Hello and welcome if youre watching in the uk or around the world. Now to afghanistan, where the taliban have seized a second provincial capital within 2a hours. The Deputy Governor of Sheberghan Injawzjan province says government forces have retreated to the airport on the outskirts of the city, where theyre preparing to defend themselves. Shebhergan in northern afghanistan is the stronghold of former afghan Vice President abdul Rashid Dostum whose supporters fight against the taliban. The militants earlier captured zaranj in nimroz, close to the border with iran, in a major escalation of their offensive. Theyve made sweeping gains since foreign forces started withdrawing from the country. In both cities, the taliban freed hundreds of inmates from prisons theyd captured. the us and the uk have asked their citizens in afghanistan to leave the country immediately because of the worsening Security Situation in the country. Bilal is an afghan journalist in kabul with more on those prisoners being freed. We see the taliban making attempts. It is part of their strategy to go for provincial capitals and they have been attacking. As we saw, you know, in the city. So theyre sending a very strong message to theirfighters in sending a very strong message to their fighters in villages, districts, valleys and provinces, that will not be left behind because the taliban do recruit on that motto. But we are also seeing, you know, these large scale attacks coming against cities that are packed with Hundreds And Thousands of people. You are talking about, you know, indians who have been displaced over the years fleeing fighting in the districts of these provinces. They have lost a lot. They have had heartbreaks. Im joined now by the bbc� s diplomatic correspondent paul adams. Let me ask you first of all, as we see these developments and the deterioration in the situation in afghanistan, what is the picture. What do you think the most significant element is . Clearly, if it is true that significant element is . Clearly, if it is true that another significant element is . Clearly, if it is true that another provincial l it is true that another provincial capital has fallen or is in the process of falling then that is a deeply worrying thing. It is partly about the image of what is going on. The Military Picture may be confused with the fact of the matter is that in the past couple of months the taliban have successfully captured half of the districts of afghanistan. The Lightning Advance of the taliban is getting harder and harder to ignore. And that has catastrophic effects. For example, on the morale of Tens Of Thousands of afghan troops who, you know, in a rather familiar way, of afghan troops who, you know, in a ratherfamiliar way, we of afghan troops who, you know, in a rather familiar way, we are of afghan troops who, you know, in a ratherfamiliar way, we are Hearing Reports that they are simply abandoning their positions and throwing of their uniforms. These are people who are poorly trained, badly and in some cases not paid. And they are not fighting for kind of Victory Or Glory as the taliban are. And they are not perhaps willing to die as the members of the taliban are so this impression of a Lightning Advance is something that is becoming more and more apparent. Lets talk about, then, what this might be. We have these claims by the taliban, for instance, that they have released prisoners. We know that they have quite a sophisticated Pr Operation now. But we have the international community in countries like britain and the americas telling their citizens to get out. Does that in some sense tell us that the claims the taliban have made appear on this occasion to stack up . Youre right. To sound a note of caution about. Youre right. To sound a note of caution about propaganda. Youre right. To sound a note of i caution about propaganda. Everyone is at it. You know, the afghan government officials have been saying today that they are going to recapture an area in short order and they are simply regrouping. They said that also down in the south west. You have those pictures of prisoners being released from prison. These are not pictures we have been able to verify. These are pictures that have come from the taliban but again it is all part of creating this narrative of them being in control. And it is something, you know, that has been a concern to western military officials for some time. The narrative that is created. And when we hear that the americans and the british are ordering their civilians to leave the country, people who have in some cases spent years trying to build up the institutions of afghanistan. To give it some kind of afghanistan. To give it some kind of weight and authority, that some of weight and authority, that some of these people are being told to leave. This is very much the kind of narrative of abandonment that some military planners have been warning against