government forces in afghanistan claim to have pushed back a new taliban offensive on the city of herat. reports also suggest that dozens of taliban fighters have been killed in lashkar gah. the belarus sprinter who refused to return home because of fears about her safety says a phone call from her grandmother persuaded her not go back. she added that her criticism of officials was purely sporting, not political. barcelona football club have just announced that their star footballer, lionel messi, is to leave. in a statement, they say that despite having reached an agreement, it was impossible to come up with a deal which suited both the player and the club. and in the uk — fully vaccinated people returning to from france to england, scotland and northern ireland will no longer need to quarantine from sunday. this adds to a number of other changes announced by the government in recent days.

the mental health of elite athletes has been thrown into sharp focus by the actions of sportsmen and women at the tokyo games and other recent high profile tournaments. simone biles — the poster girl of team usa — pulled out of the majority of her gymnastic events, citing her mental health. she said, "we have to protect our minds and our bodies out and do what the world wants us to do." away from the games, ahead of the test against india, the england and wales cricket board announced that ben stokes would take a break from cricket indefinitely to "focus on his mental wellbeing". and the japanese tennis player naomi osaka said she would not do news conferences, withdrew from the french open and did not play at wimbledon, admitting she had experienced "long bouts of depression" since winning herfirst grand slam title in 2018. the decision by high profile athletes to talk openly about their mental health at the tokyo games and other events has sparked a new conversation, and prompted both support, but also cynicism.

some have questioned whether handling pressure is simply a pre—requisite of playing elite sport? but the us swimmer michael phelps is one of many who says this has given us the oportunity to "blow this mental health thing even more wide open. it is so much bigger than we could even ever imagine." joining me now is helen richardson—walsh, former team gb hockey gold medallist, now coach and performance psychologist. also i'm joined by professor steve peters, sports psychiatrist to elite athletes and author of the chimp paradox. and finally, paul farmer chief executive of mental health charity, mind is also with us. thank you to all three of you for joining us. helen, i'd like to start with you. tell us about your experiences as a player — where there are some days where you thought you might be physically fit,

but mentally you just could not go on? but mentally you “ust could not go on? , . , . but mentally you “ust could not go on? , ., , ., ., ., but mentally you “ust could not go on? , .,, ., ., ., .,, on? yes, i was an athlete who has exnerienced _ on? yes, i was an athlete who has experienced struggles _ on? yes, i was an athlete who has experienced struggles with - on? yes, i was an athlete who has experienced struggles with my - on? yes, i was an athlete who has| experienced struggles with my own mental health. i've also been quite vocal about those experiences only, i must say, after the event, not during like some of these athletes are doing, which i think it's very commendable. as athletes, we live in a world that is just a constant stress — in some ways, and lots of ways it's deliberate. we are put under stress in our daily training environment because when it comes to olympic games, there will be stressed. so we need to be put under that stress to learn how to cope with it and practice, and develop the necessary mental skills in order to cope with that pressure. and so, yeah, you know, it's something that

we accept is necessary. however, i think there is a balance that needs to be struck — or not necessarily a balance, but the mental health of us as human beings is the most important thing. and yeah, i think that what is coming out of this olympic games right now, along with the amazing successes of these athletes and the metals that everyone is winning — this is massive, and i think this will have a really good effect on mental health discussions notjust in sport, but in society which i think is fantastic.— is fantastic. professor, i'm interested _ is fantastic. professor, i'm interested by _ is fantastic. professor, i'm interested by something . is fantastic. professor, i'm - interested by something helen said there, "there will be stressed." historically, as you'll know better than me, managing extreme stress has been a highlight, a bedrock of sport - i been a highlight, a bedrock of sport — i can think of cathy freeman in the 2000 olympics having the weight of a nation on her shoulders as she

ran the 400 metres, pele opening up in a documentary about the pressures on him in the 1970 world cup. if we took all that away, wouldn't we also take away most of the sporting events in the past? i take away most of the sporting events in the past?— events in the past? i think it's very important. _ events in the past? i think it's very important, as _ events in the past? i think it's very important, as helen - events in the past? i think it's very important, as helen was| very important, as helen was alluding — very important, as helen was alluding to there, that we distinguish between what's mental illness_ distinguish between what's mental illness and psychological distress or performance issues. because i think_ or performance issues. because i think the — or performance issues. because i think the performance issues are what's _ think the performance issues are what's being highlighted at the moment, and they can lead to mental illness _ moment, and they can lead to mental illness. that's the danger at trying to model— illness. that's the danger at trying to model the two things together instead _ to model the two things together instead of delineating them. if we look instead of delineating them. if we took at _ instead of delineating them. if we look at psychological distress, as helena _ look at psychological distress, as helena said, we've trained athletes to deal_ helena said, we've trained athletes to deal with this — but the word she used _ to deal with this — but the word she used is _ to deal with this — but the word she used is it's— to deal with this — but the word she used is it's a — to deal with this — but the word she used is it's a skill. so when athletes _ used is it's a skill. so when athletes get into the performance arena, _ athletes get into the performance arena, that psychological distress they are — arena, that psychological distress they are experiencing, they lose that skill— they are experiencing, they lose that skill at that point. that's something that can happen all of us in any— something that can happen all of us in any time, — something that can happen all of us in any time, then they go into a

