Athletics

Subterms

    More stories

    • 88 Shares149 Views

      in Athletics

      Does a starting pistol have real bullets?

      by

      STARTING pistols are devices that are fired to start running races and some competitive swimming competitions.With the 2023 World Athletics Championships underway in Budapest, Hungary, fans may be curious as to how the starting pistols used at the event actually work, and what the laws about them say.
      Starting pistols are used to signal the start of running racesCredit: Getty Images
      Does a starting pistol have real bullets?
      Traditional starting pistols do not have real bullets, and instead use blank shells or caps.
      A starting pistol would have to be extensively modified to be able to fire real ammunition.
      Starting pistols are used to give the sound effect of a real gun without the danger.
      Many sporting events have switched from conventional starting pistols to using electronic starting systems.
      Read More on Athletics
      These systems simulate a gunshot – broadcast to each lane of a race – show a flash, and start the timing clock.
      They are connected to official timers and cannot start without approval by the judges.
      An electronic starting system was first used at the at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
      The World Athletics Championships are another event which has since swapped starter pistols for the electronic gun.
      Most read in Athletics
      A major benefit of using the electronic starting systems is that they assure each runner hears the starting gun at exactly the same time.

      What is the law on starting pistols in the UK?
      You can buy starting pistols and blank ammunition without a licence in the UK but there are restrictions on where and how they can be used.
      According to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, blank firing handguns and starting pistols are subject to Section 19 of the Firearms Act, under the broad term of imitation firearms.
      It is an offence to possess any imitation firearm in a public place without a reasonable excuse. 
      A public place as refers to “any highway (or highway road within the meaning of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984) and any other premises or place to which at the material time the public have or are permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise,” according to the Firearms Act 1968.
      One example of a reasonable excuse for the possession of an imitation firearm in a public place would be in connection to dog training.  More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      BBC commentator gasps live on air as long jumper ‘goes into orbit’ after epic fail at World Athletics Championships

      by

      AN UNFORTUNATE long jump star caused a BBC commentator to gasp after slipping at the World Athletics Championships.Carey Mcleod, 25, slipped on the board as he looked to propel himself, sending him flying through the air head first.
      McLeod slipped as he took off on the jumpCredit: Rex
      He then flew through the air head firstCredit: Rex
      Before landing awkwardlyCredit: Rex
      The unusual incident saw the BBC commentator gasp as soon as the long jumper left the ground and was heard wincing throughout the replays.
      On a slow motion replay of Mcleod in the sand pit, the commentator said: “You can see something has really seriously hurt him there.”
      Luckily McLeod, who represents Jamaica, did not suffer any major injuries and fans were able to see the funny side when the incident was clipped up and put on social media.
      One fan said: “Man just invented a new sport. Far better than the long jump. May need a longer sandpit tho.”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Another said: “That man FLEW.”
      A third compared him with Manchester United goalkeeper Andre’s Onana, who nearly gave away a penalty in the club’s opening fixture against Wolves earlier this month and said: “Fantastic imitation of Onana v Wolves.”
      Another joked: “Great new sport. I could watch this all day long.”
      Another fan said: “All jumps should be done this way – superb effort.”
      Most read in Athletics
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Thankfully McLeod wasn’t injuredCredit: Rex
      But the BBC commentators were concerned after the awkward landingCredit: Rex
      The commentators pointed out that these sorts of slips have become a more common occurrence recently after decision-makers decided to get rid of Plasticine on the jump board.
      The Plasticine was placed on the foul line as it would indent if a jumper fouled.
      But that was replaced in 2022 with high-tech cameras used instead to judge fouling.
      The downside of this is the fact that Plasticine also helped jumpers with grip on a failed jump, leading to less incidents like yesterday’s.
      McLeod will be disappointed with his effort, given he was one of the favourites to finish with a medal in the competition.
      His head first jump saw him lose a tie break for a bronze medal with compatriot Tajay Gayle after they both recorded a distance of 8.27m.
      Their fellow countryman Wayne Pinnock looked to be on course for gold.
      But he had to settle for silver after Greek Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou edged him by two centimetres with his final jump. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Watch moment athlete is terrified by strange mascot hiding behind sofa while waiting to see if she’s qualified for final

      by

      THIS is the bizarre moment an athlete was terrified by a strange mascot.That’s after it popped out from behind a sofa while she waited on qualification for the World Athletics Championship 200m final.
      A World Athletics Championship star got a fright as she waited on her semi-final result
      Anthonique Strachan was surprised by a mascot hiding behind her couch
      The creepy mascot made Strachan leap from her chair
      Strachan eventually saw the funny side as she secured her spot in the 200m final
      The incident occurred as the men’s semis were delayed after two buggies crashed outside the venue.
      Anthonique Strachan faced a nervous wait on Thursday after notching the third-quickest time in heat two of the women’s semis.
      The 30-year-old Bahamian sprinter knew she had to see off competition from the final heat to secure a place in the showpiece race.
      But she was given an almighty fright as she waited for later results.
      READ MORE ATHLETICS NEWS
      Taking a load off, Strachan kicked back on a couch as the third heat prepared to run.
      However, a strange figure’s head slowly emerged from behind the chair.
      And as Strachan turned around, a large furry mascot jumped up to reveal itself to her.
      Strachan yelped as she darted away from the couch as the mascot waved at her.
      Most read in Athletics
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      But she soon saw the funny side and quickly forgave it for the heart-stopping moment.
      It turned out Strachan had nothing to worry about in the end.
      Her time of 22.30 ended up nabbing her the last spot in the 200m final.
      But Strachan will be hoping to keep her adrenaline down by avoiding any more unwanted contact with hidden mascots. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Athletics

      Shocking World Athletics crash sees sprinter forced to run 200m with SHARDS in eye as passenger thrown from buggy

      by

      AMERICAN sprinter Noah Lyles was involved in a golf buggy crash before his semi-final tonight at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary.Lyles, 26, was one of eight runners being transported by a driver from the training track to the call room inside the National Athletics Centres in Budapest.
      Two buggies crashed at the World Athletics Championships
      Jamaican Andrew Hudson seen grimacing as he held his eye
      As the athletes approached the stadium, heading towards an entrance situated next to the Danube river, another cart violently smashed at speed into the side of their vehicle.
      The driver who caused the crash – believed to be one of the event volunteers – was catapulted out of his seat and on to the ground.
      As a result of the incident, shards of glass managed to get into the right eye of Jamaican sprinter Andrew Hudson.
      Hudson, 26, said: “I don’t know what happened, it’s a blur. The race was a blur, my eyesight is a blur. I am going to make sure my eyesight is okay.
      READ MORE SPORT NEWS
      “I’m just trying to get glass out of my eye. I went back to the medical (room) and the doctor said I had some shards of glass in my eye.
      “He tried to flush it out as best as possible. World Athletics asked me if I was going to run or not. It was kind of run or lose my spot. And I’ve worked too hard to be here. That’s why I tried.
      “I appreciate the athletes (who were) waiting agreeing to take the heat later on in the competition. ”
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      One person was flung from a buggy as they hit each other
      Pedestrians were forced to jump out of the way
      The 200m semis were delayed but eventually went ahead
      Hudson finished fifth in heat one in a time of 20.38 seconds, a mark that was not good enough to qualify directly for Friday’s final.
      Most read in Athletics
      But after a protest from Team Jamaica, he was allowed to progress via a discretionary spot to the showpiece occasion, which was extended by officials from eight competitors to nine.
      A World Athletics statement read: “The 200m heats reorder was due to the collision of two golf carts.
      “One athlete and a volunteer were assessed and the athlete cleared to participate. He competed in the last heat. The volunteer is also fine. The Local Organising Committee is investigating the incident and reviewing the transport procedures.”
      Lyles, the defending 200 metres world champion, is looking to complete the sprint double in the Hungarian capital after he won gold in the men’s 100 metres last Sunday.
      The Florida-born star later tweeted: “Survived a crash and made the Finals. God is Good!”
      Gabby Logan announced the news live on BBC Sport, with incredible footage caught on camera. More

    • 63 Shares129 Views

      in Athletics

      Who are Josh Kerr’s parents?

