December 28, 2024

Going for gold! From fellow Olympians and TV presenters to yummy mummies, artists and a former West End child star, the glamorous WAGs and HABs who will be cheering on Team GB …

Habs #Habs

Japan is poised to kick off the Covid-delayed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo as fans gather outside the main stadium ahead of the Opening Ceremony today.

After such a successful Games last time out in Rio, Team GB will be looking for another historic tournament in Tokyo and their loved-ones will be cheering them on from home. 

The partners of Team GB are not able to attend the Games because of Covid travel restrictions. 

WAGs include a former child actress who starred in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory on the West End as well as the presenter for The Gadget Show and several fellow Olympians. 

Meanwhile Bromley footballer Courtney Duffus will be leading the hunky HABs while rooting for girlfriend Heather Watson as she takes to the tennis court.    

After such a successful Games last time out in Rio, Team GB will be looking for another historic tournament in Tokyo and their loved-ones will be cheering them on from home (pictured, Heather Watson with her boyfriend Courtney)

After such a successful Games last time out in Rio, Team GB will be looking for another historic tournament in Tokyo and their loved-ones will be cheering them on from home (pictured, Heather Watson with her boyfriend Courtney)  

Swimmer Adam Peaty is among those tipped to defend his gold medal from Rio 2016 - and his artist girlfriend Eri Munro will be willing him on

Swimmer Adam Peaty is among those tipped to defend his gold medal from Rio 2016 – and his artist girlfriend Eri Munro will be willing him on 

Meanwhile yummy mummy and business owner Danni-Leigh Robinson will be hoping boyfriend Frazer Clarke is a knock out

Olympian Lois Toulson will be cheering on her diver boyfriend Jack Lauer in Tokyo

Meanwhile yummy mummy and business owner Danni-Leigh Robinson will be hoping boyfriend Frazer Clarke is a knock out (left), while Olympian Lois Toulson will be cheering on her diver boyfriend Jack Lauer in Tokyo (right) 

Pollyanna Woodward, 39, who is married to golf player Paul Casey, is a British television presenter, best known for being a co-presenter on Channel 5's The Gadget Show

Pollyanna Woodward, 39, who is married to golf player Paul Casey, is a British television presenter, best known for being a co-presenter on Channel 5’s The Gadget Show

EIRIANEDD MUNRO

DATING: ADAM PEATY, SWIMMER

Swimmer Adam Peaty is among those tipped to defend his gold medal from Rio 2016.  

Of all the statistics that underline his dominance, the most striking came in April when Peaty became the owner of the 20 fastest times in the history of the event.

While Peaty was training at Loughborough University, he met girlfriend Eirianedd Munro, a student who was studying Fine Arts. 

While Peaty was training at Loughborough University, he met girlfriend Eirianedd Munro, a student who was studying Fine Arts. The couple welcomed their first son last year

While Peaty was training at Loughborough University, he met girlfriend Eirianedd Munro, a student who was studying Fine Arts. The couple welcomed their first son last year 

Eri has herself amassed a total of 13k followers on Instagram, where she shares sultry snaps, and also posts photographs of her nude paintings on her art page

Eri has herself amassed a total of 13k followers on Instagram, where she shares sultry snaps, and also posts photographs of her nude paintings on her art page 

The couple announced they were expecting their first child in April 2020, and welcomed their son in September. 

He has credited girlfriend Eiri and their son George-Anderson with providing him the extra motivation he needs in training.

He said: ‘As soon as I look at pictures from home, my son or my girlfriend Eiri, I’m like, “OK, I am ready to go now”. It gives me a natural emotion of, “I want to do them proud”. 

Eri has herself amassed a total of  13k followers on Instagram, where she shares sultry snaps, and also posts photographs of her nude paintings on her art page. 

Meanwhile she has also launched a blugeoning YouTube channel, on which she has 865 subscribers, and posts videos like: ‘Things I Wish I Knew Before Having a Baby.’

KATARINA JOHNSON-THOMPSON

DATING: ANDREW POZZI 

Liverpool-born heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 28, is currently dating fellow Olympian Andrew Pozzi

Liverpool-born heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 28, is currently dating fellow Olympian Andrew Pozzi

Liverpool-born heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 28, is currently dating fellow Olympian Andrew Pozzi.

Initially earmarked as a future star of the sport and the ‘next Jessica Ennis’, the down-to-earth girl from Merseyside struggled to live up to her billing, and even claimed that as times she felt like an ‘impostor’ among the elite.

Katarina was a mess after blowing a medal-winning position with three long jump fouls at the worlds in 2015, and she capitulated amid injury to sixth at Rio 2016 having held bronze through five stages.

She revealed how the setbacks left her ‘crying and crying for hours’ after events in numerous hotel rooms before she made the life-changing decision in 2016 to uproot her training regime and move to Montpellier in France.

Initially earmarked as a future star of the sport and the 'next Jessica Ennis', the down-to-earth girl from Merseyside struggled to live up to her billing, and even claimed that as times she felt like an 'impostor' among the elite

Initially earmarked as a future star of the sport and the ‘next Jessica Ennis’, the down-to-earth girl from Merseyside struggled to live up to her billing, and even claimed that as times she felt like an ‘impostor’ among the elite

Johnson-Thompson, who has been dating fellow Team GB athlete Andrew since 2018, admitted winning the world title had felt like a dream and a moment of catharsis

Johnson-Thompson, who has been dating fellow Team GB athlete Andrew since 2018, admitted winning the world title had felt like a dream and a moment of catharsis

Leaving behind the comfy surroundings of Woolton, the affluent suburb of Liverpool where she grew up, Katarina took on a Monk-like existence of training, eating and sleeping in a bare-walled apartment in a foreign country.

The upheaval, which saw the John Moore University graduate leave behind her dancer mother Tracey, has almost instantly paid off, with Katarina racking up win after win.

The death of her Bahamian father Ricardo, who Katarina lived apart from since the age of one, threatened to dis-rail her training following a heart attack at the age of 59 in 2017.

Her breakout year of success and rise into a household name comes at almost exactly the same time as her best friend Jodie Comer, the new darling of British acting thanks to her role as a Russian assassin in Killing Eve

Her breakout year of success and rise into a household name comes at almost exactly the same time as her best friend Jodie Comer, the new darling of British acting thanks to her role as a Russian assassin in Killing Eve

However the athlete revealed how her father’s death would prove a huge motivator for her career, as never having him in the crowds at one of her big wins made her even more determined to ‘win in front of mum’.

But she claimed a stunning gold medal in the World Championship in 2019.

Johnson-Thompson, who has been dating fellow Team GB athlete Andrew since 2018, admitted winning the world title had felt like a dream and a moment of catharsis.

Her breakout year of success and rise into a household name comes at almost exactly the same time as her best friend Jodie Comer, the new darling of British acting thanks to her role as a Russian assassin in Killing Eve.  

POLLYANNA WOODWARD

MARRIED TO: PAUL CASEY, GOLFER

Pollyanna met golfer Paul whilst co-presenting the Formula 1 Chequered Flag Ball with Eddie Jordan at the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and they married in 2014

Pollyanna met golfer Paul whilst co-presenting the Formula 1 Chequered Flag Ball with Eddie Jordan at the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and they married in 2014

Pollyanna Woodward, 39, is a British television presenter, best known for being a co-presenter on Channel 5’s The Gadget Show.

Aged 16 she was offered a place at the Carlton Television Junior Workshop in Nottingham. She then studied performing arts to gain an HND, training as a singer, actress and presenter. She was named Miss Mansfield and Sherwood Forest in 2001.

After graduation, she featured in television shows including Doctors and competed in Pop Stars: The Rivals in 2002, sharing a room with Sarah Harding and getting down to the last 13 female competitors.

She met golfer Paul whilst co-presenting the Formula 1 Chequered Flag Ball with Eddie Jordan at the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Pollyanna is accustomed to rubbing shoulders with celebrities, sportsmen and royals alike (pictured, with Zara and Mike Tindall at Wimbledon 2021)

Pollyanna is accustomed to rubbing shoulders with celebrities, sportsmen and royals alike (pictured, with Zara and Mike Tindall at Wimbledon 2021) 

The couple became engaged during the Christmas 2013/New Year 2014 period and have since married. 

They have since welcomed two children together, a son and a daughter.

In 2017, Casey amused onlookers when he revealed he had a personalised phone cover, which has a picture of his other half as well as a personalised message. 

TIA NOAKES

DATING: JOE FRASER, GYMNAST 

Tia Noakes, 21, from Birmingham, is currently dating gymnast Joe Fraser, 22, who is the first ever British gymnast win gold on the parallel bars at the world championships

Tia Noakes, 21, from Birmingham, is currently dating gymnast Joe Fraser, 22, who is the first ever British gymnast win gold on the parallel bars at the world championships

The 21-year-old is a former child actress who played Veruca Salt in the original cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical on the West End

The 21-year-old is a former child actress who played Veruca Salt in the original cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical on the West End

Tia Noakes, 21, from Birmingham, is currently dating gymnast Joe Fraser, 22, who is the first ever British gymnast win gold on the parallel bars at the world championships.

