UK Athletics Trials 2025: The Road to Tokyo World Championships

Britain's top athletes are set to compete in Birmingham this weekend at the UK Athletics Championships, aiming to secure their places at the Tokyo World Championships. The event, which will be held from August 2nd to 3rd, 2025, is a crucial qualifier for the World Championships scheduled for September 13-21 in Tokyo.

Qualification Criteria

For most athletes, the path to Tokyo is straightforward: a top-two finish in their respective events at the UK Athletics Championships, combined with a World Athletics entry standard achieved since August 1, 2024, will guarantee their spot. However, athletes who have medalled at the 2024 Olympics or the 2023 World Championships, or those awarded a World Athletics wildcard, are already assured of selection, provided they meet the performance criteria.

Notable Absences and Comebacks

Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson is a notable absentee as she continues her recovery from injury. Hodgkinson, who has not competed since her gold medal win at Paris 2024, is in a race against time to prove her fitness before the British squad is announced on August 27. She is scheduled to compete at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 20.

Athletes to Watch

In Hodgkinson's absence, training partner Georgia Hunter Bell is entered in both the 800m and 1500m events, contemplating which to target in Tokyo. Other athletes to watch include Olympic 1500m bronze medallist Jemma Reekie, Laura Muir, and Revee Walcott-Nolan in the women's 1500m. In the men's events, Max Burgin and Ben Pattison headline the 800m, while Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley are among the 1500m contenders.

Sprint and Field Events

In the sprints, Dina Asher-Smith will contest the women's 200m, with Daryll Neita and Amy Hunt doubling up in the 100m. Jeremiah Azu and Zharnel Hughes are among the men's sprint contenders, with Louie Hinchliffe focusing on retaining his 100m crown. In the field events, high jumper Morgan Lake and pole vaulter Molly Caudery are expected to shine.

How to Watch

The UK Athletics Championships will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the Red Button. Coverage begins at 11:20 BST on both Saturday and Sunday.

With the stakes high and competition fierce, the UK Athletics Trials promise to be an exciting event as athletes vie for their chance to represent Britain on the world stage in Tokyo.