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      Who is Paula Radcliffe?

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      PAULA Radcliffe is a former long distance runner from the UK.She has had an impressive career that can make anyone jealous – keep on reading to find out all about it.
      Paula started running when she was seven.
      Who is Paula Radcliffe?
      Paula was born December 17, 1973 in Davenham near Northwich, Cheshire.
      She was born to Peter and Pat Radcliffe.
      Her great aunt is 1920 Olympic medallist Charlotte Radcliffe who was a competitive swimmer.
      Her family later moved to Barnton and she attended Little Leigh Primary School.
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      Paula started running at the age of seven despite being asthmatic and anaemic.
      She was inspired by her father who was an amateur marathon runner and joined Frodsham Athletic Club.
      The family later moved to Kingsley.
      When Paula was 12, the family moved to Oakley, Bedfordshire and she joined the Bedford & County Athletics Club.
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      During this time coach Alex Stanton was building the club’s women’s and girl’s sections into one of the strongest in the country.
      Paula’s father became club vice-chairman and her mother, a fun-runner, managed the women’s cross-country team.
      She competed in her first national race at the age of 12 in 1986 when she placed 299th out of around 600 in the girls’ race of the English Schools Cross Country Championships.
      A year later in the same race she finished fourth.
      Paula later attended Sharnbrook Upper School and Community College.
      She studied at Loughborough University earning a first-class honours degree in Modern Languages.
      What medals did Paula Radcliffe win?
      Paula won the world junior cross country title in 1992 and entered a period of steady but sometimes frustrating progress in global track championships.
      In 1993, she finished seventh in the world championship 3,000 meters and fifth in the 5,000 meters during the 1995 world championships and 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
      She advanced to fourth in the 5,000 meters in 1997 and two years later set the pace in the world championship 10,000 meters in Sevilla, Spain.
      However, during the last lap she was passed by Gete Wami from Ethiopia and finished second in 30 mins 27.13 sec.
      During the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Paula pushed the pace again in the 10,000 meters, setting up a new Olympic record winner for Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia but finishing fourth herself.
      Later that year Paula won the world half marathon title.
      Paula won a world cross-country long course in March 2001 and successfully defended the title in early 2002.
      She finished fourth in the 10,000 meters in the 2001 track world championship and chartered a course towards the marathon.
      Paula trained in the Pyrenees and logged up to 225km (about 140 miles) per week in training.
      She won her first marathon in London in April 2002 in 2 hours 18 minutes and 56 seconds.
      Later that year she competed in the Chicago Marathon with her winning time 2 hours 17 minutes 18 seconds only 89 seconds from the women’s world record for the marathon.
      It also represented the biggest improvement in the sport in more than 17 years.
      She later won two gold medals in 10 days.
      One was at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in the 5,000 meters and the other at the European Championships, where she ran the second fastest women’s 10,000 meters in the rain.
      Paula set a new world record at the London Marathon in 2003 with a time of 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds.
      Paula earned a spot at the 2004 Olympics but was forced to pull out due to an injury.
      In 2003, she won the New York City Marathon and in 2005 claimed her third London Marathon before winning New York again 2007.
      However, Paula finished a disappointing 23rd in the marathon at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing due to insufficient training after a stress fracture.
      A few months later she won her third New York City Marathon but her appearances in 2010 were limited due to injuries and the birth of her second child.
      Due to a foot injury, Paula wasn’t able to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London.
      She announced her retirement in 2015 after that year’s London Marathon.
      Paula finished the marathon in 2 hours 36 minutes 55 seconds.
      In recognition of her athletic achievements, Paula was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2002.
      She published her memoir Paula: My Story So Far in 2002.
      What was Paula Radcliffe’s personal best?
      According to Olympics.com, Paula’s personal bests are:

      5000. 14:29.11. 2004
      10,000. 30:01.09. 2002
      Mar – 2-15:25. 2003.

      Her best Olympics score is fourth at Sydney 2000.
      Who is Paula Radcliffe’s husband and did she have children?
      Paula is married to Gary Lough, a former Northern Irish 1,500m runner whilst he was her lodger at Loughborough University.
      The two got married in 2001.
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      Their daughter Isla was born in 2007 and their son Raphael was born in 2010.
      They currently live in Monte Carlo. More

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      Jessica Ennis-Hill lights up BBC studio in stunning outfit as fans hail her as ‘lovely’ at World Athletics Championships

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      OLYMPIC hero Jessica Ennis-Hill lit up the BBC studio in a stunning yellow dress for the World Athletics Championships.The 37-year-old heptathlon legend is in Budapest, Hungary as a pundit.
      Jessica Ennis-Hill lit up the BBC studio when she appeared on the channel’s coverage at the World Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: BBC
      Wearing a stunning yellow dress, Ennis-Hill stole the limelight from her fellow punditsCredit: BBC
      And on Sunday, she appeared alongside former American sprinter Michael Johnson and fellow gold medallist Denise Lewis, with Gabby Logan on presenting duties.
      But, despite the star quality sat next to her, it was Jessica who stole the show with her fashionable outfit.
      She wore a stunning round neck frock, complete with short sleeves, for her appearance.
      Needless to say, fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, were singing her praises for her fashionable choice and expert opinion.
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      One wrote: “Jessica Ennis-Hill is lovely.”
      A second shared: “What a lovely woman Jess Ennis-Hill is. Have really enjoyed watching the BBC coverage of athletics.”
      A third posted: “The humility and laughter of Jessica Ennis-Hill on the studio was a great TV moment. Here at home enjoying the panel and commentary team so much for the World Athletics in Budapest.”
      While a fourth added: “There isn’t a better commentary in world sport than the #BBCAthletics team. Amazing experience and knowledge with@MJGold, Denise Lewis. Jess Ennis-Hill and Steve Backley and the youth and enthusiasm of people like Jazz Sawyers. It’s the perfect combination.”
      Most read in Athletics
      Jessica Ennis-Hill is certainly making an impact on TV this summerCredit: BBC
      The athletics legend has been praised by fans for her expert knowledge and commentsCredit: Getty
      Just a day earlier she left fans gushing over her choice of a bold green outfit while again on pundit duties.
      Ennis-Hill claimed her first heptathlon world title in 2009, before she also went on to win the event two years later.
      Then, after initially claiming silver in 2015, she was promoted to gold the following year after Tatyana Chernova was stripped of the title for a doping violation – one month after Ennis-Hill announced her retirement.
      But British sports fans know her best for her stunning Olympic triumph at the London 2012 Games.
      Four years later, she won silver in Rio – hanging up her spikes towards the end of 2016.
      Jess is a firm fans’ favourite after a stunning careerCredit: The Times More

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      Jessica Ennis-Hill wears bold outfit live on BBC for World Athletics Championships with fans loving her punditry

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      JESSICA ENNIS-HILL donned a bold outfit as fans hailed her punditry at the World Athletics Championships.The Olympic champion, 37, is in Budapest, Hungary as part of the BBC’s coverage of the eight-day event.
      Jessica Ennis-Hill wore a green jersey on Saturday nightCredit: BBC
      She is part of the BBC’s punditry team for the World Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: BBC
      On Saturday night, she wore a stunning green dress alongside presenter Gabby Logan, legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson and fellow Olympic champion heptathlete Denise Lewis.
      Three-time world champion Ennis-Hill has established herself as one of the best pundits in athletics.
      And those on social media were quick to praise her for her work at this year’s World Athletics Championships.
      One said: “World Athletics BBC presentation. The combination of Denise Lewis, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Michael Johnson is unbeatable.
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      “Immaculately presented, well spoken and true experts who command a listen. Well done!”
      While another added: “Michael Johnson footage of the 400m world record and then the humility and laughter of Jessica Ennis-Hill on the studio was a great TV moment.
      “Here at home enjoying the panel and commentary team so much for the World Athletics in Budapest.”
      Ennis-Hill claimed her first heptathlon world title in 2009, before she also went on to win the event two years later.
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      Ennis-Hill claimed gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in LondonCredit: The Times
      Ennis-Hill has been praised for her punditry at the world championshipsCredit: Instagram @jessicaennishill
      She retired from heptathlon in 2016Credit: Getty
      Then, after initially claiming silver in 2015, she was promoted to gold the following year after Tatyana Chernova was stripped of the title for a doping violation – one month after Ennis-Hill announced her retirement.
      But British sports fans know her best for her stunning Olympic triumph at the London 2012 Games.
      Four years later, she won silver in Rio – hanging up her spikes towards the end of 2016.
      Ennis-Hill won three world titles during her careerCredit: Alamy
      She has now established herself as one of the best pundits in the gameCredit: Getty More

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      Does a starting pistol have real bullets?

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.”
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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      Who are Josh Kerr’s parents?

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      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.
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      “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.
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      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.
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      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