British in Paris
The most notable British performance was Georgia Hunter Bell’s victory in the 1,500 meters in 3:55.63. What Georgia has accomplished since returning to the elite level less than three years ago is beyond amazing. Speaking to me after the race, she said: “I’m happy with how the race went. I was worried that people wouldn’t use the pacer, but it was very fast from the start. So it went the way I thought. I felt under pressure the whole time. It was difficult from the start. Everyone was there; there weren’t any big differences. I certainly felt tired, but I was confident I was going to make it.”
I asked him if he now had the confidence to expect to win every race, but his response was typically modest: “No, I never expect that because I know how quickly things can change during the season. [She refers to what Audrey Werro and Femke are doing in the 800m as an example]. I never expect to win, but I hope so. “I am really enjoying this period of racing right now.” And after an impressive win in the 1500, he told me he thought he was actually better at the 800 than the 1500!
One of the things I love about our sport is how accessible the athletes are. I had sat at the same table with Georgia and other British athletes at lunch the day before the race. In what other sport would that happen?
Speaking afterwards, Georgia confirmed that she would run at both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games, “not wanting to waste the opportunity to compete at the Local Championships”, but was unsure whether she would run the 800, 1500 or double.
Georgia Hunter Bell has had a strong outdoor season! Stuart Weir interviews Georgia after her 1500m win at @MEETINGPARIS! #diamondleague, @stuartweir pic.twitter.com/TFHi110sEV
– RunBlogRun (@RunBlogRun) July 9, 2026
Katie Snowden He posted a season-best time of 4:00.91, a very respectable time in most races, but only worth 10th place in such a fast race.
Jake Wightman He was third in the 1,500m in 3:29.95 but finished fast. He told me, “It was tough. I really wanted to go out fast. I felt like I started biting around 800 inches. I think it was my third-fastest time, but I wish I was a little closer to the front and more competitive to win.”
I had a bad patch at one point in the race, but I’m getting there. The best run I’ve had this season, so I’m going there. I need to train a little more for the two championships (European and Commonwealth) that are coming up, but I’m fine.”
It’s been a good month for Jake.with the company he co-founded with another athlete, Last repeat coffee, announced as official global supplier for World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26.
Athlete-Founded Last Rep Coffee Announced as Ultimate Championship Supplier | News | Budapest 26 | World Ultimate Athletics Championships
Back on the Paris track, Ben Pattison He was finishing fast but had left a lot to do in the 800 and had to accept fourth place in 1:43.71.
Matt Hudson Smith He was in a good position into the second turn, but faded to finish fourth with a season-best time of 44.09.
Jeremías Azú he ran 10.18 in the 100 meters for 8th place in a race where the top five were under 10 seconds.
Check out my interview with Jake Wightman in https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KoCYs52JfLU
