Explore every episode of the podcast Backstraight Boys (& Girl) Athletics Chat
Dive into the complete episode list for Backstraight Boys (& Girl) Athletics Chat. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
They’ll be no more long waits for your Backstraight fix as every week the boys will now be answering your questions on BackChat your weekly Backstraight Bonus.
Ask anything you like and you may win a prize!!!
Either DM your questions to Instagram or email us on backstraightboyspod@gmail.com.
#ComingSoon
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This week we’re joined by British sprint legend Adam Gemili to discuss an electrifying World Relays from Gaborone, Botswana.
There was lots at stake for the African nation as WA took this meet to the continent for the very let first, time but they exceeded all expectations with a slick and thrilling weekend of relay action. The timing couldn’t have been better with the home team as current Men’s 4x400m champs and they didn’t disappoint.
We chat about our high and lows and suggest some tweaks that could prove beneficial going forward.
We end by reminiscing about Adam’s stellar career as he announces his retirement and lets us in on what plans he has for the future.
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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
The Hit Me With Your Best Shot Edition with Scott Lincoln
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Nafi, Jakob and All That Jaz: European Athletics Indoor Championships Review with Special Guest Mel Anning
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.
Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials.
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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Old episodes, a new era, and an unwavering love of athletics: Backstraight's big look back
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
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...
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Shaumatt, Jazlish, Keelbundji, and Gianmarsten: Our Euro Review - feat. some Munich Superstars
'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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Cake, Chaos, and Centuries: Our 100th episode and meandering Oregon review
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Sleep deprivation, Wightman adoration, and the US as a host nation: our Oregon IG Live feat. the peerless Kath Merry
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
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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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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Stars in stands, arms in plaster, and athletics in rude health: our World Indoors review pod
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Self Belief, Tactical Perfection, and David Beckham: Our World Indoors Preview with Jamie Baulch
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
The Kids Are Alright (mostly): Our First Pod of a Jam-Packed 2022
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Jeanette, Estelle, and a Spectacular Year of Athletics: our 2021 Review Pod
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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Nominations Assessed, Hot Topics Addressed, and Chatter Ceaseless: Normal Service Resumed
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Danny, Sandy, and T S Eliot: A Meandering Meme-y Mish Mash of Recent Athletics Happenings
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Switching Countries, Dissuading Daughters, and Keeping It Simple: An Italian Special with Fiona May
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Incredible Performances, Gorgeous Storylines, and just being 'So Olympics': Our (1st) Tokyo 2020 Review
'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.
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Deprived of Sleep, Delighted for Daley, and just INCREDIBLY Excited: Roger Black joins us to preview the Olympics
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Jubilant Jodie, Kween Keely, and Plenty More from Manchester: Our British Champs Sunday Special
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Sha'Carri, Jump Format Changes, and Euro Team Champs: A Marmitey Backstraight Chat
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
All the gear, plenty of ideas, and tonnes of noteworthy results: a real round-up of a pod
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
Extraneous Events, Priceless Experience, and Bra Malfunctions: it's Mr Relay himself - Martyn Rooney
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
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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Email - backstraightboyspod@gmail.com
High Hopes, Closed Honey, and Dipped Sheep: What To Do About British Javelin Throwing, feat. Goldie Sayers and Steve Backley
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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Gardens, Gout, and Gunning for Second: Marathon & Race Walks Trials with Tim, Tom, and Tom
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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Lego Vikings, Leif Life, and Going Out Hard: Karsten Warholm Interview Special
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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Tactics, Bar Stools, and (alleged) Gingerbread: Our European Indoor Champs Review - feat. Holly Archer
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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Jemma Reekie, Sarah McDonald, and Melissa Courtney-Bryant: Our British Women's Middle Distance Special
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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Competition, Charisma, and Consistency: Indoors So Far, feat. the World-Leading Trayvon Bromell
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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Tokyo Day 7 Part 2: The AMYzing Meet Up Edition with Anderson Emerole
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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Equality vs quality, innovation vs tradition, and everyone vs pacing lights: Cross Country and distance running with Paula Radcliffe
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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Unrecognisable Olympics, Unmissable Events, and an Abundance of Stars: Getting Excited for 2021 with the Wonderful Kath Merry
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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Impossible Games, Unthinkable Rule Changes, and an Impressively Great Season: Our 2020 Review Pod
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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All Hail Harry, Peerless Pratt, and the Bright British Future: the Delightful Surprise Package of the 2020 British Championships
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.
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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Car Parks, Fist Fights, and More Champagne than Sense : Our 'Fast Girls' Special with Dina Asher-Smith and Amy Hunt
'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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Inspiration Games, Backstraight Film Club, and Athletics Baby Royalty: July's Lockdown Ramblings
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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Christmas Shopping, Sourdough Starting, and Adapting as Athletes: Our Lockdown Chin-wag with Morgan Lake and Jazmin Sawyers
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 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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Listening, Learning, and Changing: Black Lives Matter
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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On Top of the Podium, Next to Dolly, and in Front of Camera: Denise Lewis Interview Special (Part II)
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 Instagram: @backstraightboyspodcast
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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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Triple Jump, Quarter Miles, and Much More Say for Athletes: Christian Taylor on his Career and The Athletics Association
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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Footie, Fourths, and Fabulous Four-by-Ones: Adam Gemili Interview Special
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.
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