) Mo Farah montage?

OR - how about we talk about the world records? The African fans roaring on their athletes in the distance events without stopping dancing for even a second? The women returning to the sport to earn the titles of both 'mother' and 'world-beater'? Mutaz Barshim shrugging off gravity with a series of the most implausible world leads before a rapt home crowd? The flair of Jeanette Kwakye? The chemistry between Toni Minichiello and Steve Backley? The moment Sophie McKinna threw 18.61 to qualify for a global final? The vaulters who cleared national records minutes after snapped poles? Or the fact that Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson are both World Champions?

Doha was problematic. It was frustrating. But it was also tonnes of fun, and some of the performances were staggering.

Speaking of which, here's our stagger through the champs. A look back at the 2019 Worlds, in all their humid, historic glory. Enjoy.

@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas 

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We’ll level with you. We completely and utterly lost control of this one. Like Eilish McColgan in the British Championships 5000m this year, it set off like a train, and we never stood a chance. We invited Radzi Chinyanganya along to help us preview the 2019 World Championships, figuring that his professionalism would lend polish and structure to our usual ramblings. To our absolute delight, he completely failed in this respect; Radzi was such an effervescent fountain of knowledge, anecdotes, and ‘one more thing’s that this recording snowballed gloriously.

Two hours and a whole loaf of banana bread later, and we present to you this: our longest ever episode, in which we discuss what we can expect of Doha as a host city, the events about which we’re most psyched (and most unphased *cough* men’s 100m *cough*), and the many sizzling head-to-heads coming our way. It’s a long one, yes, but it’s also (if we do say so ourselves) a very good one. 

If you agree, please do let us know: via Twitter or Instagram, or by leaving us a review. We love hearing from you almost as much we do the sounds of our own voices... Thanks for listening, and happy Worlds!

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The 2019 Diamond League has finished, British Athletics have named their team for the World Championships, and the gang's back together! Oh - hang on - Bayo's running late. Close, but no coconut. Regardless: what an exciting time of year, and how bloody amazing does it feel knowing we've a British women's 100m Diamond League Champion? 

With Doha just around the corner, it's time to ponder how revealing those Zurich and Brussels meets were, and cast an eye through the 74 athletes chosen to #Represent. Ever the journalist, Jody spoke to comeback queen Abigail Irozuru, and Britain's #2 shot putter, Amelia Strickler, to hear about their selection experiences. All of that, PLUS: Claire beats the boys in the Fantasy Diamond League, The Meet makes a cameo, and we reveal who'll be joining us for our big Doha preview episode. Don't say we don't spoil you... 

Leave us a review, follow us on Twitter (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas), and enjoy!

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Newly-crowned British 100m Champion, Ojie Edoburun said something very wise to us this weekend: ‘you can be a circuit guy, or you can be a championship guy.’ 

Now, in an ideal world, you’d be both, but that’s no easy feat, and it’s a rare old athlete who’d pick Diamond League consistency over the chance to etch their names into the history books, and clinch silverware when big performances matter the most. 

The British Champs aren’t the Worlds or Olympics, but they sure do run the rule over our best and brightest, and establish who’s got the nouse to navigate the muddy waters of championship success. 

Enter Eilish McColgan, who ran from gun to tape in a manner which can only be described as utterly dominant (and gruelling, in 31 degree heat…). She was the quickest in the field, she wanted to go to Doha, and so she won the race. Simple. Sophie McKinna, Sarah McDonald, Dina Asher-Smith, Holly Bradshaw, Matthew Hudson-Smith, and Ben Williams did much the same: emphatically and confidently securing qualification. 

For others, things weren’t quite so straightforward. A few big names will be missing out, and others are in races against time (in every sense of the expression) to gain the required standards before selection takes place.

This latest episode features Jody, Bayo, and a handful of medallists from the weekend’s action. We hope you enjoy it. In fact, we hope you enjoy it so much that you leave us a review, and follow us on social media: @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, and @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Instagram. Thanks awfully.

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Claire's away 'doing rugby in France' (close enough, lads; she's been in both Portugal and West London, and is now - terrified - hitting 'publish' on an episode the boys promise needs only a cursory tidy up in edit...), leaving Jody and Bayo to look ahead to this weekend's British Championships. 
 
