Mike Rowbottom Chief Feature Writer

Mike Rowbottom, one of Britain's most talented sportswriters, covered the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics as chief feature writer for insidethegames, having covered the previous five summer Games, and four winter Games, for The Independent. He has worked for the Daily Mail, The Times, The Observer, The Sunday Correspondent and The Guardian.

Mike Rowbottom

Recent articles by Mike


Farah rises to Birmingham Diamond League challenge as other champions fall

By Mike Rowbottom

farahtopbrumJune 30 - Mo Farah bucked the trend in the Sainsbury's Grand Prix at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium - the latest event in this year's International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Diamond League - as he upheld his position as favourite to win the 5,000 metres ahead of two of his main rivals for that title at this summer's World Championships in Moscow.


Britain's flagship recovers its standing at Eton Dorney World Cup

By Mike Rowbottom

menseightworldcupJune 23 - Britain's flagship men's boat - the eight - produced the result that the majority of a sell-out crowd at the 2012 Olympic course desired today as they added a Samsung World Cup win on choppy home waters to the one they secured in the season's first regatta at Sydney in March.





Bolt back in business with season's fastest in Oslo Diamond League

By Mike Rowbottom

boltontheoslolineJune 13 - Just in case anyone was in danger of doubting it after his poor start to the season, Usain Bolt re-emphasised the fact that he is the world's greatest sprinter tonight as he won the 200 metres in the IAAF Diamond League meeting at Oslo in 19.79sec - the fastest time recorded this year.





Diamond League sponsor "not life or death" says IAAF President Diack

By Mike Rowbottom in Doha

diackMay 9 - The International Association of Athletics Federations would "welcome" a new title sponsor for the Diamond League following the withdrawal of Samsung after three years' commitment, but it will "not be a question of life or death", the IAAF President, Lamine Diack, announced here today.

Kebede's perfect timing earns him second Virgin London Marathon title as Farah learns "biggest lesson"

By Mike Rowbottom at the Tower Hotel in London

kebedewinsApril 21 - Ethiopia's marathon reputation, which sank to a low point when all three male entrants at the London 2012 Olympics dropped out, was dramatically restored here as Tsegaye Kebede passed Kenya's Emmanuel Mutai in the last half-mile to win the 2013 Virgin London Marathon in 2 hours 6 minutes 4 seconds, with teammates Ayele Abshero and Feyisa Lilesa third and fourth respectively in 2:06:57 and 2:07:46.