Anniversary Games: Part 1 Athletics

In just over three weeks the World Championship takes place at the

London Stadium and many stars we will see there are here. And as

Wimbledon takes its regular beat, the Baton passes to track and field.

Here are some of the names who will entertain you.

What a line up we have. This year's Anniversary Games is significant for

the British athletes who haven't booked their place on the British

Championship teams. They're running out of chances to impress the

selectors. They have got to reach the qualifying standards as well.

Good afternoon, it adds another layer of jeopardy to one of the

favourite days for a lot of the athletes that evokes the memories of

2012 and it feels like the biggest platform in this country outside of

the year when you have a World Championships. To run us through the

challenges for the athletes, Colin and Paula and Denise have had a look

at where the hotspots are and the races you feel people will be

looking at and thinking, this is the time to get, the event I have got to

win and prove that I'm in that kind of form. What stands out? Today, I

think from a national perspective, the most contentious race is the

men's 800, the trials were flipped. Andrew Osagie was there. And Laura

Muir going for a British record. She has qualified any way. She has

broken records all winter and going for the British one mile record

today. Her place is secure. For you, who should be trying to impress?

There is a few athletes out there today and that is why it is so

complex. In the long jump, Jasmin Sawyers who has done well in

qualifying. She has been out of sorts. Didn't jump well at the

trials. Had a horrible Championships, but we know what she

can deliver. Interesting that hers is the event, we are missing a few

big names and one is Sara Proctor who had a motor accident and things

don't seem to be quite right. The long jump looked like a rich area

for Britain. We have a great depth in that event. Johnson Thompson is

jumping today. Girls that are capable of jumping 6 metres and 90

plus. It happens. It is transitional. New Olympic cycle,

they will be here. Sometimes you overcook it. There have been changes

of coaches and that takes time to bed. That event is one you are going

to want to watch. It might bring out the best in Jasmin Sawyers. The

men's sprinting world is interesting. No Jameely here. He

looked out of sorts and today we thought would be a day to step it

up. And there is that third berth in the 100 metres. The 200 we thought

Hughes would get qualified and he didn't manage to come up to the real

performance we expected at the trials. The 100 is an event that is

wide-open. CJ pull bed out. But has been the best 100-metre runner we

have. In the 110 hurdles the favourite clattered the barrier. He

has to come out today and perform at a high level. Andy Pudsey who has

had a fantastic season, we were looking forward to him. I feel deja

vu when I say that. It is this stage. He did run a personal best

here last year. So mixed emotions. But he will be back. And 12 reigning

Olympic champions will be on show. One of those is the double Olympic

champion, Mo Farah, who never misses out. You think of the way he steps

up to the plate, we rarely say he is missing when he is due to perform.

In terms of how he navigated injury and illness and body, that is

something he will look back and say, I did well, because I didn't miss

the biggest days. That is why he is so unbeatable, he is so rarely

injured. So all of his competitors know if Mo is on the start line, he

is on his A game and not carrying anything, he is going to be on top

form and they have to be on top form to beat him. They can rarely get to

that point. He loves it here as we know. As do we. This what is you

have got to look forward to. David Weir's swansong on the track

as well today. Eilidh Doyle we have to look out for

next. She said herself she wasn't happy with her performance last

week. Andrew Cotter, today will be a day she will try and get back into

her rhythm? COMMENTATOR: Yes, this event is not part of Diamond League

race. Eilidh Doyle there. Dalilah Muhammad is there. They have been

standing for a long time waiting. They were brought out too early.

There is Cassandra Tate. We will talk about the US trials. Three to

go through. No mitigating circumstances. There is Ristananna

Tracy from Jamaica. Seems to be coming nicely for Eilidh Doyle and

the first bit of noise in the stadium today. She won the European

team champions. Muhammad had to put out after 100 metres during the

week. Another woman from a new country,

Yadisleidy Pedroso who now runs for Italy. We have seen, we saw Eilidh

Doyle run well from lane one. We have seen many world class

performances from lane one and eight. Eilidh, what is she doing

with her lane draw? She just wants to run her stride pattern well.