semi-melt— in any time, then they go into a semi—melt down and pulled down from competition. sol semi—melt down and pulled down from competition. so i think there's a lot going — competition. so i think there's a lot going on that needs to be teased out so _ lot going on that needs to be teased out so we _ lot going on that needs to be teased out so we don't just lot going on that needs to be teased out so we don'tjust keep saying that this — out so we don'tjust keep saying that this athlete is mentally weak or making — that this athlete is mentally weak or making these sweeping statements, rather— or making these sweeping statements, rather than _ or making these sweeping statements, rather than looking at the uniqueness of the athletes and what they are _ uniqueness of the athletes and what they are trying to achieve. paul farmer, they are trying to achieve. paul farmer. is _ they are trying to achieve. paul farmer, is this _ they are trying to achieve. f—.ii farmer, is this conversation we they are trying to achieve. f—ii farmer, is this conversation we are having about sports stars, simone biles, ben stokes, naomi osaka reflective of conversations outside of sport as well? if so, what can society and sport each other? yes. society and sport each other? yes, well i society and sport each other? yes, well i think — society and sport each other? yes, well i think this _ society and sport each other? yes, well i think this is _ society and sport each other? yes, well i think this is a _ society and sport each other? yes, well i think this is a tipping point in ntany— well i think this is a tipping point in n1anyways,_ well i think this is a tipping point in many ways, not just _ well i think this is a tipping point in many ways, not just for - well i think this is a tipping pointl in many ways, not just for mental health— in many ways, not just for mental health in— in many ways, not just for mental health in sport. _ in many ways, not just for mental health in sport, but _ in many ways, not just for mental health in sport, but also - in many ways, not just for mental health in sport, but also for - in many ways, not just for mental health in sport, but also for the l health in sport, but also for the conversations— health in sport, but also for the conversations about _ health in sport, but also for the conversations about mental - health in sport, but also for the i conversations about mental health more _ conversations about mental health more broadly in _ conversations about mental health more broadly. in many— conversations about mental health more broadly. in many ways, - conversations about mental health more broadly. in many ways, what conversations about mental health . more broadly. in many ways, what we are seeing _ more broadly. in many ways, what we are seeing in— more broadly. in many ways, what we are seeing in the— more broadly. in many ways, what we are seeing in the last _ more broadly. in many ways, what we are seeing in the last couple weeks i are seeing in the last couple weeks is a reflection — are seeing in the last couple weeks is a reflection of _ are seeing in the last couple weeks is a reflection of a _ are seeing in the last couple weeks is a reflection of a growing - are seeing in the last couple weeks is a reflection of a growing change i is a reflection of a growing change in the _ is a reflection of a growing change in the way— is a reflection of a growing change in the way that _ is a reflection of a growing change in the way that we _ is a reflection of a growing change in the way that we are _ is a reflection of a growing change in the way that we are thinking - in the way that we are thinking about— in the way that we are thinking about stigma _ in the way that we are thinking about stigma around _ in the way that we are thinking about stigma around mental. in the way that we are thinking about stigma around mental ill health— about stigma around mental ill health and _ about stigma around mental ill health and mental— about stigma around mental ill health and mental health - about stigma around mental ill- health and mental health in general. so no _ health and mental health in general. so no more — health and mental health in general. so no more than _ health and mental health in general. so no more than ten _ health and mental health in general. so no more than ten years _ health and mental health in general. so no more than ten years ago, - so no more than ten years ago, people _ so no more than ten years ago,

people really— so no more than ten years ago, people really wouldn't - so no more than ten years ago, people really wouldn't be - people really wouldn't be comfortable _ people really wouldn't be comfortable talking - people really wouldn't be| comfortable talking about people really wouldn't be i comfortable talking about in society, _ comfortable talking about in society. and _ comfortable talking about in society, and they definitelyl society, and they definitely wouldn't _ society, and they definitely wouldn't feel— society, and they definitely wouldn't feel comfortable i society, and they definitely - wouldn't feel comfortable talking about _ wouldn't feel comfortable talking about in — wouldn't feel comfortable talking about in sport _ wouldn't feel comfortable talking about in sport. now— wouldn't feel comfortable talking about in sport. now more - wouldn't feel comfortable talking about in sport. now more people wouldn't feel comfortable talking - about in sport. now more people are comfortable — about in sport. now more people are comfortable talking _ about in sport. now more people are comfortable talking about _ about in sport. now more people are comfortable talking about their - comfortable talking about their mental — comfortable talking about their mental health _ comfortable talking about their mental health in— comfortable talking about their mental health in society, - comfortable talking about their mental health in society, so i comfortable talking about their. mental health in society, so sports are also— mental health in society, so sports are also more _ mental health in society, so sports are also more comfortable. - mental health in society, so sports are also more comfortable. but- mental health in society, so sportsl are also more comfortable. but this is a parallel— are also more comfortable. but this is a parallel relationship _ are also more comfortable. but this is a parallel relationship that - are also more comfortable. but this is a parallel relationship that is - is a parallel relationship that is influenced. _ is a parallel relationship that is influenced, these _ is a parallel relationship that is influenced, these incredible i is a parallel relationship that is - influenced, these incredible sports stars _ influenced, these incredible sports stars speaking _ influenced, these incredible sports stars speaking openly— influenced, these incredible sports stars speaking openly about - influenced, these incredible sports stars speaking openly about their. stars speaking openly about their mental— stars speaking openly about their mental health— stars speaking openly about their mental health we _ stars speaking openly about their mental health we know _ mental health we know inspires others — mental health we know inspires others to— mental health we know inspires others to do— mental health we know inspires others to do the _ mental health we know inspires others to do the same. - mental health we know inspires others to do the same. and - mental health we know inspires - others to do the same. and crucially for many— others to do the same. and crucially for many people. _ others to do the same. and crucially for many people. it _ others to do the same. and crucially for many people, it gives _ others to do the same. and crucially for many people, it gives them - for many people, it gives them confidence _ for many people, it gives them confidence in _ for many people, it gives them confidence in the _ for many people, it gives them confidence in the ability - for many people, it gives them confidence in the ability to - for many people, it gives them confidence in the ability to go i for many people, it gives them - confidence in the ability to go seek help for— confidence in the ability to go seek help for themselves, _ confidence in the ability to go seek help for themselves, looking - confidence in the ability to go seek help for themselves, looking up i confidence in the ability to go seek help for themselves, looking up toj help for themselves, looking up to their heroes — help for themselves, looking up to their heroes who _ help for themselves, looking up to their heroes who they _ help for themselves, looking up to their heroes who they see - help for themselves, looking up to their heroes who they see as - help for themselves, looking up to their heroes who they see as veryl their heroes who they see as very much _ their heroes who they see as very much heroes. _ their heroes who they see as very much heroes, and _ their heroes who they see as very much heroes, and recognising - their heroes who they see as very. much heroes, and recognising they have a _ much heroes, and recognising they have a very— much heroes, and recognising they have a very similar— much heroes, and recognising they have a very similar condition to - have a very similar condition to what _ have a very similar condition to what they— have a very similar condition to what they are _ have a very similar condition to what they are expanding - have a very similar condition to what they are expanding at - have a very similar condition to what they are expanding at thej what they are expanding at the moment — what they are expanding at the moment and _ what they are expanding at the moment. and for— what they are expanding at the moment. and for these - what they are expanding at the i moment. and for these incredible athletes. — moment. and for these incredible athletes, as helena _ moment. and for these incredible athletes, as helena said, - moment. and for these incredible athletes, as helena said, the - moment. and for these incredible l athletes, as helena said, the stress they are _ athletes, as helena said, the stress theyare under— athletes, as helena said, the stress they are under has _ athletes, as helena said, the stress they are under has been _ athletes, as helena said, the stressj they are under has been particularly significant~ — they are under has been particularly significant~ but— they are under has been particularly significant. but an _ they are under has been particularly significant. but an individual- they are under has been particularly significant. but an individual ways, i significant. but an individual ways, people _ significant. but an individual ways, people in— significant. but an individual ways, people in our— significant. but an individual ways, people in our society _ significant. but an individual ways, people in our society are _ significant. but an individual ways, people in our society are also - people in our society are also facing — people in our society are also facing a — people in our society are also facing a similar— people in our society are also facing a similar kind - people in our society are also facing a similar kind of- people in our society are also facing a similar kind of level. people in our society are also. facing a similar kind of level of stress — facing a similar kind of level of stress as— facing a similar kind of level of stress as we _ facing a similar kind of level of stress as we come _ facing a similar kind of level of stress as we come out - facing a similar kind of level of stress as we come out of- facing a similar kind of level of stress as we come out of the l stress as we come out of the pandemic _ stress as we come out of the pandemic-— stress as we come out of the andemic. �* ., ,. ., _ .,. pandemic. i'm fascinated by the fact that several — pandemic. i'm fascinated by the fact that several of _ pandemic. i'm fascinated by the fact that several of you _ pandemic. i'm fascinated by the fact that several of you have _ pandemic. i'm fascinated by the fact that several of you have talked - that several of you have talked about what might�*ve been different

ten plus years ago. looking back to 1998, there's one particular example — the brazilian footballer rinaldo, you might remember before the world cup final, would suffer convulsions before the match, a team—mate said the pressure got to him and he couldn't stop crying — yet he still went out onto the pitch and didn't perform that well. he had been in that situation before. with that situation with rinaldo in 1998 be different now? i do situation with rinaldo in1998 be different now?— situation with rinaldo in 1998 be different now? ., , ., different now? i do remember that, i remember everyone _ different now? i do remember that, i remember everyone watching - different now? i do remember that, i remember everyone watching on - different now? i do remember that, i remember everyone watching on and j remember everyone watching on and going, "what's going on? it's so strange." i remember the late 90s, early to thousands and how we looked at psychology and athletes, and i'm going, stop watching me. that develop and has changed so much, and psychologists are part and parcel

and mental health element, as well. i don't think that would've happened, that would not happen now. we saw that was simone biles, the fact that her team—mates and, thankfully, the coaching staff and the association rallied around, and they knew what they needed to do in that moment, which was to support simone and allow her to do what she knew she needed to do. so thankfully thatis knew she needed to do. so thankfully that is starting to change — i don't think that'll be the case in every team, don't get me wrong, we are not there yet, but it's starting to change which is good to see. professor, you heard it there — resistance to people like you 20 odd years ago, has that changed? i think massivel . years ago, has that changed? i think massively- l— years ago, has that changed? i think massively. i remember— years ago, has that changed? i think massively. i remember when - years ago, has that changed? i think massively. i remember when i- years ago, has that changed? i think massively. i remember when i first | massively. i remember when i first came _ massively. i remember when i first came into — massively. i remember when i first came into this about 20 years ago, people _ came into this about 20 years ago, people saw— came into this about 20 years ago, people saw it as being like you got something seriously wrong with you if you _ something seriously wrong with you if you saw _ something seriously wrong with you if you saw me. thankfully when some of the _ if you saw me. thankfully when some of the top _ if you saw me. thankfully when some of the top stars came to me, saying they were _ of the top stars came to me, saying

they were working to understand their— they were working to understand their mind and accelerate the performance, it turned around completely. people are now very open about _ completely. people are now very open about working with me. but i think that's— about working with me. but i think that's really great. i think the key with this — that's really great. i think the key with this again, we put our athletes through— with this again, we put our athletes through a _ with this again, we put our athletes through a lot by having very high expectations. one of the combinations with athletes is this perfectionist attitude, which can be brilliant _ perfectionist attitude, which can be brilliant for focusing and striving to do— brilliant for focusing and striving to do really well — but come competition, that can turn on you, particularly — competition, that can turn on you, particularly if you link it with your— particularly if you link it with your identity and self—esteem. because — your identity and self—esteem. because then they become unforgiving on themselves and they go into the arena _ on themselves and they go into the arena with— on themselves and they go into the arena with this attitude of not being — arena with this attitude of not being able to let people or themselves down, and it becomes untenable — themselves down, and it becomes untenable to deal with. paul farmer, ceo of mind, — untenable to deal with. paul farmer, ceo of mind, let's _ untenable to deal with. paul farmer, ceo of mind, let's talk _ untenable to deal with. paul farmer, ceo of mind, let's talk about - untenable to deal with. paul farmer, ceo of mind, let's talk about social l ceo of mind, let's talk about social media. does it make things worse not just for sportspeople, but for people in general? and if so, before important events and people's lives, should theyjust important events and people's lives, should they just switch important events and people's lives, should theyjust switch it off? i think we are that social media can

be a source — think we are that social media can be a source for— think we are that social media can be a source for good, _ think we are that social media can be a source for good, in _ think we are that social media can be a source for good, in terms - be a source for good, in terms of being _ be a source for good, in terms of being able — be a source for good, in terms of being able to _ be a source for good, in terms of being able to provide _ be a source for good, in terms of being able to provide help- be a source for good, in terms of being able to provide help and i being able to provide help and support— being able to provide help and support to _ being able to provide help and support to people _ being able to provide help and support to people from - being able to provide help and support to people from thosel being able to provide help and - support to people from those people around _ support to people from those people around them — support to people from those people around them who _ support to people from those people around them who truly— support to people from those people around them who truly are _ support to people from those people around them who truly are their- around them who truly are their friends — around them who truly are their friends we _ around them who truly are their friends. we also _ around them who truly are their friends. we also know- around them who truly are their friends. we also know it - around them who truly are their friends. we also know it can - around them who truly are their. friends. we also know it can be a source _ friends. we also know it can be a source of — friends. we also know it can be a source of abuse. _ friends. we also know it can be a source of abuse, a _ friends. we also know it can be a source of abuse, a place - friends. we also know it can be a source of abuse, a place of- friends. we also know it can be a | source of abuse, a place of abuse and one _ source of abuse, a place of abuse and one of— source of abuse, a place of abuse and one of the _ source of abuse, a place of abuse and one of the stars who - source of abuse, a place of abuse and one of the stars who talk - source of abuse, a place of abuse i and one of the stars who talk about that recently— and one of the stars who talk about that recently has _ and one of the stars who talk about that recently has been— and one of the stars who talk about that recently has been tyrone - and one of the stars who talk about l that recently has been tyrone mings, the england _ that recently has been tyrone mings, the england footballer, _ that recently has been tyrone mings, the england footballer, he _ that recently has been tyrone mings, the england footballer, he talks - the england footballer, he talks about _ the england footballer, he talks about the — the england footballer, he talks about the impact _ the england footballer, he talks about the impact of— the england footballer, he talks about the impact of abuse - the england footballer, he talks about the impact of abuse on i the england footballer, he talksl about the impact of abuse on his the england footballer, he talks - about the impact of abuse on his own mental_ about the impact of abuse on his own mental health — about the impact of abuse on his own mental health. so _ about the impact of abuse on his own mental health. so i _ about the impact of abuse on his own mental health. so i do _ about the impact of abuse on his own mental health. so i do think- about the impact of abuse on his own mental health. so i do think there's i mental health. so i do think there's a responsibility— mental health. so i do think there's a responsibility — _ mental health. so i do think there's a responsibility — first— mental health. so i do think there's a responsibility — first of— mental health. so i do think there's a responsibility — first of all, - a responsibility — first of all, there — a responsibility — first of all, there is_ a responsibility — first of all, there is a _ a responsibility — first of all, there is a responsibility - a responsibility — first of all, there is a responsibility for i a responsibility — first of all, - there is a responsibility for social media _ there is a responsibility for social media companies, _ there is a responsibility for social media companies, because - there is a responsibility for social media companies, because the l there is a responsibility for social- media companies, because the abuse is hot _ media companies, because the abuse is not always— media companies, because the abuse is hot always simply— media companies, because the abuse is not always simply targeted - media companies, because the abuse is not always simply targeted at - is not always simply targeted at famous — is not always simply targeted at famous peorrte. _ is not always simply targeted at famous people, but— is not always simply targeted at famous people, but it _ is not always simply targeted at famous people, but it can- is not always simply targeted at famous people, but it can be i is not always simply targeted at famous people, but it can be toi is not always simply targeted at i famous people, but it can be to all of us _ famous people, but it can be to all of us individually. _ famous people, but it can be to all of us individually. but _ famous people, but it can be to all of us individually. but i _ famous people, but it can be to all of us individually. but i think, - of us individually. but i think, atso _ of us individually. but i think, atso there's _ of us individually. but i think, also there's something - of us individually. but i think, also there's something about| of us individually. but i think, - also there's something about how we controt— also there's something about how we control our— also there's something about how we control our own — also there's something about how we control our own use _ also there's something about how we control our own use of— also there's something about how we control our own use of social - also there's something about how we control our own use of social media. i control our own use of social media. ithink— control our own use of social media. ithihk we _ control our own use of social media. i think we should _ control our own use of social media. i think we should usually _ control our own use of social media. i think we should usually take - i think we should usually take the opportunity, _ i think we should usually take the opportunity, when _ i think we should usually take the opportunity, when the _ i think we should usually take the opportunity, when the time - i think we should usually take the opportunity, when the time is - i think we should usually take the . opportunity, when the time is right, to opportunity, when the time is right, toiust _ opportunity, when the time is right, toiust tum — opportunity, when the time is right, to just tum off— opportunity, when the time is right, to just turn off that _ opportunity, when the time is right, to just turn off that social— opportunity, when the time is right, to just turn off that social media - to just turn off that social media and stop— to just turn off that social media and stop using _ to just turn off that social media and stop using it. _ to just turn off that social media and stop using it. and _ to just turn off that social media and stop using it. and i- to just turn off that social media and stop using it. and i would i and stop using it. and i would imagine — and stop using it. and i would imagine that _ and stop using it. and i would imagine that that _ and stop using it. and i would imagine that that is _ and stop using it. and i wouldl imagine that that is something that's— imagine that that is something that's a — imagine that that is something that's a part _ imagine that that is something that's a part of _ imagine that that is something that's a part of how— imagine that that is something that's a part of how you - imagine that that is something. that's a part of how you build your preparedness— that's a part of how you build your preparedness for— that's a part of how you build your preparedness for a _ that's a part of how you build your preparedness for a big _ that's a part of how you build your preparedness for a big event. - preparedness for a big event. i

think— preparedness for a big event. i think sometimes— preparedness for a big event. i think sometimes if— preparedness for a big event. i think sometimes if you - preparedness for a big event. i think sometimes if you know. preparedness for a big event. i- think sometimes if you know you're going _ think sometimes if you know you're going to _ think sometimes if you know you're going to be — think sometimes if you know you're going to be supported, _ think sometimes if you know you're going to be supported, then - think sometimes if you know you're going to be supported, then that'si think sometimes if you know you'rel going to be supported, then that's a great _ going to be supported, then that's a great feeling — going to be supported, then that's a great feeling. but _ going to be supported, then that's a great feeling. but if— going to be supported, then that's a great feeling. but if you _ going to be supported, then that's a great feeling. but if you think- going to be supported, then that's a great feeling. but if you think you i great feeling. but if you think you will have — great feeling. but if you think you will have peorrte _ great feeling. but if you think you will have people criticising - great feeling. but if you think you will have people criticising you . great feeling. but if you think you will have people criticising you or| will have people criticising you or singling — will have people criticising you or singling you _ will have people criticising you or singling you out _ will have people criticising you or singling you out for _ will have people criticising you or singling you out for a _ will have people criticising you or singling you out for a particular. singling you out for a particular abuse. — singling you out for a particular abuse. then— singling you out for a particular abuse, then that _ singling you out for a particular abuse, then that is a _ singling you out for a particular abuse, then that is a channel. singling you out for a particular. abuse, then that is a channel that you have — abuse, then that is a channel that you have the _ abuse, then that is a channel that you have the ability _ abuse, then that is a channel that you have the ability to _ abuse, then that is a channel that you have the ability to be - abuse, then that is a channel that you have the ability to be able - abuse, then that is a channel that you have the ability to be able to| you have the ability to be able to shut off — you have the ability to be able to shut off ami _ you have the ability to be able to shut off. and in _ you have the ability to be able to shut off. and in the _ you have the ability to be able to shut off. and in the same - you have the ability to be able to shut off. and in the same way. you have the ability to be able to shut off. and in the same way asj you have the ability to be able to - shut off. and in the same way as you can shut _ shut off. and in the same way as you can shut off the _ shut off. and in the same way as you can shut off the booing _ shut off. and in the same way as you can shut off the booing of— shut off. and in the same way as you can shut off the booing of a - shut off. and in the same way as you can shut off the booing of a crowd i can shut off the booing of a crowd in a stadium — can shut off the booing of a crowd in a stadium when _ can shut off the booing of a crowd in a stadium when there - can shut off the booing of a crowd in a stadium when there are - can shut off the booing of a crowd i in a stadium when there are crowds and stadiums _ in a stadium when there are crowds and stadiums. so _ in a stadium when there are crowds and stadiums. so i _ in a stadium when there are crowds and stadiums. so i think— in a stadium when there are crowds and stadiums. so i think there's - in a stadium when there are crowds and stadiums. so i think there's a l and stadiums. so i think there's a real iessoh — and stadiums. so i think there's a real lesson learned _ and stadiums. so i think there's a real lesson learned about - and stadiums. so i think there's a real lesson learned about what i and stadiums. so i think there's a | real lesson learned about what the role real lesson learned about what the rote of _ real lesson learned about what the rote of social— real lesson learned about what the role of social media _ real lesson learned about what the role of social media for _ real lesson learned about what the role of social media for people - real lesson learned about what the role of social media for people is, i role of social media for people is, and that— role of social media for people is, and that focus _ role of social media for people is, and that focus that _ role of social media for people is, and that focus that sportspeoplei role of social media for people is, l and that focus that sportspeople are -iven and that focus that sportspeople are given is— and that focus that sportspeople are given is really— and that focus that sportspeople are given is really important. _ and that focus that sportspeople are given is really important. but - and that focus that sportspeople are given is really important. but any. given is really important. but any abuse _ given is really important. but any abuse is — given is really important. but any abuse is clearly _ given is really important. but any abuse is clearly inappropriate - given is really important. but anyj abuse is clearly inappropriate and shouldn't— abuse is clearly inappropriate and shouldn't really— abuse is clearly inappropriate and shouldn't really be _ abuse is clearly inappropriate and shouldn't really be tolerated. - shouldn't really be tolerated. hetem — shouldn't really be tolerated. hetem i'd _ shouldn't really be tolerated. helen, i'd like _ shouldn't really be tolerated. helen, i'd like to _ shouldn't really be tolerated. helen, i'd like to look- shouldn't really be tolerated. helen, i'd like to look briefly| shouldn't really be tolerated. l helen, i'd like to look briefly at naomi osaka — earlier this year, she said she didn't want to talk to the media, it gave her negative thoughts. ijust watched the olympics and i've seen athletes speak in the worst moments of their lives afterwards, trying to choke back sobs. as if you or any human being, it helps me understand them a lot more —— as a viewer. you don't

have to talk when you're happy and winning, you can talk when you are sad. how difficult is it to face the microphones when you've just lost in one of the worst moments of your life? . , ., , , life? yeah, it is obviously incredibly _ life? yeah, it is obviously incredibly difficult - life? yeah, it is obviously| incredibly difficult because life? yeah, it is obviously - incredibly difficult because more often than not in those moments, you want the ground to swallow you up. you just want to hide from the world — the last thing you want to do is have an interview with a camera shoved in your face. have an interview with a camera shoved in yourface. but i think, you know, what's important is that in all these discussions, we are talking about human beings. and every single human being is an individual. we are so unique — so what is right for one person might not be right for the next person, and the next person after that. so that's one of the things that i've actually tried — one of my struggles with mental health has helped me learn and understand, and be way

more compassionate towards other people, and just a kind of stop that reaction of, why can't they do that? just, "no, stop, they are human being, they're not like me or anybody else." and just allowing them to be themselves and allowing them to be themselves and allowing them to be themselves and allowing them to deal with that situation in them to deal with that situation in the way that they need to deal with it is something that we all, you know, need to try and do. and not to question, butjust be curious and be kind, and support and care. i think that's something we can all do, and certainly something that i've tried to do it, as well.— certainly something that i've tried to do it, as well. professor peters, do ou to do it, as well. professor peters, do you think _ to do it, as well. professor peters, do you think will _ to do it, as well. professor peters, do you think will get _ to do it, as well. professor peters, do you think will get to the - to do it, as well. professor peters, do you think will get to the stage l do you think will get to the stage in a few years time when we say that someone will be out with a mental injury, they'll come back when they can? do you think that'll become

routine? i can? do you think that'll become routine? ~ , can? do you think that'll become routine? ~' , . .. , routine? i think it will be accepted that some people _ routine? i think it will be accepted that some people will— routine? i think it will be accepted that some people will succumb . routine? i think it will be accepted that some people will succumb to | that some people will succumb to either— that some people will succumb to either illness orjust general stress~ _ either illness orjust general stress i_ either illness orjust general stress. i think it's more acceptable to say, _ stress. i think it's more acceptable to say, as — stress. i think it's more acceptable to say, as you just pointed out, helen, — to say, as you just pointed out, helen, we _ to say, as you just pointed out, helen, we are all human beings at the end— helen, we are all human beings at the end of— helen, we are all human beings at the end of the day and we can'tjust keep on— the end of the day and we can'tjust keep on taking stress and expecting to have _ keep on taking stress and expecting to have the skill to manage it, especially if it comes out of left field, _ especially if it comes out of left field, as— especially if it comes out of left field, as you said, as paul said, through— field, as you said, as paul said, through social media and this criticism _ through social media and this criticism. none of us like that and it's particularly difficult to do when — it's particularly difficult to do when you are not at your best, but also under— when you are not at your best, but also under a — when you are not at your best, but also under a lot of stress physically, and mentally with this external— physically, and mentally with this external pressure as well as your own internal pressures. it's not easy, _ own internal pressures. it's not easy, and — own internal pressures. it's not easy, and i_ own internal pressures. it's not easy, and i think until somebody is in that— easy, and i think until somebody is in that position, it's harsh to criticise _ in that position, it's harsh to criticise them if you don't really understand it.— understand it. amid all this discussion, _ understand it. amid all this discussion, paul _ understand it. amid all this discussion, paul farmer, i understand it. amid all this - discussion, paul farmer, about being sympathetic and respectful — be honest, is there still something to be said for really, really pushing yourself — be it in the olympics or life? and seeing katerina johnson in

the olympicsjust now, life? and seeing katerina johnson in the olympics just now, she was injured but she waved away the people offering her up wheelchair, saying, "i started to gear and up wheelchair, i will not end the year in a wheelchair." it's ok to push yourself, still. fit in a wheelchair." it's ok to push yourself, still.— yourself, still. of course, and those incredible _ yourself, still. of course, and those incredible sportspeople yourself, still. of course, and - those incredible sportspeople we've been watching — those incredible sportspeople we've been watching over _ those incredible sportspeople we've been watching over the _ those incredible sportspeople we've been watching over the last - those incredible sportspeople we've been watching over the last few - been watching over the last few weeks. — been watching over the last few weeks. do — been watching over the last few weeks. do we _ been watching over the last few weeks, do we admire _ been watching over the last few weeks, do we admire them - been watching over the last few - weeks, do we admire them because they bush— weeks, do we admire them because they push themselves _ weeks, do we admire them because they push themselves to _ weeks, do we admire them because they push themselves to the - weeks, do we admire them because i they push themselves to the absolute timit? _ they push themselves to the absolute timit? that— they push themselves to the absolute limit? that includes— they push themselves to the absolute limit? that includes their— they push themselves to the absolute limit? that includes their mental- limit? that includes their mental ability— limit? that includes their mental ability to— limit? that includes their mental ability to be _ limit? that includes their mental ability to be able _ limit? that includes their mental ability to be able to _ limit? that includes their mental ability to be able to withstand i limit? that includes their mental ability to be able to withstand all the different _ ability to be able to withstand all the different pressures, - ability to be able to withstand all the different pressures, not - ability to be able to withstand all| the different pressures, not least in this— the different pressures, not least in this olympics. _ the different pressures, not least in this olympics, of _ the different pressures, not least in this olympics, of not _ the different pressures, not least in this olympics, of not having i the different pressures, not least in this olympics, of not having ai in this olympics, of not having a crowd _ in this olympics, of not having a crowd in— in this olympics, of not having a crowd in a — in this olympics, of not having a crowd in a bio _ in this olympics, of not having a crowd in a bio secure _ in this olympics, of not having a crowd in a bio secure space. - in this olympics, of not having a crowd in a bio secure space. we| crowd in a bio secure space. we should — crowd in a bio secure space. we should absolutely— crowd in a bio secure space. we should absolutely admire - crowd in a bio secure space. we should absolutely admire and l should absolutely admire and encourage _ should absolutely admire and encourage people _ should absolutely admire and encourage people to - should absolutely admire and encourage people to be - should absolutely admire and encourage people to be the l should absolutely admire and i encourage people to be the best should absolutely admire and - encourage people to be the best they can. encourage people to be the best they can but _ encourage people to be the best they can but what — encourage people to be the best they can but what we _ encourage people to be the best they can. but what we are _ encourage people to be the best they can. but what we are increasingly- can. but what we are increasingly caring _ can. but what we are increasingly caring and — can. but what we are increasingly caring and understanding - can. but what we are increasingly caring and understanding is- can. but what we are increasingly caring and understanding is that. can. but what we are increasinglyi caring and understanding is that in order— caring and understanding is that in order to _ caring and understanding is that in order to be — caring and understanding is that in order to be the _ caring and understanding is that in order to be the best— caring and understanding is that in order to be the best you _ caring and understanding is that in order to be the best you can, - caring and understanding is that in order to be the best you can, youi order to be the best you can, you need _ order to be the best you can, you need to— order to be the best you can, you need to understand _ order to be the best you can, you need to understand your- order to be the best you can, you need to understand your own - order to be the best you can, you . need to understand your own mental health— need to understand your own mental health - _ need to understand your own mental health - what — need to understand your own mental health — what are _ need to understand your own mental health — what are your— need to understand your own mental health — what are your limits? - need to understand your own mental health — what are your limits? whati health — what are your limits? what are the _ health — what are your limits? what are the places — health — what are your limits? what are the places where _ health — what are your limits? what are the places where you _ health — what are your limits? what are the places where you can - health — what are your limits? what are the places where you can be - health — what are your limits? what are the places where you can be in. are the places where you can be in control— are the places where you can be in control and — are the places where you can be in control and out— are the places where you can be in control and out of— are the places where you can be in control and out of control? - are the places where you can be in i control and out of control? where is the moment— control and out of control? where is the moment where _ control and out of control? where is the moment where you _ control and out of control? where is the moment where you know- control and out of control? where is the moment where you know that l control and out of control? where is i the moment where you know that you need to— the moment where you know that you