the some time. Because it does create what becomes a kind of unstoppable narrative. You know, we dont know what is going to remain of Western Support come the end of this month. We are reaching the end of the withdrawal of western forces and that was supposed to be all happening by the beginning of september. What will happen, for example, to american Air Strikes in the wake of that withdrawal . Will they continue in any Way Or Form . Or, as many are beginning to fear, will all about disappear, too . It is an extraordinary will all about disappear, too . It is an extraordinary situation to in almost 20 years to the month since the first foreign troops entered afghanistan. Pauladams, our afghanistan. Paul adams, our diplomatic afghanistan. Pauladams, our diplomatic correspondent, thank you very much. The Prime Minister of greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis says the country must urgently change its approach to Fire Prevention and flood protection. More than 700 firefighters are tackling wildfires that have broken out across the country after the worst heatwave in 30 years including in the capital athens, where one Volunteer Firefighter died after being hit by a falling electricity pole. These images show some of the thousands of people have been evacuated from areas surrounding the capital. In the villiage of limni more than A Thousand people fled on Ferry Boats as the fires closed in. Translation i want to reassure all those affected by the fire is that they are my first priority. All the burns and will be be forested and we change the way we carry out Fire Prevention works. Change the way we carry out Fire Prevention works. Bethany bell is in malakasa Near Athens. This is the main North South Motorway Near Athens but it has been closed for two days because of all the fires that keep breaking out abound here. We have seen over the past half an hour or so, helicopters coming back here time and time again, trying to put out the blazes on these mountainsides. But it is not working yet and the strong scorching wrens are making things very difficult for the emergency services. International help is on its way. People are trying to do as much as they can but this is really what the authorities are saying, really unprecedented situation. Annette saw the area around her home burn, while the house she and her husband live in was miraculously saved. Shejoins me now from a town in east attica. Thank you very much for talking to us first of all. After what must have been a very traumatic couple of days. Have been a very traumatic couple of Da S. , have been a very traumatic couple of da 5. ,. , have been a very traumatic couple of das. , days. Yes, absolutely. It was extremely days. Yes, absolutely. It was extremely traumatic. Days. Yes, absolutely. It was extremely traumatic. We days. Yes, absolutely. It was l extremely traumatic. We could days. Yes, absolutely. It was extremely traumatic. We could not understand what was going on. First there was a gigantic cloud like the Nagasaki Bomb and then there was no smoke and then the virus started to literally come down The Mountain, a massive line of fire, huge flames 30 metres high. But we were just flabbergasted. We couldnt believe it. We thought it was a joke. And thenit it. We thought it was a joke. And then it started to approach and then we started to feel the heat and i decided to leave by car. I went to the centre of athens. My husband wanted to say because the Houses Everything we have. He stayed until 12 at night until the fire was really at the fence and the roses were burning and then he put all dogsin were burning and then he put all dogs in the house, close the shutters and left. Dogs in the house, close the shutters and left. These pictures were showing shutters and left. These pictures were showing in shutters and left. These pictures were showing in right shutters and left. These pictures were showing in right now shutters and left. These Pictures L were showing in right now pictures that you filmed and i think people should be very grateful to you for doing that because it really does give us a Sense Ofjust how close these pirates are now getting to peoples homes. Whats your explanation for how they didnt get to your house . Explanation for how they didnt get to your house . Yes, i think that my husband is to your house . Yes, i think that my husband is a to your house . Yes, i think that my husband is a very to your house . Yes, i think that my husband is a very realistic to your house . Yes, i think that my husband is a very realistic man to your house . Yes, i think that my husband is a very realistic man and | husband is a very realistic man and when he saw the flames going down The Mountain he opened all the hoses, or the sprinklers. And we removed all the Garden Furniture and, yeah, we tried to. Your whole instinct is becoming alert. You become like an animal. Where is the wind, where is the