Starting to run the quicker times. Getting closer to low 54s. She has

run 54. 36. But Dalilah Muhammad, what can she produce. The first

major track event of this London Anniversary Games, the Diamond

League meeting. Half a stutter from Muhammad. Doyle has gone out

strongly. At the moment, Muhammad with a bit of work to do inside

Doyle. Even around here as well. Decent run inside Muhammad from

Russell. But Doyle going well. Can she feed off the crowd as the noise

grows? Around the final bend. Doyle in a good position. Muhammad with a

bit to do. Instead it is Russell in lane 4 who leads them into the home

straight and Doyle looking to finish strongly. But Russell a long way

clear. Muhammad is nowhere and rus Del coming -- Russell coming away.

Doyle starting to fade. 54.04. We expected more from Dalilah Muhammad.

We saw her not happy in Lausanne. She pulled up. Well, she started

poorly and faded from there. A good win for Janieve Russell. She has

been suffering from a nerve problem and this is why she has been running

quite infrequently. And sometimes it feels OK. In Lausanne she feet it

was OK. -- she felt it was OK and it just bit and that sends your muscles

into spasm. She is not confident in what her muscles can do. She still

needs a bit of work before the worlds. Janieve Russell finishing

well. Eilidh Doyle's form starting to tire a bit. Cassandra Tate taking

Doyle on the line. Doyle in fourth. But Muhammad, interesting watching

her, you talk about that nerve problem, part of the US trial and

the US trials were very quick. Three women below 53 seconds. But she has

got to find something. Yes, I think because her muscles are OK, she may

be all right. She has got to shake off the nerve problem and nerve

problems can be really tricky to deal with. Here is the result.

Muhammad has Steve Cram told me, she had a long wait in Lausanne and a

long wait here. Down in sixth. Won by Russell Tate. Eilidh Doyle in

fourth. You seemed to attack the race well, how do you feel it went?

It went off hard and I felt I was tired in the home straight. I have

raced a lot, so maybe it caught me. I'm happy with the race. Hopefully

get a bit of down time and be fresh for the next race. You said you

wanted to get right and execute the race properly. Did you feel you did

that? Yes the last straight was a bit messy, but I was tired. I'm

happy I can come out into this field and challenge the girls who are the

best in the world. What is it like being part of British team with so

many Scottish athletes, a record 11. It is lovely. When I first started

making the teams, there was only a few of us. And I think it is great

there are so many and the once I know so well and have seen them make

the journey. Like Laura Muir. It is great to see them being part of the

team. Thank you. Pride of Scotland. Keep it going and enjoy the build up

to the World Championships. So Paula, it was mentioned the Scottish

are coming in athletics. Interesting Commonwealth Games in a year's time,

but what do you put it down to? Is it having people like Laura Muir

showing people what is possible. A lot of it is the attitude of the

players coming through. You don't want to miss anyone, there's Lynsey

Sharp, Jake Whiteman, Chris oHrare. There are so many. If they can do

it, I can do it. If Laura Muir can do it, then I can. This young lady

has come out on the track, Dina Asher-Smith, definitely not from

Scotland. She's from very close to here. Of course, she was carrying

people's kit out here in 2012 as a young girl. Then she's really made a

name for herself on the world stage last year in Rio. Such high hopes

for her this year. To get the injury at the beginning of this season and

miss out on the European indoors, it's taken so long to come back from

that injury in February. Not as long as predicted but it was a tough

thing to experience at the time she did. Bad timing you would say. She

came out of the trials last week. We saw her in that final. She did 11.

41 in the heat. 11. 53 in the final, far off her PB. She's in lane four

today. What kind of, sorry lane four here. What kind of form can she

produce in a week? What improvement can she produce? What is clear and

everyone has to understand, any athlete, no matter the calibre of

that person, when they miss running, it impacts the way they move. She

looks like Dina of old there, but you know she's missing running. That

foot injury, as you said, she is delighted that she's even running

right now. But she hasn't done the speed work that she needs but the

way she is, she would want to be here. She knows she can't be too far

away. You know what it's like with a foot injury. It's navicular as well.

It's like the middle arch stone of the foot. It supports everything and

all the power goes through that. The biggest thin Dina wanted last week

was to get through that pain free. Psychologically. Then she can come

back and start to believe she can push for power. Then she's on her

way. That's the stages she's going through before she progresses to

going round the bend with it. Last week she didn't run in the 200

metres. Technically so much more pressure on the bend on the foot.

She's there with Elaine Thompson in lane five, the very best in the

world at the moment. This season she's been backing up as well.

