Mary Cain (brave), Diamond League (diminished), and some British favourites (journalised): two mega rants and three mega interviews

We've had a lovely, restful month off. Unfortunately, the IAAF haven't. They've been busy chopping the triple jump, steeplechase, discus throw, and 200 metres from the 2020 Diamond League. Honestly. You couldn't make it up. Taylor v Claye? Meh. Noah Lyles? We've had enough charismatic sprinters. World records? Completed it, mate. Some of the best discuss-throwers in history? Throws leave people cold... right?

There's that rant to have, and then there's the NY Times' interview with Mary Cain to discuss. Once one of athletics' most prodigious talents - a distance dynamo with an infectious smile and the world at her feet - Cain's stint at the Oregon Project saw her, in her own words, 'emotionally and physically abused'. She's articulate, thoughtful, emotive, and very brave in the piece, and it seemed only right we touch upon the issues raised.

And - finally - some good news. Three bits of good news, in fact. Jody and Bayo have been journalising, and it is with enormous pleasure that we present to you interviews with: Tom 'friend of the pod and the face of race walking' Bosworth; Sophie '18.61 DID THAT REALLY JUST ACTUALLY HAPPEN??' McKinna; and Adam 'everyone's absolute and most adored favourite' Gemili. What a trio. Enjoy.

As ever, please do let us know what you thought of the episode: we accept tweets (@BackstraightB & @Claire_GThomas), Insta DMs (@backstraightboyspodcast), reviews on your podcast platform of choice, and declarations of love at athletics meets. Thanks in advance, you lovely lot. 

Please enjoy, please subscribe and please let us know what you think on all our socials.

Thanks for listening and follow us on Social Media at

Twitter - (@BackstraightB)
Insta - (@BackstraightBoysPodcast).