need to say, — the moment where you know that you need to say, "actually, _ the moment where you know that you need to say, "actually, that's - the moment where you know that you need to say, "actually, that's the - need to say, "actually, that's the place _ need to say, "actually, that's the place i_ need to say, "actually, that's the place i have — need to say, "actually, that's the place i have to _ need to say, "actually, that's the place i have to stop" _ need to say, "actually, that's the place i have to stop" because - need to say, "actually, that's the place i have to stop" because it's| place i have to stop" because it's not good — place i have to stop" because it's not good for— place i have to stop" because it's not good for your— place i have to stop" because it's not good for your mental- place i have to stop" because it's not good for your mental healthi place i have to stop" because it's. not good for your mental health was place i have to stop" because it's- not good for your mental health was? in all not good for your mental health was? in all our— not good for your mental health was? in all our lives, — not good for your mental health was? in all our lives, we _ not good for your mental health was? in all our lives, we will— not good for your mental health was? in all our lives, we will have - not good for your mental health was? in all our lives, we will have a - in all our lives, we will have a tipping point _ in all our lives, we will have a tipping point where _ in all our lives, we will have a tipping point where we - in all our lives, we will have a tipping point where we know. in all our lives, we will have a . tipping point where we know our mental— tipping point where we know our mental health, _ tipping point where we know our mental health, we _ tipping point where we know our mental health, we just - tipping point where we know our mental health, we just aren't . tipping point where we know our. mental health, we just aren't able to cope _ mental health, we just aren't able to cope with— mental health, we just aren't able to cope with the _ mental health, we just aren't able to cope with the situation - mental health, we just aren't able to cope with the situation we - mental health, we just aren't able. to cope with the situation we might be facing _ to cope with the situation we might be facing for — to cope with the situation we might be facing for a _ to cope with the situation we might be facing for a whole _ to cope with the situation we might be facing for a whole variety - to cope with the situation we might be facing for a whole variety of - be facing for a whole variety of different — be facing for a whole variety of different reasons. _ be facing for a whole variety of different reasons. and - be facing for a whole variety of different reasons. and i- be facing for a whole variety of different reasons. and i think. different reasons. and i think sports — different reasons. and i think sports stars _ different reasons. and i think sports stars articulating - different reasons. and i think sports stars articulating and i sports stars articulating and experiencing _ sports stars articulating and experiencing what - sports stars articulating and experiencing what millionsi sports stars articulating and. experiencing what millions of sports stars articulating and - experiencing what millions of us are doing _ experiencing what millions of us are doing on— experiencing what millions of us are doing on a _ experiencing what millions of us are doing on a daily— experiencing what millions of us are doing on a daily basis, _ experiencing what millions of us are doing on a daily basis, we _ experiencing what millions of us are doing on a daily basis, we applaud i doing on a daily basis, we applaud them _ doing on a daily basis, we applaud them for— doing on a daily basis, we applaud them for being _ doing on a daily basis, we applaud them for being so— doing on a daily basis, we applaud them for being so open— doing on a daily basis, we applaud them for being so open about - them for being so open about recognising _ them for being so open about recognising that _ them for being so open about recognising that even - them for being so open about recognising that even though| them for being so open about i recognising that even though we them for being so open about - recognising that even though we see them as— recognising that even though we see them as being — recognising that even though we see them as being incredibly— recognising that even though we see them as being incredibly strong, - them as being incredibly strong, their— them as being incredibly strong, their mental— them as being incredibly strong, their mental health _ them as being incredibly strong, their mental health is _ them as being incredibly strong, their mental health is a - them as being incredibly strong, their mental health is a part- them as being incredibly strong, their mental health is a part of. them as being incredibly strong, i their mental health is a part of who they are _ their mental health is a part of who they are and — their mental health is a part of who they are and as— their mental health is a part of who they are and as a _ their mental health is a part of who they are and as a human _ their mental health is a part of who they are and as a human being. - their mental health is a part of who| they are and as a human being. and credit— they are and as a human being. and credit to— they are and as a human being. and credit to people _ they are and as a human being. and credit to people like _ they are and as a human being. and credit to people like helen - they are and as a human being. and credit to people like helen who - they are and as a human being. and| credit to people like helen who have been real— credit to people like helen who have been real pioneers _ credit to people like helen who have been real pioneers in _ credit to people like helen who have been real pioneers in this— credit to people like helen who have been real pioneers in this space, - been real pioneers in this space, without— been real pioneers in this space, without people _ been real pioneers in this space, without people like _ been real pioneers in this space, without people like helen- been real pioneers in this space, | without people like helen talking about _ without people like helen talking about these _ without people like helen talking about these issues, _ without people like helen talking about these issues, we _ without people like helen talking about these issues, we wouldn'ti without people like helen talking - about these issues, we wouldn't have about these issues, we wouldn't have a conversation — about these issues, we wouldn't have a conversation we _ about these issues, we wouldn't have a conversation we are _ about these issues, we wouldn't have a conversation we are having - about these issues, we wouldn't have a conversation we are having today. l a conversation we are having today. final _ a conversation we are having today. final question— a conversation we are having today. final question to _ a conversation we are having today. final question to helen _ a conversation we are having today. final question to helen — _ a conversation we are having today. final question to helen — how- a conversation we are having today. | final question to helen — how would you advise the olympians about to realise that the games are coming to an end, five years of their lives, win or lose, it's about to be over? what should they do at that point?

yeah, i mean, i really hope they've all kind of done some preparation, because if not — basically expect a bit of a downer. notjust the olympics, but after every tournament, you know, being away for 2-4 tournament, you know, being away for 2—4 weeks sometimes, i'd come home and feel down and a bit sad, and i would cry for a reason i did not know why. it was because i've been in this intense environment, you know, living out my goal and my purpose, and my dream — and suddenly it stops, and i'm not surrounded by all my team—mates any more. i'm at home by myself — and that's just the way it is. and i think the message that i've tried to think about for myself when i retired after the rio olympic games was, it's ok to not be ok. you don't have to be happy all

the time. if you're having ups and downs, that's ok, that's normal, that's life. so almost expect it to not be ok, and if you are feeling great, just crack on and be happy that you are. but i think this olympic games has stood out for so many reasons, and we aren'tjust talking about the sport and the performances that they are doing, we are talking about much bigger things that i think will really help society move forward. for the ounuer society move forward. for the younger ones. _ society move forward. for the younger ones, as _ society move forward. for the younger ones, as beauregard | society move forward. for the - younger ones, as beauregard once said, —— bogart said, "there always be paris." thank you all so much. —— there will always be paris. seven men have beenjailed for life for the murder of a law student, who was shot dead by mistake in a botched drive—by shooting in blackburn. ao—year—old feroz suleman arranged the execution

of a rival businessman, but the gunman shot dead aya hachem as she walked to the supermarket. phil cunliffe was at preston crown court where the gang was sentenced. seven life sentences — a combined 216 years behind bars. these are the men punished for murdering aya hachem — an innocent victim of a bitterfeud. tyre firm boss feroz suleman — who devised the plot to kill his business rival, pascha khan — was given a minimum of 3a years. also given a minimum 3a years — zamir raja, the assassin hired to shoot mr khan who missed his target, hitting aya instead. aya's family were in court today to see her killers sent down at the end of a gruelling 12—week trial. no matter what the sentence they get, aya's gone, nothing's going to bring her back. but i'm glad that a lot of people are going to be safe from these thugs. no—one else is going to be hurt. no other person is going to be killed because of them. in my opinion, i wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, all my family's pain. we are going to live for the rest of our lives without our angel.

i hope these people rot in prison. that's all i'm going to say. thank you. i'm delighted with the sentences that have been given today. it's been 12 months of investigative work. it's been challenging and i think this is the final step in getting that deserved justice for aya. preston crown court was reminded how the family had fled to the uk to escape violence in lebanon. her mum said that blackburn was supposed to be "a safer and more secure life to allow our children to be the best they could be." passing sentence, thejudge, the honourable mrjustice turner, said the prison terms reflected the fact that the murder was premeditated, it was done as a group and carried out in broad daylight where there was a risk to the public, including children. he also said that none of the seven showed any remorse in the aftermath and that they tried to lie their way out of trouble. for aya's family — today's a chance to start rebuilding shattered lives. i think this sentence, the verdict, will probably bring everything back to day one,

to when aya was shot, and i think the family willjust need a lot of time to start that rebuilding process. phil cunliffe, bbc north west tonight, preston. well, let's speak now about how the uk government's latest traffic more now on the changes to the the travel rules. those arriving from france to the uk will no longer have to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated, as the country is moved off from the amber—plus list. india, bahrain, qatar, and the united arab emirates will switch from red to amber, meaning arrivals from those countries will no longer have to quarantine in government—approved accommodation. while austria, germany, slovenia, slovakia, latvia, romania and norway will be moved onto the green list. but mexico and georgia have been added to the red list — the highest level of restrictions. up to 6,000 british residents are currently in mexico, and if they can't get back before sunday morning, they will have to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense.

