Podcast #78: World Championships, World Paras and European Masters preview
In the latest England Athletics Podcast, heptathlete Jade O'Dowda and hammer thrower Jake Norris speak at the Manchester International, previewing the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this month. Hannah Cockroft and Bebe Jackson also join to look forward to the World Para Athletics Championships, which are taking place in New Delhi from 27 September to 5 October.
Finally, Rebecca Perry tells us about her bid to take on the heptathlon at next month's European Masters Athletics Championships in Madeira. Perry, who is also a lawyer and mother to twins, was originally known as a sprinter, before taking an extended break from the sport seven years ago.
O'Dowda, a Commonwealth medallist with England in 2022, is joined by her coach John Lane as she talks about her preparations for this year's biggest championship.
"I'm super excited. I have struggled a little bit this outdoor season with niggles and injuries, but I feel like now I'm in a good place to go out to Tokyo."
Lane, who also took part in the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2018, discusses his journey from athlete to coach.
Norris explains that he's somewhat nervous about competing on the world stage, but acknowledges that expectation isn't too high.
"It's not like I'm expected to medal. I'm trying to learn. I'm trying to get used to the atmosphere and hopefully just build on it in the future."
Cockroft already has 16 world titles to her name - stretching back to 2011 - so she has plenty of experience to draw upon.
"There's a lot of pressure that comes with going in as the reigning world champion, world record holder and Paralympic champion. You feel the eyes that are on you and you feel that you have to go out and deliver something good."