The biggest names in athletics will be going head-to-head for global honours over nine days of action at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Geraint Thomas ended his illustrious cycling career with an emotional finish to the Tour of Britain in his hometown of Cardiff on Sunday as the 2018 Tour de France champion, who also won two Olympic gold medals on the track, was given a given a guard of honour before the start of the final stage.

France captain Kylian Mbappe said top athletes are still reluctant to speak freely about mental health because they fear being judged, adding that his passion for the game is what keeps him from becoming disillusioned with football.

Athletics fans have raced to secure their seats for the European Athletics Championships Birmingham 2026, with the ticket pre-sale period exceeding all projections and early demand signalling a truly unmissable event next summer.

The newly crowned British 2-metre high jumper Morgan Lake will captain the team in Tokyo at the 2025 World Athletics Championships which begin on 13 September.