Coe hints at blocking Grand Slam Return

Following the announcement of Grand Slam Track filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe hinted that he may reject an attempt to relaunch the league.

The governing body would have to authorise any revival of Michael Johnson's competition.

"We have to make sure that when there are fresh events that they come to the table with the kind of credentials and assets that I've talked about", said Coe.

"There's a responsibility to do that, and I think probably going forward, that is something we will look at in greater depth.

"Over the next few years, there are going to be lots of different and new things. And I welcome that, but it has to be suffused in a realistic proposition that you have stuff that is fireproof, it's got to be sustainable." via BBC Sport

TNT wins bid for Commonwealth Games 2026

For the first time in over 70 years, there will be no live Commonwealth Games coverage on free-to-air platforms following the BBC admitting they were “unable to match” TNT Sports' bid for the 2026 games in Glasgow.

The athletics programme for the games, which is already confirmed to feature former 1500m World Champion Jake Wightman competing for the hosts, will take place at Scotstoun Stadium from July 27th to August 2nd.

The Commonwealth Games are protected under the broadcasting act, meaning some coverage will have to be provided to free-to-air broadcasters.

The BBC has said it will continue to speak with Glasgow 2026 organisers to try and show as much of the games as possible. via TNT Sport

Duplantis claims second World Sports Star Gong

Pole Vault Olympic and World Champion Armand Duplantis has won the BBC Sports Personality World Sports Star of the Year.

The Swede made 2025 his own, taking World Indoor and outdoor titles whilst claiming four World Records along the way, including one in his homeland at the Stockholm Diamond League.

It's the second consecutive year the 26-year-old has taken the crown, following his recognition for winning the World Indoor, European, and Olympic titles in 2024. 

Other nominees for the award included Sydney McLaughlin Levrone and Baseball star Shohei Ohtani. via BBC Sport

Great Britain and Northern Ireland team announced for the World Cross Country

The Novuna GB&NI team for the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, has been announced. via British Athletics

Team Leader, Luke Gunn, said;

"We've selected a team that reflects our commitment to success, aiming to make the podium at this event and giving talented juniors the chance to gain invaluable experience as they build towards future cross country success. We look forward to seeing how they perform against the world's best in what will be a fast and fun course out in Florida."

Senior Women

Phoebe Anderson (Laurie Henes, Herne Hill)

Megan Keith (Ross Cairns, Inverness)

Verity Ockenden (Swansea)

Poppy Tank (City of Plymouth)

Senior Men

Jacob Cann (Western Tempo)

Rory Leonard (Andrew Hobdell, Morpeth)

David Mullarkey (Andrew Henerson, Leeds City)  

Matthew Ramsden (Edmund Finucane, Blackburn)

Mixed Relay

George Couttie (Ben Thomas, Harrogate)

India Weir (Andrew Hobdell, Cambridge)

Adam Fogg (Cory Leslie, Coventry)

Alex Millard (Mark Coogan, Invicta East Kent)

Junior Women

Maisey Bellwood (Keighley & Craven)

Eliza Nicholson (Joe Franklin, Blackheath & Bromley)

Zara Redmond (Sarah Dempsey, Kilbarchan)

Kitty Scott (Mick Woods, Aldershot, Farnham & District)

Junior Men

Michael Clark (Jane Clark, City of Norwich)

Luke Dunham (Andrew Hobdell, Herts Phoenix)

Jonson Hughes (Andrew Henderson, Rotherham)

Alex Lennon (Nick Hancock, Sutton & District)