As the world eagerly anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, the track and field and road running events promise to deliver breathtaking performances and memorable moments. With an impressive roster of British athletes and a field of international stars, the Games will showcase top talent in every discipline. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the events, featuring British competitors, event favourites, and essential details on how to follow the action.
Olympic Track and Field Events
Track Events
Women’s 800m and 1500m
Keely Hodgkinson is the standout British athlete in the 800m, having consistently delivered top performances in recent years. Laura Muir will compete in both the 1500m and 5000m, aiming to leverage her tactical racing skills and strong finishing speed. Other British athletes in these events include Jemma Reekie and Megan Keith, who are both strong contenders with impressive recent form.
Event Favourites:
- Athing Mu (USA): Reigning Olympic champion in the 800m.
- Faith Kipyegon (Kenya): Double world champion in the 1500m and Olympic gold medalist.
Men’s 1500m and 5000m
Jake Wightman and Josh Kerr will lead the British challenge in the 1500m, with Wightman being the reigning World Champion. Neil Gourley and Patrick Dever will also be in the mix. In the 5000m, Sam Atkin and George Mills are expected to compete strongly.
Event Favourites:
- Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway): The 1500m and 5000m world champion.
- Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda): The 5000m world record holder.
Women’s 100m and 200m
Dina Asher-Smith is a top contender in both the 100m and 200m, with Desiree Henry, Amy Hunt, and Imani-Lara Lansiquot providing strong support. Daryll Neita and Bianca Williams are also notable British sprinters aiming for the podium.
Event Favourites:
- Elaine Thompson-Herah (Jamaica): Reigning Olympic champion in both sprints.
- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica): Multiple world champion and medalist.
Men’s 200m
Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty, and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake are the leading British athletes in the 200m. Matthew Hudson-Smith will also be competing in the 400m.
Event Favourites:
- Noah Lyles (USA): Reigning world champion in the 200m.
Women’s 400m
Cindy Sember, Jessie Knight, and Lina Nielsen will represent Britain in the 400m. Victoria Ohuruogu is also a notable competitor.
Event Favourites:
- Shaunae Miller-Uibo (Bahamas): Reigning Olympic champion.
Field Events
Women’s Heptathlon
Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Jade O’Dowda are the British athletes to watch in the heptathlon. Johnson-Thompson, the 2019 World Champion, will aim to reclaim her top form.
Event Favourites:
- Nafi Thiam (Belgium): The reigning Olympic and world champion.
Women’s Pole Vault
Holly Bradshaw and Molly Caudery are the top British competitors in the pole vault. Bradshaw has consistently performed at a high level and will be a strong medal contender.
Event Favourites:
- Mondo Duplantis (Sweden): World record holder and reigning Olympic champion.
Men’s High Jump
Morgan Lake and Tom Gale will represent Britain in the high jump. Gale has shown impressive form and will be a strong competitor.
Event Favourites:
- Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar): Reigning Olympic champion and world record holder.
Men’s Triple Jump
Ben Williams will lead the British charge in the triple jump, aiming for a top performance.
Event Favourites:
- Pedro Pichardo (Portugal): Reigning Olympic and world champion.
Men’s Hammer Throw
Scott Lincoln and Lawrence Okoye are key British competitors in the hammer throw, with Lincoln showing strong recent form.
Event Favourites:
- Gianmarco Tamberi (Italy): Reigning Olympic champion.
Olympic Road Running Events
Marathon
Men’s Marathon
- Philip Sesemann, Mahamed Mahamed, and Emile Cairess will represent Britain. Sesemann and Mahamed have shown strong performances in recent marathons.
Event Favourites:
- Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya): The reigning Olympic champion and world record holder.
Women’s Marathon
- Rose Harvey, Charlotte Purdue, and Calli Hauder-Thackery will be competing. Purdue, in particular, has shown strong recent form.
Event Favourites:
- Brigid Kosgei (Kenya): Reigning world record holder and Olympic medalist.
Paralympic Track and Field Events
Track Events
Women’s T34 800m, 1500m
- Hannah Cockroft is the top British athlete in these events, aiming to defend her gold medals.
Event Favourites:
- Hannah Cockroft (Great Britain): Multiple gold medals in T34 wheelchair racing.
Men’s Marathon (Wheelchair Racing)
- David Weir and Marcel Hug are key competitors, with Weir looking to add another gold to his collection.
Event Favourites:
- Marcel Hug (Switzerland): Multiple world champion and Paralympic gold medalist.
Field Events
Men’s F42 Shot Put, Discus
- Aled Davies is a leading competitor in the shot put and discus events.
Event Favourites:
- Aled Davies (Great Britain): Dominant in the F42 classification.
Women’s T38 100m, 200m
- Sophie Hahn is a top sprinter with strong prospects for gold in these events.
Event Favourites:
- Sophie Hahn (Great Britain): World champion in T38 sprinting.
How to Watch
In the UK, the BBC will provide comprehensive coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Live broadcasts, highlights, and expert analysis will be available on BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC Sport, with live streaming and on-demand access via BBC iPlayer.
Event Times:
- Olympic Track and Field Events: August 1 – August 11, 2024
- Olympic Road Running Events: August 9 – August 11, 2024
- Paralympic Track and Field Events: August 28 – September 8, 2024
- Paralympic Road Running Events: August 28 – September 8, 2024
With a wealth of talent and an exciting lineup of events, the Paris 2024 Games promise to be a spectacular showcase of athletic excellence.