Who commentates on athletics? Steve Cram, Colin Jackson and Paula Radcliffe form BBC's Tokyo 2020 Olympics coverage

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been underway for nearly a week with a host of sports supplying the drama and excitement that the Games always provide.

Considered one of the most popular events at the Games, the Athletics will be taking place in Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.

The BBC will be covering the track and field events when they kick off on Friday (30 July) morning. Gabby Logan will be presenting the coverage alongside a panel of Olympic champions.

Here is all you need to know about who commentates on athletics at Tokyo 2020 for the BBC.

Commentators for BBC at Tokyo 2020 athletics events

Steve Backley

Steve Backley was the first British male to have set a world record in a throwing event. He went on to win multiple British, Olympic and World records.

He will be commentating on the field events during the Games. He took the mantle from Paul Dickenson as BBC Sport’s lead field commentator, and have broadcasting during every succedent World, European and Olympic games since Beijing across radio and TV.

Andrew Cotter

Andrew Cotter has become one of the most recognisable voices in sports broadcasting, commentating on everything from golf, athletics, rugby, tennis and The Boat Race.

Hailing from Troon in Ayrshire, Cotter became a virtual star during Lockdown thanks to his short videos of his dogs Ollie and Mabel. He will be commentating on the track events at Tokyo 2020.

Steve Cram

Steve Cram has been the BBC’s go to athletics commentator for over 20 years.

As an athlete his career was forged alongside Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett to form a period of unprecedented success in British athletics and since his retirement he has built a solid broadcasting career as a presenter/commentator for the BBC.

At the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, Steve returned from injury to take a silver medal in the 1500m behind Sebastian Coe. The following year he broke world records in the 1500m, 2000m and Mile, all within 19 days; the latter lasting almost nine years.

He has been the voice for the major sprinting finals, including Usain Bolt’s gold medal runs in the 100 metres. He has been part of the commentary team during every Summer Olympics since 2000, and also commentates on curling at the Winter Olympics.

Colin Jackson

Colin Jackson is a former World Champion hurdler and sprinter.

Jackson won the 1993 and 1999 World Championships in 110m hurdles, and silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

Over the last 16 years Jackson has played a key part in the BBC athletics team, covering the Rio Olympics in 2004 and all major athletic events since then, including the Olympic Games in London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Paula Radcliffe

Three-time London Marathon winner, Paula Radcliffe, will be the final addition to the athletics commentary team.

Radcliffe has represented Great Britain at four Olympic Games from 1996 to 2008, however she failed to win a medal on all attempts. She will heard commentating during the long distance running events during the Games.

Pundits for BBC at Tokyo 2020 athletics events

Jessica Ennis-Hill

Considered the poster girl of London 2012, Ennis-Hill will be part of the BBC team. She was the gold medalist in the Heptathlon at London 2012 and silver medalist at Rio 2016 before retiring from the sport later that year.

Michael Johnson

Winner of four gold medals at the Olympics from 1992-2000 in 4x100m relay, 200m and 400m, Michael Johnson is considered one of the greatest Olympic sprinters of all time. He set the world record for 200m at Atlanta 1996 with a time of 19.32.

Jeanette Kwakye

Jeanette Kwakye is a former British champion over 100m and has been a broadcaster since retiring from athletics in 2014.

Denise Lewis

Denis Lewis is an Olympic gold medalist in the Heptathlon at Sydney 2000 and bronze medalist at Atlanta 1996. She was the first European to win the Heptathlon at the Olympics, and has been part of the BBC Athletics team for several Olympic Games.