      by

      JOSH Kerr is at the top of his game after scooping gold at the Athletics World Championships.After winning the 1500 meters he dedicated his medal to his proud parents, Jake and Jill Kerr.
      Josh Kerr is supported in his running career by his proud parentsCredit: Alamy
      Who is Josh Kerr?
      Josh Kerr was born October 8, 1997 and is a Scottish middle-distance runner who competes primarily in the 1500 metres.
      He is the 2023 world champion, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medallist in the event.
      Speaking about taking gold in the 1500 meters at Athletics World Championships, he told BBC Sport: “It’s been a long time coming. It’s quite an overwhelming experience. But I’m so proud of myself, my team and my family.
      “I didn’t feel like I ran my best race either. I just threw my whole 16 years of this sport into that last 200m and didn’t let up to the end.
      Read more on Josh Kerr
      “It was fast early but I stayed calm. I knew I was capable of a world championship gold medal for GB so I’m very glad to add to that medal count.”
      Who are Josh Kerr’s parents?
      Kerr comes from a sporting background as his father John is a former professional rugby player.
      During his time in the sport he played for Caledonia Reds.
      Meanwhile, his mum Jill runs a successful physiotherapy practice in Morningside.
      Most read in Athletics
      After winning gold in the 1500 metres at the Athletics World Championships, Kerr choked back the tears as he spoke about how proud he was his parents were in the stadium to watch him win.
      He told BBC Sport: “This is a lot for our family and they’ve put a lot of time, effort and money in to me.
      “I just couldn’t be prouder to represent the Kerr family name today.
      “I gave it everything for them, myself and my fiancee. This is the life I want to lead for them.
      “They’ve given me so much and it was nice to pay that back a little bit today.”
      Kerr’s brother is also a sportsman, and is a hooker for the Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby league.
      Where is Josh Kerr from?
      Born in Scotland, Kerr began running at eight years old with Edinburgh Athletics Club.
      However, despite his Scottish roots he moved to America to craft his talent.
      Read More on The Sun
      At 17, he relocated to the US to chase his athletics dream at the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerque.
      In 2018, he broke the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) 1500m record, before turning pro and joining the athletics club Brooks Beasts. More

    • 88 Shares159 Views

      in Athletics

      Who is Josh Kerr’s fiancée Larimar Rodriguez?

      by

      GREAT Britain’s Josh Kerr is riding high after taking home gold in the 1500 metres at the Athletics World Championships.On the sidelines cheering him on is his supportive family and devoted fiancée Larimar Rodriguez.
      Josh Kerr with his fiancée Larimar RodriguezCredit: Instagram
      Who is Josh Kerr?
      Hailing from Scotland, Josh began running when he was eight-years-old having joined Edinburgh Athletics Club.
      He was born on October 8, 1997. 
      Pursuing his athletics dreams he left home at 17 and moved to the US to attend the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerque.
      In 2018, Kerr broke the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) 1500m record and went on to become a professional athlete.
      Read more on Josh Kerr
      At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he took home bronze in the 1500 metres.
      But Kerr is now a global champ after scooping the gold medal in the 1500 metres at the Athletics World Championships.
      Paying tribute to his supportive fiancée and his family, he told BBC Sport: “This is a lot for our family and they’ve put a lot of time, effort and money in to me.
      “I just couldn’t be prouder to represent the Kerr family name today.
      Most read in Athletics
      “I gave it everything for them, myself and my fiancee. This is the life I want to lead for them.
      “They’ve given me so much and it was nice to pay that back a little bit today.”
      Meanwhile, fans will also notice that Kerr is never without his trademark Oakley sunglasses, after landing a lucrative deal with the brand.
      He told The Telegraph: “I was a bit apprehensive initially [about racing in sunglasses] … but it makes me very laser focused, because nobody can see my eyes, especially in the [pre-race] call-room.
      “It’s fantastic. Someone was [once] swearing at me, ‘Are you looking at me?’ and I was like, ‘I’m not sure, mate, you don’t know where my eyes are looking’.
      “It’s a very intimidating thing for people. So it’s a nice little thing up my sleeve.
      “I’ve got the gold ones for the final, so they will be looking cool.”
      Who is Josh Kerr’s fiancée Larimar Rodriguez?
      When Kerr isn’t busy competing on the track or training for his next championship, he takes time out with his fiancée Larimar Rodriguez.
      In December 2021 he shared the exciting news that he had popped the question with two sweet photos of the pair.
      The excited athlete wrote the caption: “I couldn’t wait any longer, I’m so excited for our future”, alongside a heart and ring emoji.
      In 2018, Josh revealed Larimar had got into medical school.
      She began working as a resident doctor at the University of Miami in 2023.
      Read More on The Sun
      According to her LinkedIn page, she is also an athlete like her finace.
      In 2016 she was an Assistant Track And Field Coach at Bosque School, designing workouts and helping lead a group of 20+. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Fans love BBC pundit Jessica Ennis-Hill’s bold outfit as Olympic legend puts on leggy display in ‘sensational’ dress