Looking to take over Usain Bolt's mantle. It's going to be a real test

for her being next to Elaine. It is, but she will have to run her own

race and focus on the things that she has been talking about with her

coach, which is getting that drive phase, which is going to be

difficult with that injury, but getting the feeling back of racing.

She's one of those looking to impress the selectors today. Andrew

Cotter calls this one. Elaine Thompson is the stand-out

athlete here. Looking at times this season. This appears to be the

easier of the two heats, no doubt about that. Talented youngster

Kaylin Whitney in lane two. Very talented youngster, but perhaps

hasn't lived up to that talent. Still just 19. A lot of time to go.

She really did leap on the scene, ran 11. 10 as a 16-year-old. A way

off that at the moment. Rosangela Cristina Oliveira Santos. There is

Dina Asher-Smith. We shall wait for the welcome for her.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Set the British record 10. 99 here

two years ago. What a time she's had of it this year. Thank you to Paula

for the medical knowledge, the intri's of the problems with her --

intricacy of the problems with her foot. Elaine Thompson though,

untouchable at the moment. The Olympic champion over 100 and 200.

Hasn't lost a is 100m race since March 2016. Okagbare-Ighoteguonor

racking up the sub-11 times in the past. Asha Philip, what a talent.

The UK champion. She's the leader in UK terms at the moment. Can she find

an extra tenth to challenge the very best in the world, Ashleigh Nelson

alongside her. World Championship chances still perhaps, third at the

UK championships behind Asha Philip and Daryll Neita. Just a hundredth

away from the UK standard. Sashalee Forbes in lane nine. Won the 200m

title in the Jamaican championships. The Standard Bearer for all of them

in lane five, Elaine Thompson. 10. 71 in winning that Jamaican title.

She should be a long way clear of the rest here. First of two heats,

three to go through automatically, plus the three fastest losers. The

second heat seems to be loaded with fast flying names this season.

Asher-Smith flying out of the blocks leaving Okagbare-Ighoteguonor for

dead at the moment. Asher-Smith moving nicely. Elaine Thompson

jogging now. Thompson is struggling a little bit. Okagbare-Ighoteguonor

comes through to take it. Perhaps Elaine Thompson just leaving plenty

in the tank. But she wasn't far away from out of the top three. Second

place for Elaine Thompson. I suspect she was just strolling. We shall

see. Wasn't quite what we expected from Elaine Thompson. Yeah, I think

we were going on reputation a little bit. We expected Elaine to charge

out of the blocks, take the early lead and put on a demonstration. I

think you're right, we could presume that she's saving herself. Good time

for Asher-Smith. A season's best time. It shows the track has good

pace in it. Yeah, Ashya was pleased with her performance at the trials

last week. I caught up with her and had an informal chat. She didn't

panic. She kept her head going forward and working towards the line

to make sure, you know the most important thing is to guarantee your

place in the final. Don't leave anything to chance. Elaine Thompson,

when you have the quality of her then she can cruise her way through.

The other thing we're keen to look at is the time in the case of Dina

Asher-Smith. She needs another couple of months rather than a

couple of weeks. Yeah, Dena's time 11. 51. Everybody in the next heat

will go faster than that. I don't think she'll take a place in the

final. But she's on her way back. Ashleigh Nelson just pulling up at

the 50 m mark. Okagbare-Ighoteguonor takes it ahead of the Thompson.

Okagbare-Ighoteguonor a good 200m runners as well. When she gets

going, you saw the movement coming back Asha Philip. She's Commonwealth

champion in 2014 as well in Glasgow. She's very used to running the 100m

as well as being a great long jumper. Look at Elaine Thompson. She

is on cruise mode. She's not thinking anything, just going

through her paces. I'm hoping conditions stay the same and we see

a new leading mark in the final. Okagbare-Ighoteguonor leading the

first three automatic qualifiers. Phil is down there talking to Ashya

I think. I wonder whether it was not quite

the time you'd hoped for, how. Body feel and hold up? The body's all

right. I'm in a place where I need to keep racing. Was that Holly?

Yeah. I need to keep racing, put training in, because I missed the

best part of four months training. In a home world champs year is not

ideal. I was so happy to be able to be on the track today, to be able to

perform in a stadium that I love. Of course, I'm annoyed that I ran 11.

5. That's not me. I know I can run better, I could have done a better

race as well. It is what it is. It's done. I finished the race healthily.

