Keeley Hodgkinson, Amber Anning, Georgia Hunter Bell, Max Burgin, Jake Wightman, Amy Hunt and Jarnell Hughes are just some of the many contenders for this weekend’s big event.
Britain’s top athletes travel to Alexander Stadium this weekend (20-21 June) for the Novuna UK Athletics Championships, with national titles, championship records and potential European qualification places all on the line.
Olympic, World and European medalists are scattered across a packed schedule that promises to be the strongest domestic competition of the season.
Sprints and hurdles
The men’s 100m looks set to be one of the highlights of the weekend. Reigning champion and British record holder Jarnell Hughes returns to face reigning world champion Jeremiah Azu and European silver medalist Rommel Glawe. Jodie Smith, who made her senior GB & NI debut at the World Indoor Championships earlier this year, is another contender, while decathlete Sammy Ball adds intrigue after entering both the 100m and long jump.
The women’s 200m also boasts exceptional depth. Defending champion Dina Asher-Smith returns alongside the in-form Amy Hunt and Daryl Neita, who joined her on the podium 12 months ago. Imani-Lara Lansiquot continues her comeback from injury and Hannah Brier arrives in Birmingham after breaking the Welsh record.
Rising names to watch include Success Eduan, Nia Wedderburn-Goodison and Renee Regis, who set record times at the UK Indoor Championships earlier this year.
Over one lap, Olympic 800m champion Keeley Hodgkinson competes in the women’s 400m, where she will face world champion Amber Anning, Olympic relay medalists Lavia Nielsen and Nicole Jaregin, European under-20 champion Charlotte Henrich, Louise Stoney and Yemi Mary John.
Equally strong is the male equivalent. Defending champion Charlie Dobson will meet European record holder Matt Hudson-Smith, who returns to his home ground to compete with Alex Haydock-Wilson, another key member of Britain’s relay team.
In the hurdles, Josh Zeller made a welcome return to championship action in the men’s 110m hurdles after an injury-hindered season.
There are also some notable names in the para-athletics program. World and Paralympic champion Jonny Peacock returns for the men’s 100m breaststroke where he will line up alongside Zac Shaw and Thomas Young. World bronze medalist Melanie Woods will meet world silver medalist Kare Adengan in the women’s 400m hurdles.
Endurance
Middle distance events feature some of Britain’s most athletic athletes.
Max Burgin is the favorite for the men’s 800m after a recent Diamond League win in Rabat. The defending champion will face strong competition from Ben Pattison and 2022 1500m world champion Jake Wightman.
In the women’s 800m, Georgia’s Hunter Bell will look to build on her recent Diamond League victory in Rome as she seeks another national title. Indoor champion Issy Boffi and world silver medalist Gemma Rickey are among those hoping to mount a challenge.
The women’s 3000m could provide one of the performances of the weekend. Elise Turner is enjoying a breakthrough season, lowering her personal best to 9:07.39 to move into second on the UK all-time list. After setting the championship record last year when she won, attention can now turn to Lizzie Bird’s British record.
In the men’s 5000m, British champion Joe Wigfield is looking to double over the distance, while British record holder Andy Butchart adds extra quality to the field.
The women’s 5000m features one of the most competitive endurance line-ups at the championships, featuring European Under-20 champion Innes Fitzgerald, world finalist Hannah Nuttall and Megan Keith.
Flights
Several established champions will aim to extend their dominance in field events. Jazmine Sawyers is looking for a sixth national long jump title, while Morgan Lake is aiming for an 11th UK high jump crown.
The men’s high jump promises to be particularly competitive. Kimani Jack arrives in Birmingham on the back of an NCAA title in the US, while reigning champion Joel Clark-Khan has recently returned from injury and is looking to regain momentum.
The appearance of the ball in the long jump adds another interesting subplot, with the talented decathlete doubling up in different disciplines.
Throwing
Few athletes have dominated the British competition quite like Scott Lincoln, who is aiming for a remarkable 12th National Ball title.
In the women’s competition, Adele Nicole returns to athletics after competing in bobsleigh at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and will defend the title she won last year. However, indoor champion Serena Vincent enters the tournament in strong form after recently reaching the qualifying standard for the Commonwealth Games.
Also look out for some good competition in the men’s discus, including British record holder Lawrence Okoye and Nick Percy.
With established champions, emerging talent and major championship places at stake, the Alexander Stadium is set to provide a fitting platform for Britain’s best athletes this weekend.
The Novuna UK Athletics Championships will take place from 20-21 June at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, with coverage available on BBC iPlayer and the website.
