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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. ”
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      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

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      Who is Josh Kerr’s fiancée Larimar Rodriguez?

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      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.
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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.”
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      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

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      World Athletics Championships commentators: Who is on the panel for the competition?

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      THE 2023 World Athletics Championships are underway, with much excitement surrounding the huge sporting event.The 2023 games, held in Budapest, mark the nineteenth edition of the championships, but the first time they have been held in Hungary.
      The World Athletics Championships 2023 are taking place in Budapest, HungaryCredit: Sam Mellish/Getty Images
      Who are the commentators for the World Athletics Championships?
      Luckily for athletics fans, the BBC are providing extensive coverage of the World Athletics Championships.
      The broadcaster has gathered a star-studded panel of former athletes and specialists to share their expertise across the competition.
      The World Athletics Championships 2023 conclude on August 27, 2023.
      Much of the action is being streamed live online on the BBC Sport website and app.
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      Steve Cram
      Steve Cram is one of the commentators at the 2023 World Athletics Championships
      Steve Cram, CBE is a retired track and field athlete.
      In 1985, he set world records in the 1,500 m, 2,000 m, and the mile.
      Cram won gold in the 1,500m at the 1983 World games, before going on to take home the silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games.
      After retiring from athletics in 1994 Cram moved in to a career in television, acting as an athletics commentator for BBC Sport.
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      In his role as commentator, Cram has covered events like the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
      Paula Radcliffe
      Marathon star Paula Radcliffe is one of the BBC commentators at the athletics competition
      Paula Radcliffe is a former long-distance runner who is a three-time winner of the London Marathon.
      She has also won the New York Marathon three times and the Chicago Marathon once.
      Radcliffe represented Team GB at four consecutive Olympic games (1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008) but didn’t bring home a medal.
      She did, however, win gold in the marathon at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki.
      Since ending her competitive running career after the 2015 London Marathon, Radcliffe has occasionally worked as a commentator for the BBC, covering events such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
      Steve Backley
      Commentator Steve Backley is a former Olympic medal winner
      Steve Backley, OBE is a retired British track and field athlete who competed in the javelin throw.
      He won many accolades throughout his career, including two silvers and a bronze at the Olympic Games, and two silvers at the World Championships.
      Backley set a javelin throwing world record of 89.58m in Stockholm, Sweden in July 1990.
      He last competed in 2004 at the Olympics in Athens, Greece.
      Since retiring from athletics, Backley has appeared on the 2008 edition of ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
      He has also worked as a commentator for the BBC.
      Andrew Cotter
      Andrew Cotter has been a sports broadcaster for over two decades
      Andrew Cotter is a Scottish sports broadcaster who has worked with the BBC for various sporting events.
      He started his career with Edinburgh-based radio station Scot FM, before relocating to London to work with BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky News.
      Throughout his career he commentated both rugby and golf events, covering major competitions like The Six Nations, the Rugby World Cup, the Masters Tournament, and The Open Championship.
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      During the pandemic, Cotter went viral for posting adorable videos of his dogs, Olive and Mabel, online.
      He has since written two books about his pets; Olive, Mabel & Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs, and Dog Days: A Year with Olive & Mabel. More

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      Katarina Johnson-Thompson WINS World Athletics Championship Gold in one of sport’s greatest comeback stories