well, let's speak now about how the uk government's latest traffic light system is working to the travel journalist, jill starley—grainger. she joins us from haute—savoie, which is on the french—swiss border near lake geneva. jill, does this system work? i think it's very confusing _ jill, does this system work? i think it's very confusing and _ jill, does this system work? i think it's very confusing and chaotic. - jill, does this system work? i think| it's very confusing and chaotic. and now there will be a lot of people who are on holiday in mexico who thought everything was going to be fine, they could quarantine — now they're facing paying more than £2000 per person to quarantine in one of these quite unpleasant sounding quarantine hotels. it's very confusing and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. , seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. y ., . ,., ~ it. the rhyme or reason, i think the government might _ it. the rhyme or reason, i think the government might say, _ it. the rhyme or reason, i think the government might say, is - it. the rhyme or reason, i think the government might say, is that - it. the rhyme or reason, i think the| government might say, is that virus rates in those countries changes, and some of our viewers might also say in a pandemic, people who travel abroad to an amber list country really do take a risk, knowing there is a risk and they should have to accept that things can change.

that's absolutely true. i wouldn't advise anybody to go to an amber list country now without having a plan to deal with what happens if things change. but the confusing situation is when you look at the coronavirus rates, even if you look at mexico, for example, it's rates are currently lower than the uk. so you can see why people don't understand why they're having to panic and try and get back or face this very expensive problem when they go back. there's been an inconsistency throughout this. in the early days of the pandemic, it was much more understandable — but now we can all see what's happening, and if you look at the case with france where france was put on this so—called amber plus list, based on rates with reunion island, 6000 miles from mainland france, people from mainland france would have to quarantine going into the uk — but conversely people from union island would not have to quarantine. it just doesn't make any sense, people picked up on it quite quickly, it's

quite confusing it doesn't seem to be led by science somewhat what you make of india being taken off the red list? it's good for india, it's difficult for people in neighbouring countries who also seem to have lower rates. so again, there's a little bit of confusion there. but it's obvious the graver people who have family and friends living in india, and if you're doubly vaccinated now, it means you don't have to go through the quarantine. so we want more people to be vaccinated, and anything we can do to encourage people to get vaccinated is helpful. but again, if you look at india compared to some of the other countries, you question why india has suddenly come off. lots of other countries, like the maldives, are currently on the red list who have lower rates of infection and higher rates of vaccination. i’ge lower rates of infection and higher rates of vaccination.— lower rates of infection and higher rates of vaccination. i've spoken to many people _ rates of vaccination. i've spoken to many people in _ rates of vaccination. i've spoken to many people in recent _ rates of vaccination. i've spoken to many people in recent weeks - rates of vaccination. i've spoken to many people in recent weeks who l rates of vaccination. i've spoken to i many people in recent weeks who say they look at all the rules, discuss they look at all the rules, discuss the possibility of the rules changing, and think, "it is better

to skip a foreign trip this year." how representative is that? i’ge how representative is that? i've soken how representative is that? i've spoken to _ how representative is that? i've spoken to lots _ how representative is that? i've spoken to lots of _ how representative is that? is spoken to lots of people who how representative is that? i�*9 spoken to lots of people who agreed to, and i would largely say you shouldn't book a trip until the last minute. that's really my advice. jill, thanks so much for speaking to us. now, stav has the weather. hello there. there's certainly no summery weather in this forecast. it's looking pretty unsettled for the time of year thanks to one area of low pressure which is going to park itself across the uk for the next few days, throughout the weekend and indeed even into the start of next week. and it's going to bring windier, wetter conditions, some torrential in places and it's generally going to feel on the cool side for the time of year. so, here it is, this new area of low pressure, which moves across many places for thursday. lots of isobars on the charts, so the winds have picked up across much of the country as well. and as we head through this evening and overnight, it stays unsettled. there'll be spells of heavy rains, some thundery showers,

but also some clearer, quieter interludes as well. now, temperatures will be no lower than 14—15 celsius, so actually quite a mild night to come across the board. so, our area of low pressure, then, very much with us for friday. this little feature will run in across the south of the country as we start the week, and that could bring some heavier downpours across southern areas. because it does look like on friday the focus of the showers or longer spells of rain will tend to be across more northern areas, and this is where we're likely to see some thundery downpours for scotland, northern ireland, northern england, in towards the midlands, north wales. there will be some showers across the south, but i think a greater chance of seeing prolonged sunny spells, so not too bad a day across the south. but it's going to be a breezy day. these are mean wind speeds. gusts will be higher than that, particularly around some irish sea coasts. now, temperatures, 21, maybe 22 celsius across the south east given some good sunny spells, but generally for most, i think the high teens celsius. and as we head through friday night,

we hold onto the breezy conditions, further showers or longer spells of rain mainly across northern and western areas. again, there will be some lengthy clear spells, particularly through central, southern and eastern areas. and temperatures, 12—14 celsius, so maybe not quite as mild as the previous night. and that little feature i was talking about runs across the south of the country. that can enhance the shower activity there on saturday. generally it's low pressure again both saturday and sunday slap—bang on top of the country, so it's going to be another one of sunshine and showers. so, some of those showers could be quite heavy across the south. in between, there will be some sunshine. it's a similar picture on sunday. even as we head on into monday, we'll see sunshine and showers. and these sorts of values a little below par for the time of year.

this is bbc news with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. fears of a humanitarian crisis grow as fierce fighting continues in afghanistan. hardline ibrahim raisi is installed as iran's new president. he's pledged seek an end to us sanctions. the belarus sprinter at the centre of an olympic row with her own government speaks out after arriving safely in poland. my grandmother called me and she say to me, "please don't come back to belarus," and that was reason why i go to the police. one of the world's best—known footballers, lionel messi, is leaving barcelona, the club where he's spent his entire career. we'll have all the latest from the olympics, including steven gardiner�*s win for the bahamas. he's taken gold in the

men's 400 metres race.