fire, where other roses. In the letter said Manager Bill is quite ok, that is it. We really are in danger. Our lives are in danger. And he left for a bit but he came at about 12 and thought, ok, im going to lose my house. He waited for a bridge and that too in the morning he came back and he saw that the fire had gone literally over the house and the house were spared because at the back we had really huge leafy trees like birch trees, about 11. And because behind us is another mountain and with very dry pine trees. Very, very dry. Because it had been 43 celsius for a week so it was so dry. And that is where the fire went. And it did not go to a house because of the Beech Trees and all the hoses that were on. Its odd have created a microclimate of moisture. I really dont know because i sent you the video and it is like somebody put his hand in our house. Who video and it is like somebody put his hand in our house. Who knows, maybe his hand in our house. Who knows, maybe we his hand in our house. Who knows, maybe. We are his hand in our house. Who knows, maybe. We are so his hand in our house. Who knows, maybe. We are so grateful his hand in our house. Who knows, maybe. We are so grateful and i maybe. We are so grateful and ha maybe. We are so grateful and happy you maybe. We are so grateful and happy you cannot maybe. We are so grateful and happy you cannot imagine. Maybe. We are so grateful and happy you cannot imagine. May | maybe. We are so grateful and l happy you cannot imagine. May be maybe. We are so grateful and happy you cannot imagine. May be the Ancient Greek happy you cannot imagine. May be the Ancient Greek gods happy you cannot imagine. May be the Ancient Greek gods smiled happy you cannot imagine. May be the Ancient Greek gods smiled down happy you cannot imagine. May be the Ancient Greek gods smiled down on. Ancient greek gods smiled down on you. It is lovely to hear a good News Story out of this. I know it is a worrying time for you and many of those who live and love greece. And we will keep our fingers crossed for a greek friends of the next few days and hopefully the temperature is begin to drop a little. There will begin to drop a little. There will be some rain at some point but at least, and example you set is dont think that you can save your property. If the fire is coming it is going to claim it and dont risk your life but that can be rebuilt when you cannot be replaced. Thank you so much for giving us such a graphic explanation of what happened and such wonderful pictures. We are most grateful to you and we hope you have a slightly more relaxing evening tonight. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Time now for a Round Up of all the news from The Olympics. Lets cross to the bbc Sports Centre and gavin ramjaun. Just one more day to go in The Olympics. Some history to celebrate for Britain Today Joe Choong won gold in the mens Modern Pentathlon. Hes the first british man to become individual Olympic Champion in this multi format competition. He held off a late challenge in the final 800m as part of the laser leg, to win gold. Two golds then for gb in this event, after Kate French won the individual womens Modern Pentathlon yesterday. Jessica Springsteen Daughter of Rock Star Bruce springsteen, marked her olympic debut by helping the united states to a show jumping silver medal. The us team were edged out of gold in a jump off by sweden. Belgium took the bronze. Springstein said the experience was wild and said she called herfamily immediately after winning the silver. Japan have won the coveted Baseball Gold after beating the united states in the Yokohama Baseball the hosts won 2 0, meaning teamjapan complete an historic double after the Womens Softball Team took gold earlier at the games. The winning squad will each receive a Cash Bonus of 10 Million yen, around 90 Thousand dollars, in whats a long awaited first olympic gold in the sport. Earlier, britains Galal Yafai claimed the first gold of the day and the first gold for britain in boxing in tokyo. Yafai beat Carlo Paalam, of the philippines, 4 1 in the Points Decision to become the flyweight Olympic Champion. Paalam was aiming to become the first filipino to win olympic boxing gold. But its redemption of sorts for Yafai He qualified for rio 2016, but lost in the last 16. In tokyo, its gold and he has big goals for the future. It isa it is a massive day for me, becoming an Mp Champion is something i have always dreamt of since i was young and i to do it today so i am just overwhelmed. With being an Olympic Champion. And it will live with me forever. Im not looking too much into the future but i think my olympic cycles are done now. I want to be World Champion as a professional. Ijust to be World Champion as a professional. I just want to enjoy what i have done and my family and friends. Again, not think about boxing too much now. Again, not think about boxing too much now. What a debut