The Birmingham 2026 Podcast

Lloyd Kempson
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Running
  • Updated weekly

The Birmingham 2026 Podcast takes you through to this summer’s European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium, telling the human stories behind elite performance and major events. Hosted by Lloyd Kempson, the series explores pressure, preparation, resilience, and identity through conversations with athletes, legends, creators, and cultural voices connected to the European Athletics Championships.

Episodes

  1. Episode 11. Seamus Derbyshire. Running in Your Own Lane.

    1 day ago

    Episode 11. Seamus Derbyshire. Running in Your Own Lane.

    From the streets of Staffordshire to the start line of the World Championships. Seamus Derbyshire is one of the most compelling and important voices in British athletics right now, and this conversation explains exactly why. In this episode, Lloyd sits down with the 400m hurdler, European U20 silver medallist and World Championship representative to explore a career that almost didn't make it this far. Seamus opens up about the years spent hiding his identity from the sport he loved, the anxiety that built up behind the scenes, and the decision in 2024 to step away and look after himself. When he came back, something had shifted. He ran a personal best of 48.42 seconds in Geneva. He went viral for his theatrical, joyful starting block routines. And he stepped onto the World Championship stage in Tokyo as his full, unapologetic self, openly gay, unburdened, and faster than he had ever been. His story is about authenticity, mental health, and what becomes possible when an athlete stops performing a version of themselves and simply shows up as who they are. With Birmingham 2026 on the horizon and Karsten Warholm in the 400m hurdles field, the next chapter is just beginning. In this episode, we explore: The Kid from Staffordshire: How Seamus found athletics, what Loughborough gave him, and the early promise that was always there, even when something was holding him back.The Years of Hiding: The anxiety rooted in concealing his identity, what elite sport's culture around masculinity felt like to navigate, and the moment he knew something had to change.Coming Back as Yourself: What it felt like to be the same person in every room for the first time, why the starting block routines were never planned, and the direct connection between identity and performance.The World Championships and the Road to Birmingham: Tokyo 2025, the belief he found there, and what lining up against Warholm at Alexander Stadium this August means to him.Visibility and What Comes Next: The responsibility of being one of very few openly gay male athletes at the elite end of track and field, and what he hopes athletics looks like in ten years.Whether you're an athlete, someone who has ever hidden a part of themselves to fit in, or just a fan of stories that go beyond the result, this episode is for you. Follow the Journey:Instagram: @Birmingham2026TikTok: @Birmingham2026Facebook: @Birmingham2026Tickets: birmingham2026.com Don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    1hr 4min
  2. Episode 10. Morgan Lake. Reaching New Heights.

    18 Jun

    Episode 10. Morgan Lake. Reaching New Heights.

    She believed she would jump two metres every year from the age of sixteen. Over a decade later, in Zurich last August, she did it, becoming the first British woman in history to clear that barrier. In this episode, Lloyd sits down with Morgan Lake. World junior double champion, three-time Olympian, ten-time consecutive British outdoor champion, and British record holder, to explore one of the most compelling long-game stories in British athletics. Morgan opens up about being a multi-event prodigy at seventeen, what it has meant to be coached by her father Eldon at the very beginning, and the psychological tools she has built, drawing on her Psychology degree from Loughborough, to stay the course through injuries, setbacks, and the relentless pressure of competing at the elite level. She reflects on three Olympic Games: the electric debut in Rio at nineteen, the heartbreak of Tokyo, and what she carried into Paris. And she looks ahead to Birmingham 2026, where she will line up in one of the most competitive women's high jump fields in European Championships history, with Yaroslava Mahuchikh and others standing between her and a gold medal on home soil. In this episode, we explore: • The Kid Who Could Do Everything: World junior champion in both the high jump and heptathlon at seventeen, and the moment she knew the high jump was the one. • A Decade of Belief: What it takes to chase a single number for over ten years, and what actually went through her mind when she finally cleared two metres in Zurich. • The Art of the High Jump: What a technically perfect jump feels like from the inside, and how she holds ambition without letting it become pressure. • Three Olympics, One Journey: Rio, Tokyo, and Paris, three completely different experiences, and what each one taught her about herself. • Birmingham 2026: What a European title on home soil would mean after everything it has taken to get here. Whether you are an athlete chasing a long-held goal, a fan of British athletics, or just someone who needs a reminder that patience and belief are never wasted, this episode is for you. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tickets: ⁠⁠⁠⁠birmingham2026.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    42 min
  3. Episode 9. Matthew Hudson-Smith. The Homecoming.

