GB Athletics World Champions Renew Partnership with Series

Two of Britain’s most talented athletes, sprinter Adam Gemili and heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson have renewed their partnership with QIPCO British Champions Series following stellar years in which both have claimed world titles.

The pair became ambassadors for the prestigious 35-race Series in 2017 and have recently returned from the Commonwealth Games in Australia having experienced the ups and downs familiar to those in the world of racing. Gemili who became World Champion in the 4x100m relay in London last year unfortunately had to withdraw from his final race due to a minor injury, whilst Johnson-Thompson battled through to add a heptathlon Gold Medal to her most World Indoor Pentathlon title earlier this year.

Throughout the 2018 QIPCO British Champion Series, the pair will again be showcasing the similarities and complexities between the training regimes of both elite humans and equine athletes.

Gemili, who visited Longholes Rehabilitation Centre in 2017 and has attended QIPCO British Champions Day on several occasions said; ”I really enjoyed my involvement in QIPCO British Champions Series last year and it was incredible to see behind the scenes and understand the huge amount of work that goes into creating champion racehorses. It really made me appreciate horseracing more as a sport and not just other people’s hobby, it’s a serious business.

“I’m looking forward to seeing some of the incredible champions from last year returning, such as sprinter Harry Angel who I was lucky enough to visit. I’m also looking forward to spending some more time with a few of the jockeys too, they’re amazing athletes and I’d like to understand their unique skills better.”

Katarina Johnson-Thompson added, “I attended QIPCO British Champions Day last year for the first time and it was one of the best days out. Racehorses are incredible animals – the whole concept of training a horse for a competition in the same way your coach trains an athlete fascinates me.

“As a spectating athlete I really appreciate what the jockeys must go through but it blows my mind how consistent and regularly they compete, day in day out, race after race – it’s a lot of physical and mental energy.

“I’m excited to spend more time at the races this year and meet more champions of such and interesting sport.”

The eighth running of the QIPCO British Champions Series begins this weekend with the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile and will be shown live on ITV at 3.35pm on Saturday 5th May.