      by

      FANS are loving Jessica Ennis-Hill’s outfit as she presents the BBC’s coverage of the World Athletics Championships.The Olympic gold medallist is out in Budapest covering the championships at which she won three gold medals over the years.
      Jessica Ennis-Hill is out in Budapest hosting the World Athletics Championships with the BBCCredit: Instagram @jessicaennishill
      Jessica Ennis-Hill poses with fellow heptathletes Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Denise LewisCredit: Instagram @jessicaennishill
      She is presenting alongside fellow athletics legend Denise LewisCredit: Rex
      And fans are loving her fashion as she shared some pictures of her outfit choice on her Instagram.
      She shared the snaps with her 406,000 followers alongside a heartfelt caption.
      It read: “Day 3 I dedicate to the multi-eventers past, present and future.
      We’re a unique bunch who can’t settle for one event, are fiercely competitive but who respect each other immensely.”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      She could be seen posing in front of the stadium in Budapest wearing a white suite dress and a pair of green heels.
      Fans were quick to jump to the comments section to praise the Team GB legend.
      One fan wrote: “Love this Jess! Love your outfit and the shoes.”
      Whilst another added: “That shirt dress looks sensational!”
      Most read in Athletics
      A third commented: “Jessica you always look amazing.”
      Jessica won Gold at the World Athletics Championships in 2009, 2011 and 2015 for the Heptathlon.
      But she is perhaps most famous for her incredible Olympic gold during the London 2012 Olympic games.
      She also picked up silver in Rio de Janeiro just four years later at the next Olympics.
      Fans have already complimented her other outfits during the championshipsCredit: BBC
      Jessica won three gold medals at the World Athletics Championships over the yearsCredit: Getty
      She is best remembered for her gold medal in the heptathlon during the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: The Times More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Incredible moment race walker proposes to fellow athlete at the finish line of major race at World Championships

      by

      LOVE was in the air at the World Athletics Championships as two competitive race walkers got engaged at the finish line of the 35km walking event.Slovakian walker Hana Burzalova was just crossing the line in Budapest when she spotted her boyfriend Dominik Cerny – who had just completed the men’s event himself, waiting at the finish line.
      Dominik Cerny proposed to Hana Burzalova at the finish lineCredit: Reuters
      Cerny had just completed the men’s race, but waited at the finish line to propose to his partnerCredit: Reuters
      Cerny held his fiancee as the two celebrated their engagementCredit: Reuters
      Cerny got down on one knee to propose to Burzalova and luckily she had enough breath after her exertions in the race to accept his proposal.
      Cerny celebrated by punching the air and then lifted up his fiancee into his arms.
      The couple then posed for the cameras with Burzalova proudly showing off her engagement ring in the photos.
      Cerny, 25, placed 19th in his race, recording a personal best time of 2:32.56 in the process.
      READ MORE ON ATHLETICS
      Burzalova, 22, finished 28th in the women’s race but did clock a season’s best of 3:02.47, meaning there was plenty to celebrate.
      The couple regularly give an insight into their training and relationship on Instagram, which included a recent romantic holiday to Cyprus.
      But Cerny was giving no hints away of an imminent proposal on an Instagram story he posted prior to the race.
      The story featured Burzalova preparing her hydration bottles and energy gels before the race in Budapest and he captioned it: “Ouch, here we go again.”
      Most read in Athletics
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023

      The couple had both just completed personal bestsCredit: Reuters
      The official World Athletics Twitter account posted their congratulations to the happy couple, posting pictures of the engagement with the caption: “She said YES.”
      Race walking also appears in the Olympics and requires competitors to keep one foot on the ground at all times to prevent running.
      Judges sit throughout the race to ensure that competitors stick to the technique.
      Ironically for the couple, a bent knee is also not permitted when competing in the sport and penalties are handed out if the knee is bent within the race.
      Race distances at the World Championships used to be up to 50km but this was cut to 35km last year, with a 20km race also included.  More