Josh Kerr (right) fell in the 800m at last year's UK Athletics Championships as athletes competed for a place in Britain's Olympic squad

British Athletes Chase World Championships Spots at High-Stakes Trials in Birmingham

UK Athletics Championships: Who’s Heading to Tokyo – and Who’s Still in the Race?

The stage is set in Birmingham as Britain’s top track and field athletes descend on the UK Athletics Championships this weekend, all with one shared goal in mind—securing a coveted place on the plane to Tokyo for the 2025 World Championships. For many, this is the defining moment of their season.

Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, this event serves as the official trials for Team GB. A top-two finish in each event—combined with meeting the World Athletics qualifying standard—will lock in an athlete’s spot for the September showdown in Japan’s capital.

While the rules are simple on paper, the competition will be anything but. With injuries to key stars like Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, and a tight turnaround before the team announcement on August 27, every stride, throw, and jump this weekend could make all the difference.

What’s at Stake: Selection Criteria for Tokyo 2025

Hunter Bell wins well in 800m in London Athletes

For most athletes, the selection formula is clear: finish in the top two in Birmingham and already have—or later achieve—the World Athletics entry standard set since August 1, 2024. Meet both conditions, and you’re heading to Tokyo.

There are exceptions, of course. Medalists from the 2024 Olympics in Paris and the 2023 World Championships have automatic selection rights, as do World Athletics wildcard recipients—provided they can demonstrate recent competitive form that inspires confidence in their fitness and potential.

UK Athletics has outlined that such form will be judged on “performances and consistency” throughout the 2025 outdoor season. This adds a layer of nuance for athletes who, like Hodgkinson, have been sidelined by injury but still hold the qualifying standard.

Keely Hodgkinson: Fighting Against the Clock

One of the most notable absentees in Birmingham is Hodgkinson, who captured Olympic gold in Paris last year but hasn’t raced since. The 23-year-old tore her hamstring in February and has endured setbacks in her recovery. She now faces a race against time to prove her readiness before final selections are made.

Despite missing the trials, Hodgkinson still holds the entry standard. Her focus now shifts to getting healthy and showcasing her form in any remaining competitions before the August 27 deadline. Should she succeed, few would question her right to defend her Olympic crown on the world stage.

Star-Studded Line-Up: Athletes to Watch in Birmingham

Even with some big names missing, the trials are packed with talent. Olympic bronze medallist Georgia Hunter Bell is pulling double duty, entered in both the 800m and 1500m. With Hodgkinson out, the 800m becomes an open contest, featuring Jemma Reekie and Alex Bell among the frontrunners.

The women’s 1500m is arguably one of the most stacked events, with Laura Muir, Katie Snowden, and Revee Walcott-Nolan all vying for spots. Muir, who has faced her own injury challenges in recent years, will be looking to rediscover her best form at the right moment.

On the men’s side, the 800m showdown between Max Burgin and Ben Pattison could be a thriller, while the 1500m features a mouthwatering clash between Jake Wightman and Neil Gourley. Reigning World 1500m champion Josh Kerr, however, will be taking on the 5,000m instead, where teenage prodigy Innes FitzGerald will line up in the women’s race.

Sprints and Field Events Add More Firepower

The sprint events promise high drama as always. Dina Asher-Smith headlines the women’s 200m, while Daryll Neita and Amy Hunt are doubling up with both the 100m and 200m on their schedules. Neita, in particular, has had a strong outdoor season and could make a big statement here.

In the men’s 100m, Zharnel Hughes returns to defend his title, with Louie Hinchliffe looking to hang on to his crown. Jeremiah Azu is another name to watch, as is Charlie Dobson in the 400m, who will start as the favourite with Matthew Hudson-Smith sidelined due to injury.

Amber Anning, the reigning world indoor 400m champion, is expected to dominate the women’s 400m. And in the field, high jumper Morgan Lake will try to continue her fine form after a big win at the London Diamond League. Molly Caudery will be leading the women’s pole vault, having quietly built one of the most consistent records this season.

Johnson-Thompson, Para Stars, and a Packed Weekend Schedule

Katarina Johnson-Thompson may be exempt from full competition, but the heptathlon queen is entered in the 100m hurdles, javelin, and shot put. These appearances will give fans an early glimpse of her progress as she works toward a third world title in September.

The trials also include events for Para athletes, many of whom are targeting the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi from September 26. Big names like Kare Adenegan, Zachary Shaw, and Sophie Hahn will all be in action as they fine-tune their preparations.

How to Watch the UK Athletics Championships

Athletics fans won’t miss a beat this weekend thanks to comprehensive live coverage by the BBC. You can catch uninterrupted action on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, and Red Button throughout both days.

Saturday, 2 August:

11:20 – 19:30: Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online
11:20 – 14:50 & 17:00 – 19:30: Live on BBC Red Button

Sunday, 3 August:

11:20 – 17:00: Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online
11:20 – 16:45: Live on BBC Red Button

Final Word: Make or Break Time for Britain’s Best

UK Athletics set to shun Birmingham in favour of Manchester for Olympic trials | Athletics | The Guardian

For many athletes in Birmingham, this weekend could make or break their season. The stakes couldn’t be higher—with just a few weeks left before final team announcements, and Tokyo 2025 fast approaching, these trials are more than just another championship. They are a launchpad to global glory, a test of nerve and talent, and for a few, perhaps even the start of a new chapter in their careers.

Whether you’re tuning in to watch familiar names or looking for the next big breakout star, one thing is certain: British athletics is entering a pivotal moment, and Birmingham is the heart of it all.