Great North City Games 2011 live on BBC One

September 3, 2011   ·   0 Comments

BBC One will broadcast live coverage of the Great North City Games 2011 from the Newcastle/Gateshead quayside, as the world-class athletes of Great Britain and Northern Ireland take on the USA on Saturday 17 September.

Last year the home nation recorded an exciting 5-4 victory over Australia when Andy Turner won the final event, the 110m hurdles, and the competition promises to be just as tight this year.

The 2011 event will see newly crowned World Champion Mo Farah line up for his first race since winning the 5000m Gold at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu.

Carmelita Jeter, Bernard Lagat, David Oliver, Dwight Phillips and Dawn Harper were among the first wave of American stars to accept the invitation to represent Team USA in a head to head contest against an Aviva Great Britain and Northern Ireland side.

The competition has caught the imagination of US athletes who are relishing the opportunity to take on their transatlantic opponents.

Jeter, the current IAAF World Champion after an outstanding performance in Daegu this week said: “I’ve been focussed on the World Championships and the Diamond League meets to follow, but the chance to run a 150 in the match against Great Britain will definitely provide a unique ending to my season.”

Olympic 110 hurdles bronze medallist Oliver who leads the 2011 World rankings and who in the past because of training commitments has not been able to take part in the CityGames sister event in Manchester, is really looking forward to sampling the atmosphere generated by the out-of-stadium environment.

“I’ve been aiming to compete in a street meet for the last couple of years but the event in Manchester being in May has always clashed with my pre-summer programme on the Samsung Diamond League circuit,” he said.

“Next month with it being over, offers me the chance to finally take part. I’ve heard it’s a great concept and one I’m looking forward to.”

The Aviva Great Britain and Northern Ireland team will be announced after the conclusion of the World Championships on 4 September.

The programme comprises men’s 100, 150, 110 hurdles, two miles and long jump while the women’s events will be the 150, 100 hurdles and mile. Jonathan Edwards will present live BBC One coverage of the events on Saturday 17 September from 1pm.  Presenting alongside Jonathan will be Colin Jackson and former Decathlete Dean Macey, with commentary from Paul Dickenson, Brendan Foster and Steve Cram.

Tags: Great Britain, Great North City Games, Jonathan Edwards, Northern Ireland, USA