7 for 17 – Our guide to this years top athletes and where to see them
23 Jan 2017
Having very nearly got January under our belts, 2017 is happening, and at a pace.
We’ve been talking a lot in the office about the men and women who we believe will be the stand-out stars of year. Having had a little while to mull it over, here’s our list of who we will be watching with added interest as the year unfolds…
- Usain Bolt
When thinking about this year’s sporting calendar, you can’t look past London 2017. From 4-13 August the IAAF World Athletics Championships will light up London as the best athletes in the world hit centre stage, and it certainly will be one to remember.
We have all enjoyed his sprinting feats, his DJ skills and TV adverts – but the legend is hanging up his spikes this year. Yes, that’s right, London 2017 will be the final chance to see Usain Bolt on the track – simply not to be missed.
- Georgie Hermitage
Sticking with London 2017, preceding the IAAF World Athletics Championships is the World Para Athletics Championships, 13-23 July where I fully expect 27-year-old sprinter Georgie Hermitage to excel.
Georgie was one of Para GB’s stars in Rio last year claiming gold in the T37 100m and not only is she incredibly fast, but inspires many. Having quit athletics at a young age given her cerebral palsy, at London 2012 she was inspired to get back into it and now boasts and impressive two Paralympic, three World and four European medals – with many more to come I am sure.
It’s hard not to also get excited about the prospect of seeing Jonnie Peacock and Hannah Cockroft at the London Stadium, as well as bidding an emotional farewell to Richard Whitehead.
- George Ford
The world-class fly half is no doubt expected to shine in 2017 on three different stages.
Putting aside all the transfer rumours, Ford will be battling it out for Bath Rugby as they face his former club Leicester Tigers in The Clash at Twickenham on April 8, in an innovative move to grow the club out of the heartlands.
And the 23-year-old will also no doubt heavily feature our TV screens this year when he aims to help England retain their Six Nations title and drive the British and Irish Lions on to success in New Zealand this June and July.
- Jonny Brownlee
Famously helped across the line by his brother in Mexico at the end of the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Series – Jonny Brownlee may well have run out of juice in Cozumel, but I am confident that 2017 is going to be his year to bring the world title home.
Fully-focused on the 2017 ITU World Triathlon Series, Jonny will kick-off the campaign in Abu Dhabi in March ahead of a homecoming for the fourth leg of the series, the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Series Leeds. From 10-11 June he will swim, ride and run through his home-town of Leeds in front of large crowds in what will be the biggest and best triathlon event in the UK this year. Not one to be missed in Yorkshire – or failing that on the BBC.
- Laura Muir
Everyone’s favourite young Scottish athlete, Laura Muir, is undoubtedly destined for greatness and I am backing her to shine on the track across multiple events in London and Birmingham this year.
Looking back on her Rio 2016 final and 1500m British record in 2016, it’s hard to imagine a much better year ahead but, determined as ever, Laura is aiming to rewrite the record books when she runs in the 1000m at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham in February.
The 23 year old will try to better Kelly Holmes’ British record of 2:32.96, which was set in Birmingham 13 years ago, and will also have an eye on Maria Mutola’s longstanding world record of 2:30.94.
- Marcus Ellis
We’ve been working with Badminton England in 2017 and have been watching with interest one of the shining lights of the sport, Marcus Ellis who won Rio 2016 bronze with his partner Chris Langridge.
Marcus is currently preparing himself for the 2017 World Championships from 21-27 August in Glasgow. A fantastic opportunity for the sport to celebrate its incredible talent and an important year with the 2018 Commonwealth Games right around the corner…
- Sam Burgess
A proper cheeky-chappy, rugby league playing great who made a famous comeback to his beloved code following a spell in rugby union.
He led England last summer in their series against the formidable Aussies and will be front of mind for head coach Wayne Bennett to lead the England team at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, October 27-December 2.
