Anything but Footy - Distance Running Dilemma

In this episode, John and Michael wrestle with their feelings over the current state of distance running. Eliud Kipchoge made history, running 26.2 miles in under 2 hours in Vienna - albeit under special conditions - and Brigid Kosgei broke Paula Radcliffe's 16 year old world marathon record in Chicago. But, both achievements come just days after Nike announced they were shutting the Oregon Project where distance runners have trained and won numerous medals at World and Olympic level - most notably, from a British point of view, Mo Farah. Nike's decision comes in the wake of a ban for lead coach Alberto Salazar after a lengthy investigation found him guilty of various doping offences. Salazar, backed by Nike, is appealing. Eleswhere, there has been British success this week at World Championship level in gymnastics and boxing. Max Whitlock, Joe Fraser and Lauren Price are all newly crowned world champions and look in great shape 9 months out from the next Olympic Games. Team GB has named more athletes for Tokyo too. Five canoeists have been confirmed, but a couple of big names miss out and we explain why they are not on the plane. In cycling, Laura Kenny faces a monumental challenge at the forthcoming European Championships, but it's a challenge that could significantly impact on her Olympic preparations. Plus, we have news from Judo, Hockey, Goalball and Birmingham 2022. And, in the week of mental health awareness day, we hear about a new charity - Sporting Minds UK - targeting young sportspeople struggling with mental health challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices