Georgia Hunter Bell will captain the 26-strong squad for the Novuna Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at the 2026 World Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland.
The Olympic, World and European medallist will compete in the women’s 1500m on Saturday, aiming for a podium finish. Last year, she won bronze in Nanjing, later upgraded to silver after a disqualification.
Bell’s Speech to the Squad
As captain, Bell addressed the squad before the competition. She spoke about her return to the sport and reminded the team of the significance of representing the nation.
Bell said it felt special to be appointed team captain, especially as World Indoors was her first team for GB and NI two years ago. She added that it’s an honour, given the many inspiring athletes in the group.
“I wanted to impart that these opportunities are special. I know what it’s like to walk away from athletics and wish that I was competing, so a reminder to just enjoy it all and seize the opportunity. As you never know what is going to happen in the future. That is what I wanted the team to take away today and just go for it.”
Debutants and Seasoned Athletes
The squad of 26 includes both experienced championship athletes and debutants. The men’s 60m event showcases this blend, featuring Jeremiah Azu, last year’s champion, and Jody Smith, making his senior debut.
The men’s 60m heats, semi‑finals and final will take place on Friday, with the final awarding the first medals of the Championships.
Other Key Events on Friday
The women’s 400m opening rounds also begin on Friday morning, featuring Yemi Mary John, the newly crowned UK Athletics Indoor Champion, and silver medallist Louisa Stoney.
Also starting their campaigns on Friday are 800m world record‑breaker Keely Hodgkinson, and Issy Boffey. In the men’s 800m, 2023 World bronze medallist Ben Pattison will lead the British charge.
Both the men’s and women’s 1500m rounds begin on Friday evening. Bell, the 2025 World Indoor medallist and team captain, heads the British challenge, holding the fastest UK time of the year. She is joined by Jemma Reekie, who won a silver medal back in 2024 in Glasgow in the 800m. In the men’s event, Jack Higgins and James McMurray will compete for GB & NI.
Saturday morning opens with 60m British record.