Katarina Johnson-Thompson has received an outpouring of support from fellow athletes and celebrities after a difficult European Athletics Championships. The 33-year-old Team GB star finished 21st in the heptathlon in Birmingham and shared an emotional social media post about her struggles.
Emotional admission after injury battle
Johnson-Thompson, a two-time World Championships gold medallist, has also won twice at the European Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games. However, she has yet to claim gold at the European Championships, with her best result being a silver medal in 2018. She remains one of the world's top heptathletes, having secured silver at the 2024 Olympics.
In an Instagram post, Johnson-Thompson wrote: “Difficult to put into words what the last few days have been like. Being out there but not at your best is such a challenge. I placed so much importance on this competition and it’s taken so much to make it to the start line that I had to see it through.”
Support from Hodgkinson and Comer
Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, who earned a silver medal in Birmingham, commented on the post: “Queen”, alongside a red heart and holding-back-tears smiling emoji. Actor Jodie Comer, a friend of Johnson-Thompson, was among those who liked the post, as were fellow Scouse icons Jamie Carragher and Natasha Jonas.
Johnson-Thompson continued: “It’s never what you want as a competitor, however I’m proud that could complete the heptathlon in a stadium that means so much to me. Thank you so much to the team of people that got me to the start line and over the finish line. I’m lucky to have people who are willing to put so much time and effort into me fulfilling my dreams. Not just this season but throughout my entire career. Thank you to all the fans inside the stadium that showed up and supported. Congratulations to all the hep girls, such an amazing heptathlon to be a part of with depth and talent across every event!”
Mutual respect among heptathletes
Newly crowned European champion Kate O’Connor of Ireland commented, “The queen always.” Switzerland’s Annik Kalin, who finished fourth, called Johnson-Thompson “the biggest inspiration”. Team GB pole vaulter Molly Caudery echoed that message, and German heptathlete Sophie Weissenberg wrote: “You’re unmatched, Kat!! Meant so much to me to compete with you again!!!!!”
Team GB finished second in the medal table, with nine golds, eight silvers and two bronzes, behind only Italy. Amy Hunt was a standout performer, winning four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and both women's and mixed 4x100m relays.