I've got to be happy with that and get back for more training and

races. How are you viewing the world Championship selection picture and

your hopes within that whole thing? I'd love to be selected for an

individual. Coming back from a broken foot, I have screws in there

now, I had surgery, you've got to wait and see. I'd love to come out

here. I've never done the Championship inside this stadium, it

would be incredible. If I don't get an individual berth or aren't picked

for the relay, I understand, it was a huge injury. Everybody was saying

they didn't know whether I could run at all this year. We'll see. We

appreciate your talking to us. Thank you, have a good day.

We will reflect on Dina's performance after heat two of the

100 metres. Let's go back outside. That cheer was for the start of the

pole vault competition. The former coach of Jessica Ennis Hill and

Steve Backley. Five years ago, Jess romped to a

Gold Medal here. How is it coming back? It's a fantastic stadium to

walk in. It is such an incredible environment.

We join this pole vault competition. Holly Bradshaw came sixth in the

final, fifth in Rio last year. Second attempt, though.

She gets it. OK. Question marks at her first attempt. It was her first

effort of the afternoon. It is the opening height for Holly Bradshaw.

Jumped really well in Manchester. What do you make of that Tony? I

think compared to the first height, she's changed that pole from the

first round to the second. But again, got the pole out, a little

bit earlier than in the first round. That's important. Work the pole and

accelerate into the box. Good clearance for Holly Bradshaw. Watch

out, though, the Olympic champion. Scott Simpson her coach offering

advice. Urbanek of Poland, a wonderful shot there. The discus,

two kilo implement flying into the infield. Bang on the 65-metre line.

Milanov. My apologies. Flashed onto that there. An event which is in

really strong form this year. That's over 70 metres. Milanov opening up,

waiting for his opening mark. 64. 84, he takes the lead.

So the athletes out in the sunshine for the second heat of the women's

100m. We've just missed Dafne Schippers there. Murielle Ahoure.

There's the full line up on the graphic. Ahye, having a good season.

Andrew was saying this. You're always going to argue one semi is

tougher than the other. This one probably is. Four women have run

under 11 seconds this year. Then you've got Kimberlyn Duncan who was

second in the American 200m championships. She will go to the

world championships representing the US. Christania Williams last year a

fantastic season. Not quite so good this year. She's still just 22.

Talking about young talent, in lane nine, only eight athletes in this.

Lane one not being used. Daryll Neita. Another who in 2012 so many

youngsters part of the celebrations then and come back now as fully

fledged athletes. Still just 20 the shaftsbury Barnett harrier. On the

inside is Prandini of the US. Akinosun, who missed out on a place

on the 100-metre team for the US. Then Schippers. Still not firing on

all cylinders really. Then Ahoure, Ahye, Duncan, Williams, and Neita.

Top three go through. Schippers wasn't away as quickly as

Ahoure. Now just starting to come through. Nelson coming through. Ahye

coming through. Schippers looking nice now, that's better. On this

side, Neita finishing quickly. 10. 98 the winning time for Schippers.

Nice warm up for what is promise to be a very good 100m final. You do

have the big contenders here. Not too many people missing from this.

So actually come 10. 96, we'll see what comes up first. Might be

rounded down. Ahoure a quick starter, got out well. Schippers

looking strong there in the final 20 metres. Daryll Neita finishing

quickly as well, Colin? I don't think we had any surprises there.

Perhaps the only thing I'd say is a surprise is Neita. She came through

with good form right to the very end. She took out some very quality

athletes. For me, that was the only surprise. I wouldn't be surprised

she's not far from a personal best. Very close to her time there. Dafne

Schippers you may think that she came out of the block with a very

explosive starter. Great over 60 metres. She kept a cool head, hauled

herself through. At this stage, she can probably just relax a little

bit. Don't need to press all the way to the line, knowing there's a final

to come. Dips for it. Another sub-11 performance from her.

That is a cracking result a personal best for Neita. That will move up

her the British lists. Well done to her. The main man in the discus

world, Stahl. A shout from him. The lead is Milanov, the Belgian. Stahl

leapt into the world top ten ever earlier this summer. It looks as

though he has taken the lead here from Milanov. 65.63 for Stahl. Let's

have a look at this. Fairly comfortable for him. You can see the

70-metre line there. He has gone over there this year. It is first

place in the opening round. Two field events under way. Men's

discus, Stahl in the lead. The women's pole vault. This is Holly

Bradshaw. Getting ready. At this new height of 4.5. No one is clear yet.