olympics this has been for british cyclist, Matt Walls after winning a Gold Medal, in the mens omnium. Hes now won a silver medal, in the Mens Madison alongside Ethan Hayter. It wasnt quite enough to overhaul reigning World Champions denmark who won gold. It was impressive Power Display over the 200 laps from Denmarks Michael Morkov and lasse norman hansen. France, desperate for a Gold Medal, made an all or Nothing Attack with three points clear of denmark with 60 laps to go, and gb were too far back to regain enough points for gold as denmark raced 11 points clear. Josh kerr has won great britains first medal in the 1500 metres for 33 years after taking bronze on the track. He even almost beat World Champion Timothy Cheriot on the line to silver, while the clear winner was norways jakob inger britson. Josh kerr only scraped through qualification. He ran a personal best, and it was almost a new british record. Only Mo Farah has run faster than him. And britains Tom Daley has another olympic medal after winning won bronze in the Mens10 Metre Platform diving. It was a cracking final too. Daley, was in a three Way Tussle for gold, but chinese pair, cow yan, and yang chien, were just about flawless and took the top two spots. Daley, says a second medal was beyond his own wildest dreams having already ended a long wait for olympics gold, in the synchronised 10 Metre Platform final last week. Daley, looked relaxed and focused throughout this final and celebrated poolside after securing a fourth olympic medal overall, in his fourth games. Israels Linoy Ashram claimed a Shock Victory in the olympic rhythmic gymnastics individual all around final on saturday ending two decades of russian dominance. Ashram clung on despite a mistake in her Closing Ribbon Routine to take the gold. So lets take a look at what that all means in the Medal Table then on the penultimate day of the tokyo games. Britain in 5th, level on 20 golds with the russian olympic committee. Its close between china and the usa. China just ahead on 38, with the us two further back. Thats all the sport for now. I think it isjust i think it is just dust, i think it isjust dust, and emma randomly. I dont know what is going on. I would randomly. I dont know what is going on. Iwould not randomly. I dont know what is going on. I would not be at all surprised that a lot of dry air in the studios, isnt there . A word to of their listing. Thank you, gavin, very much indeed. Thank you, gavin, very much indeed. Lets look at some of the days other news. Thousands of people have been protesting across france against a new Health Pass intended to limit the spread of coronavirus. Its the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations. The pass will be needed at cafes, restaurants and shopping centres, and on inter city trains. It shows that the holder has been fully vaccinated, has recently tested negative, or has recovered from the virus. The us military� s Central Command has announced the results of an investigation into last weeks fatal Drone Attack on a Merchant Tanker off oman. Its experts concluded the drone was made in iran. A british Security Guard and the ships romanian captain were killed. Tehran had already denied orchestrating the attack. The headlines on Bbc News the us and britain warn their remaining citizens in afghanistan to leave as the taliban continue their advance, seizing a second provincial capital. Hundreds are evacuated by ferry in greece, as firefighters continue to battle an unprecedented outbreak of wildfires. And indias first ever Track And Field Gold Medal at The Olympics Neeraj Chopra wins the javelin and ends a 100 year wait for glory. Riot police in thailand have fired tear Gas And Rubber bullets at anti government protesters who tried to gather in the capital bangkok. The demonstrators are calling for political reforms and changes to the monarchy. Theyre also angry at the thai governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic. As jonathan reports. These protests a re these protests are not yet on the scale of last years mass rallies. But they are no less determined. Pushing once again for the government to resign and for the lavish funds are spent on the Military Monarchy to be diverted instead to fighting the covid pandemic. The Police Board of the Prime Ministers home and much of bangkoks royal quarter. They push the protest is back with volleys of tear gas. A now familiar confrontation we are seeing each weekend despite the Governments Declaration that such gatherings are strictly forbidden. The grievances that fired up thailands leeds last year have not gone away. If anything, the governments botched Vaccine Bow without combined with the rapid spread of the Delta Variant overwhelming hospitals and morgues in a country that largely contained the virus last year, has sparked even wider public anger. The rime sparked even wider public anger. Tue Prime Minister, sparked even