The 21-year-old is a former child actress who played Veruca Salt in the original cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical on the West End. 

The petite actress, who is just 5’1 in height, has since gone on to star in Doll Factory: The Musical, Doll Factory and So Awkward.

Tia tends to keep her a low profile on social media, but showed her support for her beau earlier today, posting a snap of him and writing: ‘You make us all so proud, so inspired, go get it.’ 

LOIS TOULSON 

DATING: JACK LAUGHER, DIVER  

Pictured: British divers Lois Toulson (right) and Jack Laugher (left) have been friends for years but will compete in Tokyo as a couple for the first time in their professional diving careers

Pictured: British divers Lois Toulson (right) and Jack Laugher (left) have been friends for years but will compete in Tokyo as a couple for the first time in their professional diving careers

For Olympic divers, life is very much about jumping in at the deep end.

But Jack Laugher, 26, and Lois Toulson, 21, have also decided to take the plunge with each other – and if all goes well the young lovebirds could become the new golden couple of Team GB at the Tokyo Games.

As both are talented young divers from Leeds, the pair have been friends for years.

The couple battled through the pandemic at Lois’ parents’ house before moving into their own place last September. Tokyo will be the first time they compete at a Games as a couple.

Great Britain Diving team's Lois Toulson

Great Britain Diving team's Jack Laugher

Golden couple: Divers Lois Toulson (left) and Jack Laugher (right) openly talked about their ‘love story’ on a video to promote Team GB last year, before the Games were postponed

They will join current golden couple Laura and Jason Kenny, the track cyclists who married in 2016 after winning a total of ten gold medals between them and who will compete again in Japan.

Jack and Lois are full-time professional divers receiving National Lottery funding, and they have everything to become a sponsor’s dream.

Enviable swimsuit selfies, taken at hotspots around the world, are evidence of a young couple in love. And success at Tokyo could propel them up the celebrity ladder.

Lois insists they ¿don¿t really row at all¿ despite working and living together (pictured, working out ahead of the Games)

Lois insists they ‘don’t really row at all’ despite working and living together (pictured, working out ahead of the Games) 

However, both claim they have no desire to pursue fame, although the occasional perk such as tickets in the Royal Box at Wimbledon are a welcome benefit of success in the pool.

By his own admission Laugher is the ‘extrovert’ of the two, with his girlfriend, a three-time European champion, a quieter ‘introvert’.

‘We love spending time together and doing things together,’ Laugher said.

‘We have very common interests in terms of being family orientated, the food we like, our values and we have similar music taste and sense of humour. We both love cooking and baking.’

They openly talked about their ‘love story’ on a video to promote Team GB last year, before the Games were postponed, and Lois insists they ‘don’t really row at all’ despite working and living together.

LEAH WHITLOCK 

MARRIED TO: MAX WHITLOCK, GYMNAST

Olympic gold-medallist Max Whitlock and childhood sweetheart Leah married in July 2017 and went on to welcome their first child together in 2019

Olympic gold-medallist Max Whitlock and childhood sweetheart Leah married in July 2017 and went on to welcome their first child together in 2019

Olympic gold-medallist Max Whitlock welcomed his first child with wife Leah in 2019.

The decorated gymnast took to Twitter to confirm that Leah had given birth to daughter Willow, as he gushed about the ‘indescribable’ feeling of becoming a dad. 

Max tied the knot with childhood sweetheart Leah in July 2017 after ten years together, after first meeting at the South Essex Gymnastics Club aged just 12.

After sparking up a romance the pommel horse pro popped the question during a surprise getaway to the Lake District.

The couple shared details of their idyllic ceremony with OK! magazine, where Max admitted at the time he was most fearful of giving a speech at the reception.

Max was propelled to stardom when he made history during the Rio Olympics as the first ever British male gymnast to ever bag an Olympic gold medal

Max was propelled to stardom when he made history during the Rio Olympics as the first ever British male gymnast to ever bag an Olympic gold medal

He said: ‘Forget the Olympics, that speech was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done! I wish I could’ve been a bit more fluent, but I found it so emotional and overwhelming.’

Max was propelled to stardom when he made history during the Rio Olympics as the first ever British male gymnast to ever bag an Olympic gold medal.

The winner scooped an impressive two gold medals in the pommel horse and floor exercise. Prior to his 2016 successes, he won two bronze medals at the London 2012 Olympics. 