    11 Jun

    Episode 9. Matthew Hudson-Smith. The Homecoming.

    From the streets of Wolverhampton to the Olympic final in Paris. Matthew Hudson-Smith is the greatest 400m runner Europe has ever produced, and one of the most courageous voices in the sport. In this powerful episode, Lloyd sits down with the European record holder and four-time European champion to explore a career defined not just by extraordinary speed, but by an extraordinary will to keep going. Matthew opens up about growing up in Wolverhampton and training at Birchfield Harriers from the age of nine, the years of doubt that saw him weighing up his career path, and the pandemic period in America that brought him to his lowest point. He speaks candidly about the mental health struggles he disclosed publicly in 2022, moments after winning World Championship bronze, and how finding the courage to be honest with himself and the world became the catalyst for the most dominant chapter of his career. In this episode, we explore: A Birmingham Kid: How growing up in Wolverhampton, joining Birchfield Harriers at nine years old, and training at Alexander Stadium planted the seeds of a champion even when the path forward was far from certain.The Making of a 400m Runner: Breaking 45 seconds as a teenager, the brutal mental demands of the one-lap event, and what training alongside the world's best in America did for his ambition and belief.The Darkest Chapter: The 2021 period in America: the pandemic, losing key figures in his career, and the rock-bottom moment he would later share with the world. What was really going on, and what he would say to that version of himself now.The Comeback and the Climb: World bronze, World silver, Olympic silver, and a European record of 43.44 seconds, the fifth fastest 400m in history. The Paris final where he thought he'd won, fatherhood as a new source of motivation, and how he carries the weight of world number one into Birmingham.Birmingham 2026 - The Homecoming: What it means to chase a fifth European title on home soil, in the stadium where his career began. The power of a West Midlands crowd. His message to the young kids from Wolverhampton and Birmingham watching him compete this August.Whether you're a fan of track and field, someone who has navigated their own dark chapter, or just looking for proof that the comeback is always possible, this episode is essential listening. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Tickets: ⁠⁠⁠birmingham2026.com⁠⁠⁠ Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    1hr 4min
  4. Episode 8. Phil Sesemann. The Marathon Doctor.

    19 Mar

    Episode 8. Phil Sesemann. The Marathon Doctor.

    From the NHS wards to the Olympic start line. Phil Sesemann is the embodiment of clinical consistency and the ultimate proof that the long game always pays off. In this insightful episode, Lloyd sits down with the 2:07 marathoner from his home in Yorkshire to deconstruct a career built on intelligence, longevity, and a refusal to skip the steps. Phil opens up about the years of quiet grind at Leeds City AC, the mental shift required to balance life as a junior doctor with 100-mile training weeks, and the technical focus that led to his stunning marathon breakthrough in London. Whether he’s scoring points in a club race or fighting for position in an Olympic final, Phil’s approach remains the same: show up, do the work, and stay the course. In this episode, we explore: The Double Life: How the high-stakes environment of the hospital wards provided the perfect psychological prep for the pressure of elite marathoning. Club Roots & Loyalty: Why Phil remains a fierce advocate for the British club system and how Leeds City AC shaped his journey from junior to Olympian. The Science of a 2:07: A deep dive into the methods required to build a world-class engine and why Phil believes longevity is an athlete's greatest weapon. The Marathon Mindset: How he manages deep focus over the 26.2-mile puzzle and his advice for staying healthy while pushing the absolute limit. Birmingham 2026: Why the home crowds and the city-centre marathon course will be a game-changer for the British distance squad this summer. Whether you’re a club runner looking for your next gear or a fan of the blue-collar pro, this episode is a masterclass in discipline, patience, and the power of the long game. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Tickets: ⁠⁠⁠birmingham2026.com⁠⁠⁠ Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    51 min
  5. Episode 7. Kelly Sotherton MBE. Tactics, Truth, and the Track.