wider public anger. Tte Prime Minister, who sparked even wider public anger. Tte Prime Minister, who seized sparked even wider public anger. Tte Prime Minister, who seized power seven years ago in a cool, is seen by many as out of touch and authoritarian. His is one of several governments in this region who is already shaking legitimacy is being tested by covid. Xtet. Already shaking legitimacy is being tested by covid. Already shaking legitimacy is being tested by covid. Yet, with Infection Still Risin tested by covid. Yet, with Infection Still Rising and tested by covid. Yet, with Infection Still Rising and much tested by covid. Yet, with Infection Still Rising and much of tested by covid. Yet, with Infection Still Rising and much of thailand tested by covid. Yet, with Infection Still Rising and much of thailand in| still rising and much of thailand in lockdown, only a few people are prepared to take the risk ofjoining these demonstrations. For now, they remain small and unless they pick up momentum, little threat to the thai government. Jonathan head, bangkok. Jonathan head, bangkok. India has claimed their first ever olympic gold in athletics as Neeraj Chopra won the Mens Javelin at tokyo 2020. The Twenty Three year old registered a best throw of 87. 58m on saturday to win a historic medal for India Bbc Hindis Raghvendra Raojoins Me now from the city of shimla. Tell us, first of all, do we understand how Big A deal this is . For indian athletics. Because i think people know a lot about, for example, african rhinos and know little or nothing about indias athletic events. African runners. This is a huge development as far as Indian Sport is consensus that india, you know, it has always been the case of all these last decades, we have had athletes who came close to winning medals, individual medals, particularly in Track And Field events, be it whoever. Indian sportsmenjust field events, be it whoever. Indian sportsmen just missed the Podium Field events, be it whoever. Indian sportsmenjust missed the podium by a whisper, so in that context is particular when, a Gold Medal and a Track And Field event, it is the first for india. Remember we only have come india only has one gold to its kitty before this. That was an athlete who got a gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in shooting. In Track And Field events, this is the first Gold Medal for india and, Track And Field events, this is the first Gold Medalfor india and, yes, it is a big deal. First Gold Medalfor india and, yes, it is a big deal first Gold Medalfor india and, yes, it is a big deal. Presumably because ofthe it is a big deal. Presumably because of the time it is a big deal. Presumably because of the Time Zone it is a big deal. Presumably because of the Time Zone these it is a big deal. Presumably because of the Time Zone these limits it is a big deal. Presumably because of the Time Zone these limits are. Of the Time Zone these limits are taking place in tokyo, cannot be a better year for it to happen because people in india are able to follow the events. How much interest has there been in the olympic games . filth. There been in the olympic games . Oh, well, the there been in the olympic games . T well, the interest there been in the olympic games . Ot, well, the interest has there been in the olympic games . Qt well, the interest has been huge. Indians normally prefer sports like cricket, as the world knows. But, yes, come olympics every four years, you know, there is a renewed interest and performances which indian athletes have been able to deliver at the Olympic Arena has also led to change amongst the people. This time around the interest has been huge. People have been Keeping Track of indian athletes and watching matches. In fact, the fact that india has managed to secure its best ever tally, we already have seven medals so far. This is the best tally for india ever in The Olympics. That sparked off an interest amongst youngsters in particular and i am sure examples like this and several others who have performed extremely well in these olympics, they are going to inspire a whole new generation. Going to inspire a whole new generation going to inspire a whole new reneration. ,. , ~ generation. Lets ust talk, if We Ma , generation. Lets ust talk, if We May. Briefly. Generation. Lets ust talk, if We May. Briefly. If generation. Letsjust talk, if We May, briefly, if you generation. Letsjust talk, if We May, briefly, if you would, generation. Letsjust talk, if we | may, briefly, if you would, about the man up about his individual achievement. Tell us about him. Well, yes, he isjust 23 years achievement. Tell us about him. Well, yes, he is just 23 years old. He hails from the township which is not very farfrom he hails from the township which is not very far from the national capital of delhi. He started his training while being in his own town but soon realised there was not enough facilities