Last year, we all agreed that the trials were one of our favourite events of the season: brimming with fierce competition, high-quality contests, and the very best of British athletics. Beth Dobbin's post-race interview. Dina's championship record. A women's long jump in which 6.69 didn't even get you a medal. Matthew Hudson-Smith's 400m dominance. Laura Muir's 800m cameo. Glorious weather, even.
 
If this year's anything like as exciting as last, then we're all in for a doozy. That said, we've just been challenged to a 4x400 race by Trackastic, with Kath Merry already offering to commentate, and Beth Dobbin keen to complete our quartet, so the British Champs can only actually be the second best competition of the season, even if they are majestic...
 
Thanks for listening. Thanks for reviewing. Thanks for following us on Twitter (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas) and Insta (@BackstraightBoysPodcast). Wait - what do you mean you've not yet done the last two of those?? Remedy that immediately, please. Much better.

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We've two guests this week, and they're on for very different reasons. Double European U23 Champion and enormous talent Jemma Reekie is back (we've had her on before. We adore her), to discuss her history-making exploits in Gavle. Rabah Yousif? Well, he's on because he... Oh - hang on. Scrap that. We mean Youcef Zatat. Or do we..? Basically, British Athletics had an administrative shocker in Bydgoszcz, naming the wrong athlete in their 4x400 squad, and catapulting the UK's #2 shot putter into the limelight. FYI - he definitely would have competed, and is a fantastic interviewee. Genuinely disappointing and a massive shame for the athletes unable to compete, but - also - what a story. How utterly ridiculous. We cast an eye over these two championships more broadly - there were some really exceptional performances, and domestic trials are only getting more exciting by the week - as well as the US T&F Champs (spoiler alert: Dalilah Muhammad is superhuman) and European U20s. 

Quick bit of housekeeping: please get in touch if we owe you a prize. The reviews are coming in thick and fast (we love them; keep 'em coming), and we've definitely slipped behind with delivering 'thank you' stash. Please drop us a tweet: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas. Please follow us on Instagram: @BackstraightBoysPodcast. Please stay awesome. Please proof-read your team sheet submissions. Thank you.

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We've recorded 50 episodes! How on earth has that come about? Thank you *so* much to those of you joining us on our error-strewn, star-sprinkled athletics' romp to date. We've loved every minute of it (especially when Jody made the pacemaker his Fantasy Diamond League captain...).

Claire's been away covering the Netball World Cup, but these major international meets don't journalise themselves, so Jody and Bayo headed to the London Stadium to speak to the following at the Anniversary Games: Karsten Warholm, Laviai Nielsen, Jakob Ingebrigsten, Gjert Ingebrigsten, Beth Dobbin, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Katarina Johnson-Thompon. Big names? Complete it, mate.

From Gjert telling us that Jakob's got 'baby fat' to lose before he can really excel in the 5000, to Karsten describing the final few seconds of a 400mH as hurting 'so fucking good' - this episode's chock-full of T&F titbits hotter than the Northern Line right now. Plug in and enjoy.

As ever, we'd love your feedback - positive or otherwise - or just to chat about athletics with you. Find us on Twitter - @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas - or Instagram @backstraightboyspodcast. 

Thanks for listening!

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'Distance running isn't sexy. How on Earth are you meant to market it? Does anyone even want to watch races longer than 4 minutes these days? Definitely - DEFINITELY - let's not sell beer at distance running meets, have supporters pack out lane three, nor invite international medallists to thrash it out - screamed on by thousands of cowbell-toting fans - for European and national titles.' - Actual (read: completely fabricated) minutes from a recent Diamond League meeting...

The fact is - with a little TLC, some big speakers, plenty to eat and drink, and stacked fields - an evening of 10km races is a corker of an idea. Major snaps to Ben Pochee and co. for founding Highgate Harriers' Night of the 10k PBs back in 2013. It's an event which has gone from strength to strength, and we were thrilled to be covering it this year.

This episode features: Steph Twell, Eilish McColgan, Wendy Sly, Michael Rimmer, Hannah England, Ben Pochee, Bram Som, Andy Vernon, and our thoughts on a stonking night of competition. Oh - and a quick look over the Lausanne Diamond League, too.

Athletics' Glastonbury? You betcha. 

Leave us a review via your podcast provider, tweet us (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas), follow us on Instagram (@backstraightboyspodcast), and make sure you're there next year. It's a national treasure - showing us all that more laps absolutely can mean more fun.