    12 Mar

    Episode 7. Kelly Sotherton MBE. Tactics, Truth, and the Track.

    From the technical chess game of the heptathlon to becoming a leader in the boardroom. Kelly Sotherton is a true Birmingham icon and one of the most respected truth-tellers in British athletics history. In this insightful episode, Lloyd sits down with the triple Olympic medalist and Birchfield Harriers legend to explore a career built on honesty, longevity, and tactical brilliance. Kelly opens up about her deep roots at the Alexander Stadium, the psychological weight of competing across seven gruelling events, and her unique experience of receiving Olympic medals years after the finish line. Now, as CEO of the British Elite Athletes Association, she provides a vital perspective on the system and how she is fighting for the next generation of stars. In this episode, we explore: The Birchfield Heart: How growing up at the Alexander Stadium shaped her identity and why the club remains the undisputed heartbeat of the sport. The Heptathlon Chess Game: Managing the immense mental load of the multi-events, from navigating the highs and lows of day one to the technical demands of the field. Fighting for Justice: A candid look at the Athens breakthrough versus her Beijing medal upgrades, and what it’s really like to seek justice in a 'clean' sport. From Track to Boardroom: Why she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and how she has transitioned her no-nonsense athlete mindset into her role as CEO of the BEAA. The Birmingham Vision: What hosting the European Championships means for the city’s identity and her advice for the athletes stepping out in 2026. Whether you're a multi-eventer looking for a tactical edge or simply want to hear from one of the most authentic voices in the game, this episode is a masterclass in integrity and resilience. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Tickets: ⁠⁠⁠birmingham2026.com⁠⁠⁠ Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    1 hr
  6. Episode 6: Dean Macey. The Last Man Standing.

    5 Mar

    Episode 6: Dean Macey. The Last Man Standing.

    From the brutal grit of the Decathlon to becoming the ultimate 'Last Man Standing' of British sport. Dean Macey is the embodiment of raw resilience and the warrior spirit. In this high-energy episode, Lloyd sits down with the multi-event legend to deconstruct a career defined by incredible breakthroughs and legendary resurrections. Dean opens up about the dark places an athlete must go to over ten gruelling events, the mental steel required to fight back from years of injury to claim Commonwealth Gold in 2006, and why he brought the same Olympic intensity to destroying the Total Wipeout course. In this episode, we explore: The Decathlon Warrior: A deep dive into the 1999 Seville breakthrough and the psychological toll of being an elite multi-eventer. The 2006 Resurrection: Reflections on that iconic Commonwealth Gold and the moment of total vindication after a career-long battle with his own body. The Deanator Mindset: Why he treated an obstacle course TV show like an Olympic final and why that 'all-in' attitude resonates with fans to this day. Life Beyond the Track: How Dean found a new kind of calm on the riverbank and successfully transitioned from the stadium lights to becoming a leading face in the world of angling. The Birmingham Roar: What makes a British athletics crowd unique and his vision for the next generation of warriors stepping out at the Alexander Stadium in 2026. Whether you're looking for the motivation to push through your own dark places or want to hear from one of the most honest and high-octane characters in sporting history, this episode is a masterclass in never giving up. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Tickets: ⁠⁠⁠birmingham2026.com⁠⁠⁠ Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    57 min
  7. Episode 5: Sally Gunnell OBE. Winning It All