available and then he moved to a better place, a better city where he could get, you know, better facilities to train. And, you know, he started showing results very early on. He won the under 20 championship that he won a Gold Medal there and from then on there has been no looking back for him. I mean, he has won the commonwealth gold. He is one of the nation games gold. He is one of the nation games old. � ,. , gold. He is one of the nation games old. � ,. , , gold. Im sorry to interrupt you but who knows gold. Im sorry to interrupt you but who knows where gold. Im sorry to interrupt you but who knows where it gold. Im sorry to interrupt you but who knows where it is gold. Im sorry to interrupt you but who knows where it is all gold. Im sorry to interrupt you but who knows where it is all going gold. Im sorry to interrupt you but who knows where it is all going to | who knows where it is all going to end . Today, at least, tonight in india, much to celebrate. Thank you so much for that fascinating story about indias first Track Athletics Gold champion. A tiny bat has been nicknamed the olympic bat� by scientists after she beat all known british records by flying more than 1200 miles across europe. The tiny female pipistrelle bat, like The One pictured here, was discovered in a small russian village by a resident who noticed it had a ring with � London Zoo written on. Remarkably, the bat had been ringed in 2016 near heathrow airport. Unfortunately, the bat later died after an attack but its epicjourney is of huge interest to scientists studying the creatures in the uk. Tom spoke to us early and said that bats are small but mighty creatures and there is a huge amount we need to learn from them. You and there is a huge amount we need to learn from them. To learn from them. You are talking about an animal to learn from them. You are talking about an animal that to learn from them. You are talking about an animal that really, to learn from them. You are talking about an animal that really, a about an animal that really, a chunky one might be five centimetres. It is a long way across the North Sea as well. It is incredible effort from such a small mammal. Thats a pretty hardy creatures. I mean, here in the uk, we have 18 species of bats and apart from taking a bit of a break over winter, they have got to get out there. They have got to get out there. They have got to get out there and feed so they can withstand a bit of wind. They can withstand a bit of rain. Because they are just, you know, they are so tough. They really are olympians. A few Watch Bats in the way out there just going, going, going, fighting for it. Really, really tough competitor so am sure that this particular batch just that, what . So am sure that this particular batchjust that, what . Heathrow so am sure that this particular batch just that, what . Heathrow to moscow, no problem, sunshine. And of it went. There is a huge amount that bats can teach us. For starters, it is only relatively recently that we recognised this as a different type. We used to think that the only came to the uk to feed and that they then went back to europe but we now know went back to europe but we now know we have breeding colonies here in the South East. So we are always learning more and more and more and what you consider bats really are top predators for flying what you consider bats really are top predators forFlying Insects what you consider bats really are top predators for Flying Insects and Flying Insects themselves are an incredible indicator of environMental Health and ecological health, you know, youve got to have those little midges and flies pollinating our Season Grasses and all that kind of stuff. They are an amazing Keystone Species are where they started, where they are going, and what they might encounter along the way gives us more opportunity to protect them, to look after them and in doing so get an idea of the current day of health of our own ecosystem. Current day of health of our own ecosystem current day of health of our own ecos stem. ,. ,. , ecosystem. Tom talking about bats. Now, the british ecosystem. Tom talking about bats. Now, the british singer ecosystem. Tom talking about bats. Now, the british singer lily ecosystem. Tom talking about bats. Now, the british Singer Lily Allen i now, the british Singer Lily Allen has made her Acting Debut. The british Singer Lily Allen has made her Acting Debut in londons West End and shes revealed she finds the Theatre Experience far scarier than performing a music concert. The 36 year old is starring in � two twenty two, a supernatural thriller about four friends caught up in a night of high tension. Mark lobel reports. The multi award winners performed in front of Tens Of Thousands on glastonbury� s famous pyramid stage. When do you think it will all become clear . Cos im being taken over by the fear. Now in her new incarnation as an actress, following five