But the main protagonists have not started yet. Tony, what do you think

about Holly so far? That great performance in Manchester and pushed

the British record not once but twice. Not competed a great deal.

But I think that is sensible, because of the injuries she has had.

Scott Simpson noting the wind. She struggled with that in 2012. I

remember that. Here we go. First attempt for 55. Yes! Well done,

Holly Bradshaw. She will be pleased with that. Looking to consolidate,

that is the word many have used for her performance this weekend ahead

of World Championships, now just a matter of weeks away. A good

clearance for Holly Bradshaw. Now time to reflect on the women's 100

metres heats. Daryl Neita in good form? Yes she has progressed first

on to the scene last year and has used the momentum of being in the

Olympics and not fearing races like that. Super job. From a time

perspective no progress for Asher-Smith. She is still smiling,

but the clock is ticking on selection. At the moment, is she

going to make it? I think she is mentally in the right place. She is

enjoying the fact she is able to be out and running and getting

confident with every race and getting fitter. That is all going in

the right direction. I don't think she is expecting it. I think she is

maybe hoping for a relay. Now a different event. Race walking for

the first time in this particular Championship and there is Tom

Bosworth, who made a name for himself in Rio. Many people know him

from proposing to his partner last year. Steve Cram can tell you more.

Mr Bosworth, smashing the British record. What do you need to go to

get to the next stage? Year on year all I have tried to to is get

better, eat better, get the mileage in like a 10,000 metre running,

pushing 120 kilometres a meek and becoming more consistent. I have

done more altitude and I hoping for that 1%. London, I want to back up

what I did in Rio. That was a complete shock. I finished about 30

places higher than I was ranked. Backing that up and showing that I'm

worthy of a top eight place is what I want to do. With the training this

year, who knows? And on home turf. The mile, I feel like it is

something that we can now have in common. You don't often race this

distance? No, it is a show piece kind of event. We don't usually go

below three kilometres. How quick do you think you can go? It will be

very fast. Everyone who has come is very fit, just five weeks from the

World Championships. So any could go sub 6. Not many can run under sub 6

for a mile. I hope to go well under it. That British record is there.

And the world record has stood for a long time. But I'm in great shape

and after last week, the pace for the 5K the last mile wasn't far off

the British record pace tomorrow. It was an vent that over the years we

have seen Russians dominate and the Chinese and Spanish, it has never

been the British athletics great and good have taken to heart. But Tom

has changed the perceptions. Yes he has brought himself to the

recognition of the top guys in the sport. I remember the European

champion saying Tom has great potential when he moves to 50 K. But

20K, what he did in Rio has boosted his confidence and he is attacking

all of the distances and he is right to walk, to run a sub six 6 mile is

difficult. It will illustrate to people just what goes into race

walking. Doing a mile today, as you say, will put into people's mind how

tough it is and maybe becomes a regular fix Hur. Enjoy it. Steve

Cram. COMMENTATOR: Whatever you're expecting it is probably going to be

quicker than you think. Because Tom is setting out to break the British

record which is 5.58.04. But he says, as he was saying, a lot of his

races at 5k, he goes quicker for three miles and not that much

slower. So he is going to attack this. But he has a couple of young

team mates in here. At the front with him is Callum Wilkinson. The

walk group up in Leeds, Andy Drake and Mick Graham as well, doing

fantastic thing this is. Tom is in second. At the back is a young

17-year-old. He said, watch out for is in lad. Chris Snook is at the

back. We get these lists from Mark Butler. It is the first time I

remember seeing one who was born in 2000. It makes me feel old!

Wilkinson taking out. We were joking whether if he needed pace makers,

maybe he has got one here. He is aiming to go well under 6 minutes.

And at the moment he has got a bit of company. Paula, you know Tom

well, he comes with many of the camps with all our endurance squad

and we have spent him with him. He is a redoubtable character? Yes he

is a strong character and puts a lot of work in. It is deceptive the

amount of work he puts away. He compared it to the 10,000 runner,

but you could almost compare it to a marathon. But he enjoys his walking.

He is a central part of the team and it is important for him to come out

here in front of the crowd and to have it as a Diamond League event

for the first time and to be able to break the British record here.