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Being a heptathlete (we imagine; we’re hardly speaking from experience here at Backstraight HQ…) requires not only explosiveness, endurance, technical finesse, and sublime co ordination, but nerves of absolute steel. The psychological challenges of the event have proven a stumbling block for many physically-gifted athletes, and to be able to reach into your bag of tricks and deliver a third round clearance, lifetime best, or gutsy 800 metres at the end of two gruelling days of competition requires the mentality of a supreme competitor. Niamh Emerson, from what we’ve seen so far, is one of those. Bronze at her first major senior championships, gold in Tampere after the most dramatic of 800 metres, and silver behind KJT with the best pentathlon performance ever executed by a teenager: we have grown accustomed to this athlete bringing her A-game every time. Great Britain’s heptathlon heritage is as rich as they come - Mary Rand, Mary Peters, Judy Simpson, Denise Lewis, Kelly Sotherton, Jess Ennis-Hill, and Katarina Johnson Thompson - and it seems increasingly evident that Emerson’s name is destined to join that illustrious roster. A knee tendon tear in Gotzis might have brought her season to an abrupt halt, but her outlook is remarkably positive, with Tokyo drawing ever-closer, and this pause in her meteoric ascent the perfect opportunity to reflect upon her career so far. Friendships with Jess and Kat, working on her explosive power whilst maintaining that fantastic 800 metres of hers, and how on earth she always manages to find that extra centimetre when the pressure’s on: we hope you enjoy this latest interview special.

Here’s a seven-event challenge of your own, should you choose: listen to this episode, give it a share to spread the Emerson love, review the Backstraight Boys (& Girl) podcast, let us know your thoughts (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas), follow us on Instagram (@BackstraightBoysPodcast), join our Fantasy DL League (PIN: 5533292), and - finally - just keep being the awesome listeners that you already are x

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As gaffs go, we thought we'd be hard-pressed to beat missing the entire Stockholm round of the Fantasy Diamond League this season. Our rankings were decimated; our hearts broken. Our seasons, surely, can be written off just like this year's Nike Elite kit. But then Jody named an actual pacemaker as his team captain, and all bets were off. Oh, how we laughed (Jody aside...).

Claire's captain? The resplendent Karsten Warholm, whose European record was the headline act of this week's Bislett Games, and one of the finest runs of the Diamond League season so far. We cast our eyes admiringly back over the last few meets, and - not so admiringly - over the IAAF's fresh look. 'World Athletics' is here, and it has the mildly confusing new logo to prove it. Jody and Bayo show off their NCAA knowledge, and - in doing so - break this podcast's (own) record for 'shortest, least informed section of a sporting show ever produced'.

Putting all jokes to one side, we also take a moment to reflect on Gabriele Grunewald's passing. A truly inspirational athlete and human being; we were lucky to have her, and our thoughts are with all those close to her, and those across the athletics community affected by the news. Thank you, Gabe, for your bravery.

To our delight, we'll be recording our next pod at next month's Highgate Night of the 10km PBs. Alex Yee might have departed to conquer the triathlon, but the GB squad is absolutely stacked, and the evening's always a hoot. If you're there, please do come and say 'hi'. If you've other plans, we recommend reassessing your priorities, and/or tweeting us your thoughts instead: @BackstraightB and @Claire_GThomas

Thanks for listening!

The audio you'll hear of Gabe is from FloTrack's tribute, which you can find here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwMOn0cFInE
Visit the Brave Like Gabe Foundation here: https://bravelikegabe.org/

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Caster Semenya is a terrific talent. She is a fierce competitor. She is a dignified presence in a melting pot of opinions: an articulate and inspirational oasis in the face of a relentless tide of ignorance, knee-jerk reactions, and vitriol. We love the light-hearted on this pod, but put our usual flippancy to one side for a moment this week to discuss this historic legal case, and bemoan the lost art of sitting on the fence. It is okay to not have an answer to this conundrum; it is alright to not have a strong opinion on how the IAAF should navigate these immensely tricky waters.

We also discuss the Doha Diamond League (have you joined our fantasy league yet? The pin’s 5533292. Good luck catching Claire…), and the glorious metaphor of Mo falling off that Tumbleator as he spatted and sniped his way to the London Marathon start line. To absolutely no one’s surprise, Eliud trounced the entire field whilst looking glacially serene, and there were some knockout British performances. Finally, we cast an eye over the baton-juggling bonanza that was the World Relays. Parabéns, Brazil!

Remember: the fun doesn’t end when the episode does. You can (and should) chat to us on Twitter - @Claire_GThomas and @BackstraightB – and follow us on Instagram @BackstraightBoysPodcast. Ooh, and – whilst you’re up on that considered fence of yours, why don’t you leave us a review on your podcast provider? There are prizes to be won, and we honestly love hearing from you.

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'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' wrote Charles Dickens, but this canonical line could well have been penned by Georgia Nicholson, Lady Bird, or any other coming-of-age protagonist. Adolescence is tough enough without international selection, age group championships, and the expectation of massively-invested athletics' fans to contend with. Being a prodigious youngster is no easy feat: just look at Jodie Williams, who had to compete with the moniker of 'Moneylegs', or the many US collegiate athletes who've buckled beneath gruelling schedules and meteoric ascents into the track and field spotlight. There are pitfalls aplenty, and it's a perilous transition to navigate.

That said, it can be an exhilarating journey, if you remain healthy and happy, and your progress well managed. Wunderkids Jakob Ingebrigsten and Mondo Duplantis blew our minds in Berlin. Niamh Emerson PBs for fun, and seems as unbothered by competing against seniors as Jody and Bayo are by the fact they can't remember their own Twitter handle two years into this podcast. NCAA athletes routinely post times and marks which would not only win British Champs, but break national records in most countries. Imagine having all the promise of Imani-Lara Lansiquot, or of Katelyn Tuohy. Emerging stars are thrilling prospects.

A double-edged sword, then, and one we loved discussing in this week's 'Young Guns' special (cue the 'Wham' soundtrack...). Listen out for our three guests - each major talents in their own right - who shed a lot of light on what it's like to *be* a Team GB junior with very real potential on the senior global stage. 

We're hugely grateful to each of them for giving us their time and insight, and to you for listening. Please keep the feedback and tweets coming - we love them: @Claire_GThomas & @BackstraightB. Realistically, we can't all be prodigies, but nothing softens that blow like a stat book and retro pin badge, so keep the reviews coming if you'd like some goodies... 

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More people would watch athletics if there were less of it. More athletes would jump higher, run faster, and throw further if they were under greater pressure (the threat of not fulfilling a lifelong ambition by competing at an Olympics) to do so. More interest could be generated and clarity secured if a global ranking system were put into place. More fans would be able to enjoy field events if they took place outside of stadia. That's right; it's all change on Planet Track & Field. 

The IAAF have announced reformations to both the Diamond League and the qualification process for Tokyo, and there is nothing we like more at Backstraight HQ than a bit of controversy. That said, it's not all doom, gloom, and rants. Far from it: there are some real merits to the proposed changes, and it's heartening to see those in charge recognising that the current Diamond League schedule is as impossible to comprehend as Jody and Bayo's Twitter handle (they still can't recall it at the first time of asking, and we've been podcasting for nearly two years now...). 

On Outdoor Season Eve, we sat down to dissect the announcement, briefly look over the squads heading out for the World Relay and XC Champs, and generally talk athletics. The usual, really.

Would you leave us a review, please? There's stash up for grabs. Get in touch, if you fancy: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, and @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Instagram. 

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All sort's been going on at Backstraight HQ the last few days: Bayo's been kicking himself, out in Rio for the Carnival, getting his time zones muddled up and missing the Glaswegian athletics action he's so desperate to live stream; Jody's been catching up with Nicola Sanders, she of indoor 400m royalty, and utterly bonkers splits; Claire's been having a quarter-life crisis, having spent 15 minutes with some of Team GB's brightest young talents, and realising - after hearing Amber Anning discussing her revision timetabling - that she's actually getting on these days; and Gabby and Will, along for the journalising ride, have been wondering just how this podcast landed media accreditation, given that at least 30% of athletes' names aren't anywhere to be found, come recording time. If Jody managed to correctly pronounce 'Sidorova' once over the course of the Championships, Claire will get a gorilla tattoo, a la Captain Fantastic, Guy Learmonth...

We spoke to KJT about how she's finally getting to grips with the heptathlon (rather than just being exceptional at a few events). We heard from the dramatic, slow-mo falling horse's mouth about Niamh Emerson's desperate lunge for the line. We savoured Jakob's audacious brilliance, Laura's electric turn of pace, and Tamberi's mesmeric charisma. We took a selfie with Naomi Ogbeta, Jemma Reekie, Amber, and Niamh. We marvelled at Karsten's raw ability. We played a round of 'Aye or Gonnae No' (doesn't quite work in Claire's accent, in case you were wondering).