    26 Feb

    Episode 5: Sally Gunnell OBE. Winning It All

    From the rhythmic precision of the 400m hurdles to becoming the only woman in history to hold the Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth titles simultaneously. Sally Gunnell  is the ultimate blueprint for peak performance and the enduring face of British athletics excellence. In this episode, Lloyd sits down with the track legend to explore a career built on mental mastery and unparalleled consistency. Sally opens up about the immense pressure of being the favourite on the global stage, her iconic world record-breaking run in Stuttgart, and why she believes the atmosphere at Birmingham 2026 will be the defining spark for the next generation of British icons. In this episode, we explore: The Grand Slam Mindset: A breakdown of the psychological fortitude required to hold all four major titles at once and the relentless drive to stay at the top. The Stuttgart Breakthrough: Reflections on that historic 1993 World Championship gold and the technical perfection needed to shatter the World Record in 52.74 seconds. The Home Advantage: Why a British crowd provides a "tenth gear" for athletes and how the Alexander Stadium will transform the European Championships into a career-defining experience. A Legacy of Wellbeing: An honest look at Sally's transition from the podium to becoming a leading voice in health and fitness, advocating for a holistic approach to life after sport. The Evolution of the Hurdles: How the event has changed since her era and which rising stars she expects to dominate the track in Birmingham this August. Whether you're an athlete looking for the mental edge to cross the finish line first or a fan eager to hear from a true pioneer of the sport, this episode is a masterclass in overcoming nerves and achieving legendary status. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: @Birmingham2026  TikTok: @Birmingham2026  Facebook: @Birmingham2026 Tickets: birmingham2026.com Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    32 min
  8. Episode 4: Hannah England. The Art of the 1500m.

    12 Feb

    Episode 4: Hannah England. The Art of the 1500m.

    From the tactical chess game of the 1500m to becoming one of the most influential voices in modern British sport. Hannah England is the ultimate example of how intelligence and grit combine to create a world-class legacy. In this episode, Lloyd sits down with the world 1500m silver medalist and Birmingham favourite to explore a career built on strategy and community. Hannah opens up about the split-second decisions that defined her 2011 World Championship podium finish, her transition from the track to the commentary gantry, and her unwavering commitment to making Birmingham 2026 a landmark moment for the next generation of athletes. In this episode, we explore: The anatomy of the kick: A breakdown of the tactical intelligence required to navigate the chaos of middle-distance racing and that iconic silver medal in Daegu. The university to podium pipeline: Reflections on her time at the University of Birmingham and how the city’s unique athletics culture laid the foundation for her global success. The athlete’s voice: An honest look at Hannah's transition into broadcasting, and why advocating for athletes is her new finish line. The Birmingham homecoming: Why the 2026 European Championships represent a full-circle moment for the city that raised her as an athlete. Managing the transition: The psychological shift from being a competitor to a mentor, and how she balances her various roles within the sport today. Whether you're a middle-distance runner looking for a tactical edge or a fan of the sport interested in the future of British Athletics, this episode is a masterclass in staying calm under pressure and leading with purpose. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠⁠ Tickets: ⁠⁠⁠birmingham2026.com⁠⁠⁠ Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    43 min
  9. Episode 3: Colin Jackson CBE. When Excellence Becomes Habit.

    5 Feb

    Episode 3: Colin Jackson CBE. When Excellence Becomes Habit.

    From a 15-year-old in awe of the Alexander Stadium to the "King of Europe" with a World Record that stood for over a decade. Colin JACKSON is the definitive blueprint for technical perfection in British Athletics. In this masterclass of an episode, Lloyd Kempson sits down with the hurdles legend to deconstruct what happens when excellence stops being a goal and starts becoming a habit. Colin reveals the psychological weight of being the man everyone is chasing, the 'technical obsession' required to hold a World Record for 13 years, and why Birmingham has been the backdrop for the most pivotal moments of his career. In this episode, we explore: The European Dynasty: How Colin peaked so consistently to claim four consecutive European Gold medals and dominated the continent for over a decade. The Anatomy of 12.91s: A deep dive into the psychological impact of holding a World Record and the feeling of a "perfect" race. The Art of the Hurdles: Why Colin embraced the "boring" parts of preparation and the ritualistic routines that left zero margin for error. From Track to Mic: Insights into his 30-year career in the public eye and how his perspective on athlete pressure has shifted from the commentary box. The Birmingham Heartbeat: Why the Alexander Stadium was the site of his first sub-13-second run and his vision for the atmosphere at Birmingham 2026. Whether you're looking to shave tenths off your personal best or want to understand the discipline required to stay at the top of the world for 13 years, this conversation with Colin Jackson is essential listening. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: ⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠@Birmingham2026⁠⁠ Tickets: ⁠⁠birmingham2026.com⁠⁠ Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    42 min
  10. Episode 2: Dame Denise Lewis. The Queen of Birmingham.