Callum Wilkinson, the world junior champion at 10,000 kilometres. Tom

Bosworth striking out. The first 400 metres was well inside sked Yule. --

schedule. He wants to do something closer to 5.40. The world record,

which has stood since 1990 is 5. 36.09. Wilkinson is trying to get

back into second. Tom has moved away a good five metres. Race walking,

technically so difficult and the miles they put in, Tom was saying,

think of a marathon runner, that is what we do. They also do the speed

work. This is where this comes in. They do many of the same type of

sessions that runners do. But the straining looking out all the time

the legs. That what is the difference is. It is not always to

see with a naked eye. That what is the judges are looking for. Not the

bent knee. Has to lock out. Tom is starting to grit his teeth. This is

hard work. The third lap whether you're walking or running is always

difficult. He has gone very fast. Will he be able to maintain that?

The lead now a good 20 meeters. -- metres. Maybe more. Wilkinson still

in second. Robert Heffernan was supposed to line up, but he was a

late withdrawal. The crowd trying to get behind Tom. He said he is so

looking forward to walking on the streets of London at the World

Championships, expecting big crowds to cheer him on. He has a real

opportunity to get up among the medal contenteders as he comes to

take bell. To break the record I would suggest he needs to do around

about 85 or something for the last lap. That would be phenomenal. At

the bell, with 400 metres, bear in mind it is a mile and we talk about

yards. So around about 410 with a lap to go. The world record, he will

smash the British record. The world record 5. 5.36.09, back in May 1990.

But Tom Bosworth, won't be far away from that and he must realise it.

Tom, gritting his teeth now. He has got a 30-metre lead and perhaps

heading for a world best in the mile race walk. Just over 100 metres to

go and at the moment, the judges are watching. He has not had any cards.

This is hard work now. But Tom Bosworth is asking a bit of

encouragement from the crowd and he is getting it. He knows he is

heading to something special. He has 20 metres to go. He has smashed it.

A new world best for Tom Bosworth! He has just seen the clock. Callum

Wilkinson got third. Even for Tom, that is a shock. What a great

performance from #4i78. That is so quick. 5.31.08. Well... Barrondo

took second. Inside the old record as well. He was following Tom home

last week. Congratulations. Well, Bos will be a man who will take this

performance and think, well, the belief that he already has is

growing all of the time and he will know that the big names as we head

to the World Championships are thinking, crikey, that is fast. Tom,

I'm sure will be, I don't even know, over the moon? More than that, he is

with Phil. Well done, Tom. Tremendous performance. A world

record. It shocked even you? I'm stunned. I knew it was fast. Oh,

man, I didn't think it was that fast. The noise in the last two

laps, the pain, we do 20k, that is a mile, man. Thank you everybody for

your support and making this race possible. I'm so glad I can put in

the performance that made it worth it. You're campaigned to get race

walking in the meeting and it means so much for the public to

acknowledge the work. How many people can run a mile in five and a

half minutes, let alone walk it? You can see from the technique it is not

easy, to go at those speeds, I'm glad we have been able to show case

and maybe they can support me at the world's in London. What can you

achieve there do you think? Who knows? With a British crowd like

that on the Mall, the possibilities, I want to back up sixth in Rio. Come

on, bring it on! Well done. Thank you. Paw Laax a -- Paula, a marathon

at that pace, very few people watching will be able to run a mile

in 5 minutes and 30 seconds, how does he go that quick? A lot of hard

work, speed work and also the adrenaline rush of being in this

stadium, he said he has never had the opportunity to take part in a

Diamond League event to get race walking in this stadium and feel

what the crowd can bring to his performance and that shows. Zmroo Do

you think it would help if there was shorter distances in the stadiums?

Yes, Tom is a flamboyant character and he worked in a circus, but he

brings something to it and you can see the emotion. He has a huge

potential going forward, but the shorter distances can bring it to

life within the stadium. We met his character in Rio. Your

face was a picture when you started computing just how quick that was. I

mean even at my fittest, you know, to struggle over six minutes would

be impossible for me. I think there'll be a lot of people watching

just saying how does he do it? You know, even the fittest people, you

just can't conceive how quick that is. I would love someone from the

general public to come and try this, to be on the track, run against him

whilst he's walking. It would be a great spectacle. It is fantastic.