DANNI-LEIGH ROBINSON 

DATING: FRAZER CLARKE 

Down-to-earth Danni-Leigh Robinson has been dating Team GB boxer Frazer Clarke for several years, and the couple have two children together (pictured)

Down-to-earth Danni-Leigh Robinson has been dating Team GB boxer Frazer Clarke for several years, and the couple have two children together (pictured) 

Down-to-earth Danni-Leigh Robinson has been dating Team GB boxer Frazer Clarke for several years.

The couple have daughter Mila together, and welcomed their second child, a boy called Trent, in May this year. 

Danni-Leigh balances motherhood with running her business, DR Aesthetics, which offers dermal fillers, eyelash extensions and microblading.

The proud girlfriend regularly shows her support for her boyfriend on social media, posting last month: 'I can¿t even put into words!! Daddy¿s going to the Olympics'

The proud girlfriend regularly shows her support for her boyfriend on social media, posting last month: ‘I can’t even put into words!! Daddy’s going to the Olympics’

The proud girlfriend regularly shows her support for her boyfriend on social media, posting last month: ‘I can’t even put into words!! Daddy’s going to the Olympics.

‘ You’ve trained so hard for this and I couldn’t be any more proud.. the limited family time and daily sacrifices and you always make it worth it! Well done Babe! 

‘Me Mila and Trent will love you always, see you soon our Champion.’  

KIM MURRAY 

MARRIED TO: ANDY MURRAY, TENNIS 

The Queen of the British tennis WAGs will once again take up her place courtside this summer. 

Known for her passionate displays of support, Kim is expected to bring her signature enthusiasm when she watches Andy return to Olympics this week – but this time, she’ll be forced to watch on from home. 

It could be an emotional tournament for Andy, who earlier this year admitted time could be running out on his career. 

Queen of the WAGs: Kim Murray, pictured at Royal Ascot in 2019, will be cheering on her husband Andy

Queen of the WAGs: Kim Murray, pictured at Royal Ascot in 2019, will be cheering on her husband Andy

Kim tends to keep a low profile, but joined her husband Andy and his family in November to attend the world premiere for Andy Murray: Resurfacing in London

Kim tends to keep a low profile, but joined her husband Andy and his family in November to attend the world premiere for Andy Murray: Resurfacing in London

‘I’m always sort of telling myself — and maybe it’s not the best mindset — but each match could be my last one that I play now,’ he said. ‘I want to make the most of every match that I play and each tournament that I get the chance to compete in.’ 

Regardless of how he performs – Kim will be right by his side. 

The couple, who got married in 2015, have several children: Sophia Olivia, Edie and Teddy.

The pair welcomed their fourth child in March and are yet to announce the baby’s name.  

HERE COME THE BOYS: THE HANDSOME HUSBANDS AND BOYFRIENDS WHO WILL BE CHEERING ON THEIR OLYMPIAN LOVES 

COURTNEY DUFFUS

DATING: HEATHER WATSON, TENNIS 

Former Everton youth player Courtney Duffus has been dating British tennis star Heather Watson for little over two years now.  

She previously revealed in an interview: ‘Since we met each other we’re both doing a lot, lot better. He’s had a big part to play – he’s super positive.

‘I don’t like to let boys have too much influence over me but he has really been a good influence. He’s so calm, level-headed.

‘I think you all know I’m quite emotional. He’s just really, really supportive. He gets up at all hours of the night, he watched all my matches in Hobart. I just need that.

British player Heather Watson will be cheered on by her boyfriend Bromley footballer Courtney Duffus

British player Heather Watson will be cheered on by her boyfriend Bromley footballer Courtney Duffus 

Watson is not much of a football follower and had some negative perceptions of what a member of that profession might be like, only to be pleasantly surprised

Watson is not much of a football follower and had some negative perceptions of what a member of that profession might be like, only to be pleasantly surprised

Watson is not much of a football follower and had some negative perceptions of what a member of that profession might be like, only to be pleasantly surprised 

‘It’s not just because he plays sport. That helps but I know there are sportspeople that don’t understand as well.’

Watson is not much of a football follower and had some negative perceptions of what a member of that profession might be like, only to be pleasantly surprised.

She previously said he was the ‘opposite of what she expected’ from a footballer. 

He signed to Bromley earlier this year, and just last week posted an emotional tribute to Heather online, writing: ‘In what has been a very difficult few months, this woman has been and always will be my rock. Such a beautiful, devoted and inspiring person. I love you.’ 

HARRY COPPELL 

DATING: EMILY BORTHWICK, HIGH JUMPER   

Harry Coppell, 25, from Merseyside, is a leading contender to win a medal in Tokyo and has been dating fellow Olympian high-jumper Emily Borthwick, 24, for four years

Harry Coppell, 25, from Merseyside, is a leading contender to win a medal in Tokyo and has been dating fellow Olympian high-jumper Emily Borthwick, 24, for four years

Harry Coppell, 25, from Merseyside, is a leading contender to win a medal in Tokyo.

