Katarina Johnson-Thompson set to compete at LIA 2023

British sporting icon Katarina Johnson-Thompson has confirmed her place at this year’s Loughborough International Athletics (LIA) event on Sunday 21 May 2023.

British sporting icon Katarina Johnson-Thompson has confirmed her place at this year’s Loughborough International Athletics (LIA) event on Sunday 21 May 2023.

The 30-year-old 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist will compete in the hurdles, shot put, and 4x400m relay.

British record holder Johnson-Thompson has enjoyed a glittering sporting career to date, that includes further gold medals at both the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast and the 2019 World Championships in Doha.  

LIA is widely recognised as the curtain raiser to the outdoor season with an action-packed day of first-class athletics hosted at the Paula Radcliffe Stadium on campus.

Once again, Loughborough athletes will compete against teams representing England, Wales, Scotland, GB&NI Under-20s and the National Athletics League.

This year will also see Loughborough Sport welcome Ukraine international Danylo Danylenko who will compete in the 400m.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson said: “LIA has always been a landmark date on the athletics calendar and I’m excited to compete here across three events.

“Last summer we saw incredible crowds at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and I’m sure their energy helped all the athletes go the extra mile. We’ll no doubt have the same carnival atmosphere at LIA that I can’t wait to witness it first-hand.”  

Femi Akinsanya, Director of Athletics, Loughborough University, said: “Katarina Johnson-Thompson is one of the most recognisable names in British athletics and we’re delighted that she’ll be competing at LIA.

“LIA is a special event on the sporting calendar. We’re celebrating the 65th anniversary this time around and we’re sure spectators will once again witness high sporting drama on both the track and field.

“We’re also proud to welcome Danylo from Ukraine. The power of sport to bring people together is incredible and we’re all very much looking forward to welcoming him to campus.”

Activities will be in place for all the family at LIA, including face painting stations, a bouncy castle, a ‘have a go circus’, and giant garden games.

General admission ticket prices start from £8.00 for adults, £5.00 for concessions, and £3.00 for students with valid ID. Family tickets (two adults and up to three children) are also available for £20.00.

All tickets are available to purchase in advance by visiting:

https://loughboroughsport.ticketline.co.uk/order/tickets/13367236/loughborough-international-athletics-2023-loughborough-paula-radcliffe-athletic-stadium-2023-05-21-10-00-00

Gates for LIA open at 10.00am with the first event taking place at 10.45am. Refreshments will also be available to purchase throughout the day.