    29 Jan

    Episode 2: Dame Denise Lewis. The Queen of Birmingham.

    Before she was an Olympic Champion and the President of UK Athletics, Dame Denise Lewis was a young girl at Alexander Stadium, fueled by the community of Birchfield Harriers. In this deeply insightful episode, Lloyd Kempson sits down with the Heptathlon legend to deconstruct the mindset required to master seven events and the resilience needed to lead a sport. From the "Astrid" reset that defined her Sydney 2000 journey to her current mission of shaping the future of British Athletics, Denise shares what it truly means to carry the mantle of a "Golden Girl" and how she’s now passing that torch to the next generation. In this episode, we explore: The Birmingham Roots: Early memories of the West Midlands scene and how Birchfield Harriers built the foundation for her greatness. The Architecture of a Champion: A deep dive into the "Heptathlon Mindset", managing the psychological rollercoaster of multi-event competition and the pressure of being the face of a sport. The 'Astrid' Reset: An honest look at the Sydney 2000 journey, finding a way to win when the plan falls apart, and the transition from the track to the boardroom. Birmingham 2026 – The Vision: Why the European Championships are about more than just medals, and what "success" looks like for the city’s identity and its youth. Life & Legacy: How Denise balances the many hats of motherhood, leadership, and broadcasting, and the lasting impact she hopes to leave on the sport. Whether you're looking for a masterclass in mental resilience or a behind-the-scenes look at the future of UK track and field, this conversation with Dame Denise Lewis is essential listening. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: ⁠@Birmingham2026⁠ TikTok: ⁠@Birmingham2026⁠ Facebook: ⁠@Birmingham2026⁠ Tickets: ⁠birmingham2026.com⁠ Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    53 min
  11. Episode 1: Lina & Laviai Nielsen. One Story, Two Lanes.

    22 Jan

    Episode 1: Lina & Laviai Nielsen. One Story, Two Lanes.

    From bag carriers for legends at London 2012 to standing on the Olympic podium together in Paris. Lina & Laviai Nielsen are the ultimate 'power duo' of British Athletics. In this high-energy episode, Lloyd Kempson sits down with the world-class sprinting twins to dive deep into a journey that is nothing short of a movie script. They reveal what it’s really like to be identical twins competing for the same relay spots, living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and how they’ve reframed their relationship with their bodies to become faster than ever. In this episode, we explore: The Twin Dynamic: How they balance being each other's biggest supporters while remaining locked onto their own separate journey. The 'Volunteer to Medalist' Arc: Reflections on their journey from 16-year-old bag carriers to Olympic stars. Resilience Redefined: An honest conversation about navigating elite sport alongside MS and breaking the stigma of "invisible" illness. The Birmingham Connection: Why a home European Championships in 2026 is the full-circle moment they’ve been waiting for. Life Beyond the Track: Balancing training with nutrition, yoga, and building a creative brand together. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or just love a story of incredible human spirit, this episode is a masterclass in showing up when it matters most. Follow the Journey:  Instagram: @Birmingham2026 TikTok: @Birmingham2026 Facebook: @Birmingham2026 Tickets: birmingham2026.com Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE and leave us a review if you enjoyed the show!

    53 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Birmingham 2026 Podcast takes you through to this summer’s European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium, telling the human stories behind elite performance and major events. Hosted by Lloyd Kempson, the series explores pressure, preparation, resilience, and identity through conversations with athletes, legends, creators, and cultural voices connected to the European Athletics Championships.

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