The international governing body for track and field
Novig’s Sydney Sweeney campaign has triggered a wave of criticism from athletes and commentators who say the nude-to-minimal advertising sexualises women’s sport. The campaign is defended by Sweeney and Novig, who say it focuses on sport, not bodies, and leverages the attention for the platform’s bets on outcomes.
A heat dome has pushed temperatures to dangerous levels across the central and eastern United States. Forecasters warn heat indexes could reach 40–46C (104–115F), with nights offering little relief. Emergency measures are under way in several cities as heat threatens the holiday weekend.
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.
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.
The WTA has updated its women’s eligibility policy to require a one-time SRY gene test to determine biological sex. The policy, effective 2026, aligns with IOC standards and follows similar measures by World Athletics and World Boxing. No transgender players are known to compete on the WTA Tour.
The IOC has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, enabling athletes to compete internationally as various federations reinstate Russian participation. Ukraine challenges the move at CAS, arguing it violates the Olympic Charter and territorial integrity. Multiple sports have begun readmitting Russian and Belarusian athletes with flags and symbols permitted in some events.
Noah Lyles delivers a world-leading 9.79s in the 100m and confirms dominance as Sha’Carri Richardson wins the women’s 100m; Melissa Jefferson-Wooden defends her 200m title as Olympic cycle shifts with the Ultimate Championships on the horizon.
London has submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. A deal with West Ham United and London Stadium LLP ensures the London Stadium will be used, while UK government and Mayor of London support the bid. The host city will be announced in September 2026.
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.
Athletes face a late setback as Sawe withdraws from the BMW Berlin Marathon with an unspecified injury, while contenders in Sydney and London push toward potential records. The Berlin race remains a marquee event, with a women’s field led by Tigist Assefa and a reshaped men’s lineup after Sawe’s withdrawal.
Top long jumper Davis-Woodhall has suffered a severe concussion in a rear collision while en route to training. She remains uncertain for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, with prize money of $150,000 for each event winner.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen has won the inaugural Ultimate Championships 5,000m in 12:59.24, earning $150,000. The event also featured other champions, including Duplantis and Russell, with a $10m prize fund and a range of record attempts.
Athletes at the Ultimate Championship have secured $150,000 first prizes, reshaping how track and field rewards performance. Competitors across sprints, distance and field events have delivered standout results amidst a star-studded field.
Keely Hodgkinson wins the 800m at Athlos London in 1:56.40, wearing Nike’s all-black speed suit designed to reduce drag and regulate temperature. The event, outside New York for the first time, features an all-women format with a Tiffany crown and a $65,000 prize for winners. The season-ending meet aims to spotlight female athletes and redefine track and field’s spectacle.
World Athletics has reaffirmed its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competition as CAS reviews sanctions tied to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The IOC and other sports bodies have varied in their treatment of Russian athletes, with CAS hearings ongoing and the Los Angeles 2028 Games in view.
Nairobi has become the first African city to host the World Athletics Championships, with Munich set to stage the 2031 edition. The decision follows a World Athletics council meeting in Budapest, highlighting Africa’s emergence in the sport and the continued growth of global championships.
The controversy over a Novig advert featuring the Euphoria star wearing minimal clothing and sports equipment has prompted a strong response from the female sporting community. Athletes and fans argue such imagery harms participation among young girls, who face rising dropout rates in sport.
World Athletics has awarded Nairobi the 2029 World Championships, making Africa the first continent to host the event. Munich will host 2031, while Beijing remains the 2027 host. The decision highlights Africa’s growing role in global athletics and follows upgrades to Kasarani Stadium and related infrastructure in Kenya.