British sports administrator, former athlete and politician
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, restoring Russian athletes' access to many international qualifiers ahead of Los Angeles 2028 while leaving decisions on flags, anthems and full national symbols unresolved. Several international federations, including World Athletics, are maintaining bans and legal challenges are being signalled.
British gymnast Max Whitlock has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to an injury. The 33-year-old, who had aimed for a 2028 Olympic spot, says he is incredibly disappointed and will focus on recovery and supporting the team.
Josh Kerr has broken Hicham El Guerrouj’s 27-year mile world record in London and now aims to win Commonwealth gold in Glasgow 2026 with the Commonwealth Mile, while the event shifts to a non-Olympic cycle. He is driving a data‑driven, bespoke kit program to chase 3:42 per mile at the Diamond League before the Games.
British athlete Josh Kerr has broken Hicham El Guerrouj’s 27-year-old mile world record with a time of 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League. The performance caps Project 222, a program of training and gear innovations, and comes in front of a packed stadium as Kerr continues pursuing further middle‑distance targets.
Russia’s athletics federation has filed a new appeal at CAS to overturn World Athletics sanctions that ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from global events. The IOC has allowed Russian competitors in some Olympic qualifiers, sparking debate among federations that have eased restrictions in other sports. The case tests the balance between sport and politics as World Athletics defends its integrity.
European 800m final at Birmingham’s European Championships sees Audrey Werro win with a championship record of 1:54.81, defeating Keely Hodgkinson who takes silver. Femke Broeders-Bol earns bronze as drama surrounds Werro’s semi-final fall and subsequent reinstatement. Jemma Reekie also reaches the final.
Audrey Werro leads as the Diamond League heads to Zurich, with Keely Hodgkinson withdrawing due to readiness concerns. Dos Santos and Russell have set world-leading times, while Duplantis and Karalis push for 6.32m in pole vault.
In Zurich, Dos Santos and Russell set world records in sprint hurdles, with Werro nearing a 800m world record. Duplantis clears 6.25m in a high-stakes pole vault, as Wanyonyi claims a world-leading 800m time; crowd witnesses multiple all-time moments.