Exploring the Front Pages of Athletics Weekly: A Year in Review

As we look back on the exhilarating events of 2024, it’s clear that this year has been nothing short of extraordinary in the realm of athletics. From the electrifying atmosphere of the Paris Olympic Games to the remarkable performances showcased at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow and the European Championships in Rome, this year has delivered a plethora of unforgettable moments that have captivated fans and athletes alike.

The major highlights of the year have been prominently displayed on the front pages of Athletics Weekly, illustrating the dynamic and eventful nature of the sport throughout 2024.

The year has been characterized by the phenomenal achievements of some of the sport’s most prominent figures, including Keely Hodgkinson, Mondo Duplantis, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Their exceptional performances made them the obvious choices for our featured cover stars.

Throughout the year, we have extensively highlighted significant events, including our comprehensive Olympic preview and review, along with a special feature that honors the top 20 British Olympians in athletics history, providing deep insights into their contributions to the sport.

This year has been filled with celebration, reflection, and, of course, thrilling performances, all of which have been beautifully captured in the covers of Athletics Weekly for 2024.

January

The January issue of Athletics Weekly kicked off 2024 with a focus on what was destined to be a landmark year for athletics, featuring Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen on the cover. After a challenging previous year, where he faced setbacks including a second consecutive loss in the World 1500m final to Josh Kerr and various off-track issues, Ingebrigtsen’s story resonated deeply.

In an exclusive interview, his brother and training partner, Henrik Ingebrigtsen, provided readers with a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Team Ingebrigtsen, sharing insights that highlighted their dedication and resilience.

Despite the challenges, Jakob’s 2024 became a year of triumph, marked by significant victories including his performance in the Olympic 5000m final and a recent win at the European Cross Country Championships, showcasing his remarkable comeback.

February

The February issue of Athletics Weekly shone the spotlight on Jake Wightman, the 2022 world champion, as he aimed to reclaim his position among the elite in 1500m running. After enduring a series of injury setbacks that hindered his ability to defend his title, Wightman shared invaluable insights into the lessons learned during this challenging phase in an exclusive interview.

Looking back, Wightman expressed disappointment over his 2022 season, which culminated in his withdrawal from the Olympic Games due to a hamstring injury just days before his scheduled 800m race. His candid reflections highlighted the mental and physical toll that injuries can take on an athlete’s journey.

Jake Wightman: “If I have another big injury, I’m not sure I can come back”

March

The March edition of Athletics Weekly presented a unique perspective by focusing on a group of athletes, particularly highlighting the Scottish competitors gearing up to compete on their home ground for the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow. The last Scottish athletes to win World Indoor gold medals were Tom McKean and Yvonne Murray-Mooney, both of whom graced the cover this month.

However, history was made when Josh Kerr won the men’s 3000m gold in Glasgow, becoming the first British man to achieve such a feat, showcasing the rising talent within Scottish athletics.

April

Following the excitement of the Glasgow championships, the April cover of Athletics Weekly featured Molly Caudery, who achieved a significant milestone by winning the women’s world indoor pole vault title. In an exclusive interview, Caudery discussed the pivotal role of her coach, Scott Simpson, and the mindset that propelled her to success.

Her year began impressively, entering the Paris Olympic Games with a new British record of 4.92m and high aspirations for a podium finish. Unfortunately, her Olympic journey was cut short as she failed to clear 4.55m in the opening rounds, preventing her from advancing to the final. Yet, at just 24 years old, Caudery’s future remains bright, especially with the World Championships on the horizon.

May

The May issue of Athletics Weekly delved into the concept of breaking barriers, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Roger Bannister’s historic sub-four-minute mile. We revisited this groundbreaking achievement through Bannister’s perspective, examining the significance of setting new goals in athletics.

This month also took us to Jamaica, a nation recognized for its dominance in sprinting and the continuous breaking of records. We explored the cultural roots behind Jamaica’s track and field success, shedding light on the systems that nurture and produce world-class athletes.

June

As the outdoor track season gained momentum, the June edition of Athletics Weekly focused on the upcoming European Championships in Rome 2024, providing an in-depth preview of the highly anticipated event. Renowned Italian coach Marco Airale, who trains several of Britain’s leading sprinters, shared valuable insights into the burgeoning strength of athletics in Italy, particularly following the Olympic successes of Marcell Jacobs and Gianmarco Tamberi. Both athletes went on to secure gold in Rome, further solidifying Italy’s status in track and field.

This year also marked the 50th anniversary of hosting the European Championships in Rome, prompting a retrospective look at the 1974 event, including insights from Ian Thompson, a former marathon champion.

July

With the European Championships behind us, the July edition of Athletics Weekly shifted its focus to the growing anticipation surrounding the Paris Olympic Games. To capture this heightened excitement, we engaged with the athletics community to determine who they believe are the greatest athletes representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Olympic history.

A panel comprising athletes, coaches, commentators, statisticians, and journalists helped us compile a list of the top 20 athletes, which was unveiled in the July issue, complete with detailed profiles of each standout athlete. The cover featured a vibrant collage of athletes, offering a sneak peek into some of the names that made the list.

August

As the Paris 2024 Games approached, the August issue served as an essential guide to the Olympics, featuring a lineup of athletes expected to excel on the global stage. Among them was Keely Hodgkinson, who would secure gold for Great Britain in the 800m, and Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who claimed Olympic high jump gold after setting a new world record of 2.10m shortly before the Games.

Other notable athletes on the cover included Faith Kipyegon and marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, both of whom faced significant challenges during their preparations for Paris. In exclusive interviews, they shared their inspiring journeys of overcoming adversity on their path to the Olympics.

September

The September issue of Athletics Weekly reflected on the unforgettable moments from the Paris 2024 Games, revisiting the standout highlights. Keely Hodgkinson was an ideal choice for the front cover, celebrating her commanding victory in the 800m.

While her journey to Olympic glory was impressive, it was not without challenges. This issue provided an in-depth look at the path that led her to success, featuring insights from her training partners at the M11 Track Club in Manchester and her coach, Jenny Meadows, revealing the dedication and effort required to reach the pinnacle of athletic achievement.

October

In October, we continued to highlight the thriving M11 Track Club, featuring another star, Georgia Bell, who was recognized as Britain’s Breakthrough Athlete of 2024. In an exclusive interview, Bell recounted her remarkable year, which culminated in her historic Olympic bronze medal in the 1500m at the Paris Games.

She shared her inspiring journey of balancing a career in cybersecurity with her athletic aspirations, ultimately achieving full-time professional status. By the end of the year, she had not only become an Olympic and European medallist but also the British 1500m record-holder, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.

November

The November issue of Athletics Weekly shifted its focus to the rapidly evolving landscape of distance running, featuring Ruth Chepngetich on the cover after her phenomenal marathon world record of 2:09:56 achieved in Chicago. Chepngetich’s groundbreaking performance generated headlines and sparked discussions, highlighting the remarkable transformation currently taking place in the sport.

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