He is the current British pole vault champion, having won the title in 2019 and 2020 and going for gold in Tokyo.

He has been dating fellow Olympian high-jumper Emily Borthwick, 24, for four years.

Speaking to the Loughborough Echo last year, Emily heaped praise on her boyfriend, saying: ‘What I love about Harry is the way he has reacted when he hasn’t had things easy.

Harry Coppell had his teeth knocked out after a practice vault saw the bar fall into his face

Harry Coppell had his teeth knocked out after a practice vault saw the bar fall into his face

He cleared the bar, but it then proceeded to fall on his face smashing his teeth (above)

He cleared the bar, but it then proceeded to fall on his face smashing his teeth (above)

‘For me it is inspiring to see someone take risks and trust themselves as I’ve seen Harry do, and that makes me believe I can trust myself too and maybe take risks I otherwise wouldn’t have.’

Harry hit the headlines earlier this week when he had his teeth knocked out after a practice vault saw the bar fall into his face.

The painful incident was captured on video, which Harry himself later Tweeted.

He wrote: ‘Got some good vaulting done tonight at the @teamgb holding camp!

‘HOWEVER…The bar then fell on my face and messed up all my teeth. I hope @tokyo2020 has a good dentist around.’     

MILES LANGFORD

DATING: MOLLY RENSHAW, SWIMMER

Olympian swimmer Molly Renshaw, 26, from Mansfield, has been dating boyfriend Miles Langford for four years

Olympian swimmer Molly Renshaw, 26, from Mansfield, has been dating boyfriend Miles Langford for four years

Molly regularly shares gushing posts about her boyfriend online, along with snaps from exotic holidays abroad

Molly regularly shares gushing posts about her boyfriend online, along with snaps from exotic holidays abroad

Molly regularly shares gushing posts about her boyfriend online, along with snaps from exotic holidays abroad (pictured left and right) 

Olympian swimmer Molly Renshaw, 26, from Mansfield, has been dating boyfriend Miles Langford for four years.

Little is known about Miles, who keeps a low profile on social media and has a private Instagram account.

However Molly regularly shares gushing posts about her boyfriend online, along with snaps from exotic holidays abroad. 

In December, she posted a gallery of images, writing: ‘Thank you for tolerating me for the past 4 years. Forever grateful for that rainy queue at FND.’

Photos showed the couple snuggling up at Lake Bled in Slovenia, posing in front of a yacht and cosying together for a selfie in a gondola in Venice. 

HARRY BOOKER 

ENGAGED TO: AMIE WILMOTT, SWIMMER

Aimee Wilmott was another athlete who had planned to retire last year after Tokyo only for the Games to be postponed - but her partner Harry Booker, a strength and conditioning coach, has been supporting her all the way

Aimee Wilmott was another athlete who had planned to retire last year after Tokyo only for the Games to be postponed – but her partner Harry Booker, a strength and conditioning coach, has been supporting her all the way

The couple announced their engagement in April 2020, with an adorable snap as they snuggled up while out on a walk together

The couple announced their engagement in April 2020, with an adorable snap as they snuggled up while out on a walk together

Aimee Wilmott was another athlete who had planned to retire last year after Tokyo only for the Games to be postponed.

Willmott had planned to move into the new phase of life with a full-time job on the horizon and a potential family with partner Harry Booker.

When she decided to continue training for the postponed Games she said: ‘Once I’d made the decision to carry on it was strange at first: I was thinking I shouldn’t really be here now, I should be at the next step whatever that might look like but I’m still doing what I was doing before.

‘So it’s been a very different 12 months in terms of my thought processes.’

Her partner Harry Booker, a strength and conditioning coach, has been supporting her all the way. 

The couple announced their engagement in April 2020, with an adorable snap as they snuggled up while out on a walk together. 

DAN JONES

DATING: ALYS THOMAS, SWIMMER

Tall, dark and handsome swimmer Dan Jones caught the eye of Olympian Alys Thomas in 2017 (pictured together)

Tall, dark and handsome swimmer Dan Jones caught the eye of Olympian Alys Thomas in 2017 (pictured together) 

Tall, dark and handsome swimmer Dan Jones caught the eye of Olympian Alys Thomas in 2017.

The Welshman may not be joining his girlfriend at the Games in Tokyo, but is an international sportsman himself, with sponsors including Red Bull and Go Pro.

The outdoorsy couple regularly shares snaps together on their social media together while out for walks in the Welsh countryside and snuggling up with their puppy Rio.   

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