They don't always get the respect that they deserve. No, they don't. A

lot has to come together. Tom spends hours and he has a flawless

technique. That helps him to be able to push so hard. Then his power to

weight ratio is really high. That also helps him. I do think it is how

much he works on his technique and how much he can rely on the fact

that when his technique is on, he can really push himself very, very

hard. He is really enjoying the moment here. He has lapped up the

opportunity. He took on that record, a British record, a world record and

from what hope will be a potential medallist in London, maybe a

champion, certainly a champion of the future to a man who is an

absolute legend and one of the greatest of all time in Paralympic

sport, David Weir. Today is the last time we will see him on the track.

Five years ago he flew to three GDPs here in this very stadium. -- gold

medals here in this very stadium. He's not retiring completely. The

record breaking seven-time London Marathon champion will continue to

race on the roads, but it's going to be an emotional day for this

London-born racer, because he has had an incredible track career. Phil

Jones caught up with him earlier. COMMENTATOR: Weir gets it at last. A

golden moment for David Weir. A masterful performance by David Weir.

COMMENTATOR: Weir takes command. Weir takes gold! The tactical master

class, absolutely fantastic. No-one has left a bigger imprint on the

Paralympic Games than David Weir. Dave, first of all, your reaction as

you come into the stadium knowing the enormity of the day for you

really. Yeah, the last few days I've been nervous about it to be honest.

I know I'm not racing any big international stars, but I've had my

time in this stadium. It does bring back so many memories and in 2012,

was just a dream really. I still think I'm dreaming about them nine

days of competition in this fantastic stadium and in this city.

To have that pressure of coming into a home Games, as a British athlete.

I wasn't number one in the world but I had a lot of pressure to deliver

like that in nine days, it was yeah, truly amazing. I still look back on

it, obviously and think how did I do it? And each day, how did I get up

and do the same thing, day in, day out and that pressure of delivering

all them gold medals. No-one can take them away from me. I'm proud I

done that. That is one of the biggest highlights of my career.

You've achieved so much, six Paralympic gold medals, six world

Championship titles, seven London Marathon titles. It's an incredible

career. Will any of that be running through your mind today as you take

your lap of honour maybe? Yeah, of course. It will definitely be in my

mind of what I've done and the people that have helped me, you

know, over my career, my family, my children. Yeah, I'm a bit nervous to

be honest. I don't know what to expect. I'm just going to have fun

and you know, just enjoy the day. STUDIO: Denise, David Weir's

achievements which Phil encapsulated there, phenomenal. Is he unlucky

that he's not Sir David Weir with all he's done. The T54 is

unbelievably competitive, it is a truly global event. It's a global

event. It's competitive. It's tough, and David just makes it look easy.

Yes, you said Phil has listed his titles, his career bets, his British

records. For me, he should be a Sir. There's not many athletes that have

driven the Paralympic movement forward. Yes, we know about Dame

Tanni Grey-Thompson. She's phenomenal. But he's right up there.

Before the success we've come used to in the last Paralympics, he was

the man out there at the vanguard of it pushing the boundaries and he

truly has had an amazing, amazing career. Today he will get the glory

and the attention from the crowd that he deserves. Andrew Cotter.

A track farewell to David Weir. Here is the full line up:

He wears the different colours and he will get the roar. He'll feel a

bit sheepish about it. He will enjoy the people from his academy, but he

says he's had enough days of great competition here. This is not going

to be great competition. This is going to be two laps of honour for

David Weir, which after his career, it's a shame that it's ending so

early on the track, but that he deserves. That's John Smith who

could give David Weir a good push. He's done 1. #40. 1.#40.12. David

Weir's British record in this event has just been broken with 1. 32. 58.

Of this field only Mickey Bushell is going to be competing at the WPA

world championships. He will compete over 100 metres. So the last race on

a track for David Weir. This great competitor and in that famous summer

of 2012 he was one of the stars across both Games. He was one of the

stars. He's got Mickey Bushell outside him for a bit of company,

what will struggle over the longer distances. Look out for the green

helmet of John Smith. There was a suggestion that they might all give

him a parade and peel off after 100 metres, 200 metres, leave him alone,

but I think it's rather fitting that it's more of a race. David Weir said

he was feeling nervous. You'll have heard him talk that he was feeling

nervous ahead of this race. Not necessarily because of the

competition, but perhaps because it is his swan song. He is going to

race on the road. He's going to do marathons and he's had a very good

year in marathons, winning the Paris marathon, winning that London

Marathon again, what a great finish coming down the mall. Shows he's

still got the pace as well. He could certainly still compete. But as they

hit the bell, it's a question of his desire and he's had his falling out

with the governing bodies as well. That rift has never quite healed.

