Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the third-to-last day of track and field action at the Stade de France as the morning tees us up for five medals in this evening’s session. Teeing us up for medals tomorrow, however, is the beginning of the women’s heptathlon, starring Great Britain’s Jade O’Dowda and Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Katarina, also known as KJT, is one of Britain’s biggest medal hopefuls in athletics as she reaches the climax of an illustrious, but Olympic medal-less, 12-year senior career.
Having emerged from British great Jessica Ennis-Hill’s shadow after a sixth-placed finish in 2016, her Tokyo Olympics were hamstrung by injury as she pulled out with a calf injury despite going into the Games as the reigning world champion. Now, at the age of 31, Paris could be her last chance to secure a coveted Olympic medal and add the crown jewel to a formidable career that boasts numerous Commonwealth golds and indoor and outdoor world championship victories – including in 2023.
Unfortunately, KJT has had a season plagued by injuries, having to pull out of the European championships in Rome in June. The tournament was eventually won by double Olympic champion Nafissatou Thiam from Belgium. KJT started the championships in underwhelming form before pulling out, and will need a strong start in this morning’s 100m hurdles and high jump if she is to challenge Thiam.
Despite the setbacks, KJT remains hopeful and determined to put her injury woes behind her as she aims for the gold. The heptathlon is a grueling two-day event that tests athletes in seven different track and field disciplines, including hurdles, high jump, shot put, and the 200m sprint. KJT will need to perform consistently well across all events to have a shot at the podium.
As we watch KJT compete in the heptathlon today, let’s cheer her on and hope that she can overcome the odds and achieve her dream of winning an Olympic medal. Stay tuned for updates on her progress throughout the day as we bring you live coverage of this exciting event.