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      FROM THE depths of despair to the top of the world, Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s brilliant Budapest bullion caps one of Britain’s greatest sporting comeback stories.It would have been so easy, and few would have blamed her, had KJT chucked in the heptathlon at several points in the four years since she first won a world title.
      Katarina Johnson-Thompson has capped a remarkable comebackCredit: Reuters
      Johnson-Thompson of Team Great Britain won gold in the women’s heptathlonCredit: Getty
      Delighted Johnson-Thompson celebrates her incredible momentCredit: Getty
      For so long, heartbreak had been the overriding emotion for this injury-hit, out-of-luck 30-year-old.
      To name but a few adversities, there had been a ruptured Achilles, career-saving surgeries, Covid isolation, coaching changes and training-base switches.
      Tears flowed when she hit rock-bottom – that horrible moment when she completed only three of the seven events at the Tokyo Olympics due to a right calf injury.
      It explains why this stunning victory by the Danube means so much for her, the British squad and track-and-field back in the UK.
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      It proves that however bad things can get, however low you reach, it is possible to recapture past glories.
      Now some may argue that the field was missing the injured Nafi Thiam, the two-time Olympic and world champion.
      But do you honestly think Johnson-Thompson cares?
      It was about time she earned a major slice of good fortune.
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      After all that she has been through, the chance to win a medal of any colour gives her the sweetest of redemption arcs.
      Overnight, Johnson-Thompson had been in second place after four events, lying 93 points behind the American Anna Hall, who had her left calf strapped up.
      On day two of competition, the long jump and javelin were pivotal events – and the Brit excelled at both.
      A leap of 6.54 metres under a baking hot Hungarian sun put her top of the 21-woman field.
      And then her javelins, often seen as her weakest event, flew through the air so smoothly and confidently.
      A mark of 46.14 metres represented a personal best and was only bettered by six other strongwomen.
      It was 1.81 metres further than what she produced a year ago at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
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      Heading into the 800m, the seventh and final discipline, she had a 26-point lead over Dutchwoman Anouk Vetter.
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      It was tight between her and Colorado runner Hall, 22, and until the last 200m of the 800m, she was behind in the standings.
      But by finishing just 1.54 seconds seconds behind, she was able to cement her position as the number one heptathlete in the world. More

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      I became the world’s fastest man with help from Usain Bolt but I once sprinted away from a GUNMAN and want to be a pilot

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      ZHARNEL HUGHES has become the world’s fastest man in 2023 after receiving help from Usain Bolt.And he once had to use his pace to race away from a gunman but now wants to be a pilot.
      Zharnel Hughes is hoping to land gold at the World ChampionshipsCredit: Reuters
      Jamaican legend Usain Bolt is a regular at the training base of Britain’s fastest-ever man Zharnel HughesCredit: AFP
      The 27-year-old completed the 100m in 9.83 seconds this year, smashing Olympic legend Linford Christie’s over 30-year record, making him Britain’s quickest ever sprinter.  
      That time was also the best so far in 2023 and now Hughes harbours the hopes of Great Britain on his shoulders as he heads into the World Championships in Budapest.
      Despite still yet to equal Bolt’s world record 9.58s from 2009, he trains under iconic coach Glen Mills, who guided the Jamaican to his eight Olympic gold medals.
      Bolt, despite being retired, remains a regular at the facility and Hughes is over the moon to be at close quarters with the superstar.
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      He told the Telegraph: “Usain is somebody I always looked up to. Every time we see each other in the gym, because he goes to the same gym as I, we always fist bump and ask each other how we are doing.
      “It’s just a great privilege to be in the same company that he once was.”
      However, while in Bolt’s homeland of Jamaica, Hughes also suffered a near-death experience in 2018 with an armed robber while in the car park of the training base.
      Hughes said: “I was at the trunk of my car putting on my sneakers and I saw this shadow in front of me. Then this guy is asking me for my phone and wallet.
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      “I was thinking, ‘What?’ and then I see his gun. So then it is, like, ‘OK, is this actually happening to me?’
      “It was one of those panic situations. The gun is pointing at my stomach and my face and then I just got the smallest window because, I don’t know, he was looking away for a second. I took my chance.
      “I just jumped down and hid under a car. Then someone else, a licensed firearm holder, came and fired back at him.
      “Shots were being exchanged and the guy starts running away and firing wild shots all over the place. Other athletes were jumping down.
      “When it was over, I got out and saw they were lying in the gravel, under the benches. There was a girl who uses the track and she was having an asthma attack.
      “I went to my car and I was sitting there, thinking, ‘What was that?’ It was all just a few seconds but, wow.”
      Hughes was amazingly back on the track within half an hour of that terrifying ordeal, showing his undying passion for the sport, but he also has another career goal that he would like to take off in the future.
      He uses a flight simulator to practice flying aircraft in his spare time and one day he would like to become a pilot.
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      Hughes added: “That’s what keeps me happy, that’s what keeps me relaxed.
      “I would love to fly on a Gulfstream 650. That’s a beautiful aircraft.”
      He broke the over 30-year British record set by Linford ChristieCredit: AFP More