Shame he will not race on the track again. The noise will swell. It will

not match the noise of five years ago inside the Olympic Stadium, when

he raced to three golds over 800, 1500, 5,000 metres inside this

stadium. But it will be a noise of a claim for David Weir and all that he

has given in his career on the track. Just sitting and waiting and

the others know this is about him as well. I'm sure there will be an

effort to push him hard. But David Weir has such good strength and such

a good kick still, as we saw in London. They round the final bend.

It will all be left to David Weir and the yellow shirts of the academy

will sit almost in formation around him. David Weir just dips that head

one more time and drives those arms one more time and takes a victory,

which will not match the victories of the Olympic Games and world

championships, but it is a victory, a celebration and two laps of honour

for David Weir. There might be a tear in the eyes. Because David Weir

has finished on a track. We thank him for his efforts. He will

continue to race, of course, but for him today, it's really all about

memories of five years ago. And just saying thank you to the fans, a lot

of them here today will have been there five years ago. It's way wave

and for these athletes behind him, for the academy he runs with Jenny

Archer, they're almost his proteges. They look up to him as he perhaps

did to Tanni grey Thomson. He's been a Standard Bearer. Thank you to

David Weir from all the athletes round him from those in the stadium

and from us for his efforts on the track over, well, many years now.

A strange affair really. But it was a ceremonial procession for David

Weir and he deserves it. He said he wasn't entirely keen on having a

competition. He's had enough competition over his time on the

track. But they rise to him now. And it's not a strange affair, but it's

nice to see him out on the track, even if it wasn't in a particularly

competitive race, just a final track swan song.

STUDIO: As we expected a standing ovation for David Weir. Great thanks

and great respect from a crowd who know their athletics. They know

they're seeing the end of an era with a man who dominated over so

many differences. Brendan Foster has joined us. You have commentated on

him many times in the London Marathon, such a phenomenal track

athlete as well. We will miss him. We will reap the benefits, British

athletics, because he's such an inspiration. His range of distances

has been phenomenal. His successes have been amazing. I think I saw a

bit a smile when he crossed the finish line. That's a rare occasion.

He's been a great competitor. He's had his arguments with officials,

but that's par for the course. That's all right. Nobody worries

much about that. What they worry about this guy who does amazing

things for his sport. It's great to see the crowd here applauding him.

You weren't here, we were having a conversation before his race about

the fact that all he's achieved he's in the a Sir. When you think about

the people in the sport, the people Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir Mo

Farah, his list of achievements would seem to merit that? I think

it's Denise's yob to recommend that -- job to recommend that. He's

earned his stripes. He's down there now with Phil.

An emotional time, Dave, I know. Was there a tear behind the shades?

Yeah, definitely mate. It's hard to, you know, take it all in, to be

honest. But I just want to thank the crowd for supporting Paralympic

sport for years. You know, it's been a hard week for me, but I just want

to say thank you to everyone that's helped me out in my career for 25

years or more. My family and everyone, Jenny and there's been

supportive, even after Rio, it's been a challenge. I just want to

thank everyone that's been behind me for a long, long time. I don't know

how many thank yous I need to say, but thank you to everyone. The crowd

today was fantastic and British athletics to do that for me today

was something special. I'll never forget. You've been a huge part of

putting Paralympic sport on the map. Is there one thing that stands out

above all the others? Just racing in this stadium in 2012 was just, you

know, undescribable. Every day I come in here and seeing 85,000

people screaming my name. I'll never forget it till I die. Well, you

know, the word legend is an overused word in sport. You are one.

Hopefully one day I will be speaking to you as Sir David Weir. Thanks for

all the memories. Thank you, cheers. STUDIO: His family are just watching

on on the side there. His lovely children and his wife going over now

to give him a well deserved cuddle. They have lived through the ups and

downs, the trials of sport as all families do. A fitting moment for a

real legend of Paralympic sport, of British sport, David Weir. We're

going to be going over to BBC One right now. Plenty more legends on

show. Mo and Laura Muir for sure.