Gracious - it's been fun. To keep you from overindulging, we've split our weekend up North into two parts. Here's the first.

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We had coffee with Holly. We caught up with Guy. We enjoyed a cracking pub lunch (although appreciate that's not entirely relevant here). We screamed Tim onto a gnarly, silver-clinching 1000m personal best. We relished Shelayna's tactical nous. We marvelled at Jamie's classy, canny run. We chuckled at Maria's poker-faced demolition of a high-quality field. We witnessed yet another tactical masterclass from Marcin. We picked our jaws up off the floor after Eilidh's scorching anchor leg. We recorded a mildly hysterical, knackered wrap of the championships. We had a terrific day, all in all.

At which point, our weekend of kilted Karstens, jolted Jakobs, lightning-quick Lauras, and stupid quantities of shortbread came to an end.

Glasgow, thank you for having us. Dear reader, thank you for listening.

Want to get in touch? @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas on Twitter, and @BackstraightBoysPodcast on Instagram 

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Anyone got Samuel Tefera's number? Would someone please let him know he broke a world record in Birmingham on Saturday? He seemed to have absolutely no idea, as he stopped the clock at a handy 3:31.04... Come to think of it, there have been plenty of pinch-yourself marks, times, and series at this year's indoor meets already: Melissa Courtney's run in Karlsruhe; Holly Bradshaw's two-outings, two-4.80s, and two-wins campaign to date; Laura Muir casually setting two national records in the same race; Konstanze Klosterhalfen running (from the front, of course) into German history books twice in ten days; Sophie McKinna making it thirteenth time lucky with an absolutely enormous 17.97m put. We could go on. The British Champs showcased some of the UK's hottest talent, and the Grand Prix saw a selection scramble ahead of next month's Europeans in Glasgow - where Jody and Claire will be in attendance, podding merrily along. The women are smashing it, selection is raising a few eyebrows, and we're forgetting athlete's names again: Backstraight's well and truly back for 2019, and we hope you enjoy it. You know where to find us: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas #REPRESENT

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We feel like we're putting away our track and field Russian dolls* here at Backstraight HQ, because the names just keep on getting bigger. The indoor season is just around the corner, at which point we'll be back in studio, bringing you all our usual mispronunciations, irreverence, and analysis, but we've one final interview special for you, and - boy, oh boy - is it a humdinger of a guest. 

Paula Radcliffe is a three-time London Marathon winner, has a trio of New York titles, won the Chicago marathon in 2002, and has held the world record at the distance for more than 15 years now. Her mark of 2:15.25 is one of athletics' Everests; a seemingly untouchable nirvana of distance running; the Shangri-La of endurance. 

Global medals over 26.2 and 13.1 miles, around the track, and over the cross; Paula represented Great Britain at four consecutive Olympic Games, with SPOTY titles and an MBE to show for it.

She's also, as you're well aware, a seriously good pundit, and her measured, insightful, and articulate contributions on recent coverage have been glorious.

Unfortunately, much like her tilts at Olympic glory, this episode has come slightly off the rails, in that Jody suffered a bit of a technical mishap at the recording stage. We've ended up with half of the interview, and the audio quality's horrible. Ultimately, though, it's a conversation with Paula Radcliffe, so we weren't going to not post it, were we..? 

Plug in, and enjoy. Thanks for stopping by; we love you all lots.

* they won't let us anywhere near their state-sponsored labs, though. Bit weird. Anyone else's do that?

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Just like a lot of Christine Ohoruogo's races (there was just never a dull moment watching her run, was there?), this episode comes in two parts. That's right; we're providing you with almost 90 minutes of her amazing insights and recollections, you lucky ducks. If you enjoyed the first instalment: welcome back. If not: go and listen to it right now. It's just below this one on the Backstraight feed. This one will still be here once you're up to speed, we promise. 

Caught up? Good. Chrissy's been found by the 400, won her first global medals, and is now poised for genuine superstardom within the sport. How does she get on? Spoiler alert: pretty bloody well. By the end of this episode, she'll have four Olympic gongs, eight medals from outdoor World Championships, and a British record to boot. She'll have retired from athletics (as a national treasure, no less), and be embarking upon her next challenge. We hope you enjoy the listen as much as we did the interview.

The feedback on part one has been terrific; please keep the reviews coming (via your podcast provider) and - go on - make our day by sending us a tweet: @BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas

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