Danvers leads British track and field into new era at the Super8 launch
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tasha Danvers, the Olympic 400 metres hurdles bronze medallist, will be at the helm of one of eight city teams tonight as British athletics launches its Super8 project – an 11-event, inter-city contest packed into a two-hour programme.
The competition features innovations such as immediate disqualifications for false starts in sprints and only four attempts for athletes in the throws and long jump.
"I think it's a great idea," Danvers said. She captains the London South team in an enterprise held as a pilot, with the hope that cities will bid for franchises from next year. There are seven other teams – Birmingham, Cardiff, London North, Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester and Sheffield – and the action starts at 7pm at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium. For athletes there is a £75,000 prize fund, with £1,000 for the winners of each event.
British absentees include Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu and Dwain Chambers, who are competing in an invitation meeting at Montreuil in Paris tomorrow, but 15 of Britain's Beijing Olympic team will feature.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments