DINA ASHER-SMITH AND RICHARD WHITEHEAD LAUNCH MÜLLER ANNIVERSARY GAMES TICKET SALES

• Tickets on-sale for the Müller Anniversary Games from 00:01 on Monday 26 February 2018 at www.britishathletics.org.uk
• British sprinting sensations Dina Asher-Smith and Richard Whitehead head up world class IAAF and para athletics fields
• The event will host the two-day IAAF Diamond League meeting alongside a number of para athletics events on 21-22 July 2018

British sprinting sensations Dina Asher-Smith (coach: John Blackie) and Richard Whitehead (Keith Antoine) today launched ticket sales for this summer’s Müller Anniversary Games on 21-22 July 2018.

Returning once more to the London Stadium, the Müller Anniversary Games has become the must-see event on the athletics calendar during the summer months, with this year’s two-day event again hosting the prestigious Diamond League fixture; the only event in the IAAF series which hosts a two-day meeting.

Alongside this is an exciting programme of world-class para athletics starring a number of world para athletics champions such as Whitehead, Hannah Cockroft (Jenni Banks) and Sophie Hahn (Joe McDonnell). Last summer the world’s best para athletes descended on the capital for the greatest ever world championships, so the city will welcome back the heroes and heroines to the stadium.

With both World, Olympic and Paralympic champions competing the Müller Anniversary Games will be the most star-studded event of the athletics calendar in the world in 2018.

Commenting as he accompanied Dina in attending a sports session at Portland Place school for children of all abilities, four-time T42 200m world champion spoke Whitehead on the celebration of para athletics at the fixture:

“It is always fantastic to see the incredible staging of para athletics in the UK. No one organises these events in the world like the UK does, and last year’s World Para Athletics Championships is something I’ll always remember. Athletics is the most inclusive sport so it is only right that para athletes once again are included within the programme in this prestigious event.

“I have been lucky enough to compete in the London Stadium a number of times during my career but every time it is very special. If we can inspire more kids into the sport, that will be amazing and where better to do it than Müller Anniversary Games.”

The Anniversary Games holds special memories for Asher-Smith who broke the long-standing women’s 100m British record back in 2015, and the sprinting sensation cannot wait to race back in front of the crowd in London in July. The 22-year-old has been ever-present at the event in recent years, using it as the perfect preparation before going to represent Britain at a number of international championships.

“I love competing at the Müller Anniversary Games; the crowd are always so supportive and it is a pleasure to compete here. I’ve obviously had some great moments on this track; the national record, the world silver medal, so it has a special place in my heart. This is the outstanding event for families in London this summer. The best athletes in the world facing each other in the best athletics stadium in the world.

“I’m really excited for this year’s event as it really will be a celebration of our sport. There aren’t many opportunities we get to race in a programme alongside our amazing para athletes, so it will be a great watch for the fans.”

Chief Executive of UK Athletics, Niels de Vos said:

“We are delighted to once again hold our world-class Müller Anniversary Games which will be one of the leading fixtures in the athletics calendar. The event is always rated highly by athletes, coaches and fans and we look forward to welcoming a big vocal crowd back to the London Stadium for the IAAF Diamond League.

“We will be one year on from the completion of the biggest ever World Para Athletics Championships in history, so we are delighted to integrate a number of quality para athletics races into the heart of the schedule across the weekend. The UK leads the way in promotion of para athletes and we take great pride in celebrating our inclusive and diverse sport over the weekend of 21-22 July.”

Tickets went on sale for the Müller Anniversary Games earlier today and can be purchased from www.britishathletics.org.uk.