Great Britain has unveiled a 98-person squad for the upcoming European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, featuring prominent stars such as Keely Hodgkinson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Katarina Johnson-Thompson. These athletes, who opted out of the current Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, are preparing to compete on home ground.
Olympic gold medallist Hodgkinson and sprinter Asher-Smith are aiming to defend their respective European titles at Alexander Stadium. Returning from an injury that sidelined her from the 2024 competition, Johnson-Thompson will enter the heptathlon following her silver medal performance in Paris. Local favorite Matt Hudson-Smith, an Olympic silver medallist in the 400m, is also set to race at the stadium that honors his name.
Performance director Paula Dunn expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting the blend of seasoned international medallists and rising talent. Other notable inclusions are Georgia Hunter Bell, Laura Muir, Jake Wightman, and Amber Anning. While Jake Heyward joins the roster, Josh Kerr has decided not to participate.
Additionally, Norwegian distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen is likely to rejoin competition in Birmingham after recovering from Achilles surgery. The championships are scheduled to take place from August 10 to August 16.