weeks of rehearsals, she says she really is being taken over by the fear. I know people say, oh, youve been on a stage before, but it is a completely different experience, its kind of like, much scarierfor me. On stage, Lilys Character examines the supernatural late into the night. As the Witching Hour approaches, she argues ghosts are like random memories. You mostly ignore them, but every so often one sticks out because it sets off some emotional response, so you share it again. The choice of londons noel Coward Theatre for Lily Allens west End Debut comes with a hint of irony, with her character convinced her home is haunted. Apparently the theatre is haunted as well. The guy that built the theatre, charles windham, apparently he walks across the stage and goes into the Dressing Room by the stage, which is Lily Allens Dressing Room. As long as he stays in there, thats fine. Its Lily Allens problem, its not mine. Haunted or not, the outspoken Number One selling singers fully aware her surprising move to the theatre Dressing Room after being approached by a Casting Director out of the blue, comes with a risk of, well, a premature Exit Stage left. The fact that i do live in new York Kind of meant theres a very clear Exit Strategy if it all goes terribly wrong. If i was living in london, i probably wouldnt have taken the job � Cause Id have to live with the consequences, but yeah, no, everythings great, its all working out fine. Indeed, after a few rave reviews from fans in previews before next weeks official opening, it looks like the 36 year old can believe in herself once more, as well as the ghosts theyre all staying up to see. Mark lobel, Bbc News. I wonder mark lobel, Bbc News. If they have bats in that i wonder show . Mark lobel, Bbc News. If they have bats in that at quarter to six, well join viewers on Bbc One for the Tea Time news. But first on Bbc News, Mental Health And Elite Sport has been at the forefront of the Tokyo Olympics after high profile athletes including Simone Biles chose to speak publicly about the issue. James Reynolds Talks to a Gold Medal winning olympian, a Sport Psychologist and a mental Health Charity about whether the stigma surrounding Mental Health is finally receding. 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 and Notjust Go 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 her first 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 im 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 forjoining us. Helen, id like to start with you. Tell us about your experiences as a player were there some days where you thought you might be physically fit, but mentally you just could not go on . Yes, i was an athlete who has experienced struggles with my own Mental Health. Ive 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 its very commendable. As athletes, we live in a world that is just a constant stress in some ways, and lots of ways its deliberate. We are put under stress in our daily Training Environment because when it comes to olympic games, there will be stress. 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, its 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 medals that everyone is winning this is massive, and i think this will have a really good effect on Mental Health discussions not just in sport, but in society which i think is fantastic. Professor, im interested by something helen said there, there will be stress. Historically, as youll know better than me, Managing Extreme Stress has 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, wouldnt we also take away most of the Sporting Events in the past . I think its very important, as helen was alluding to there, that we distinguish between whats Mental Illness and psychological Distress Or Performance issues. Because i think the performance issues are whats being highlighted at the moment, and they can lead to Mental Illness. Thats the danger, trying to model the two things together instead of delineating them. If we look at psychological distress, as helen said, Weve Trained Athletes to deal with this but the word she used is its a skill. So when athletes get into the performance arena, that psychological distress they are experiencing, they lose that skill at that point. Thats something that can happen all of us in any time, then they go into a Semi Melt Down and pull back from competition. So i think theres a lot going on that needs to be teased out so we dontjust keep saying that this athlete is mentally weak or making these sweeping statements, rather than looking at the uniqueness of the athletes and what they are trying to achieve. Paul 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 teach Each Other . Yes, well i think this is a Tipping Point in many ways, not just for Mental Health in sport, but also for the conversations about Mental Health more broadly. In many ways, what we are seeing in the last couple of weeks is a reflection of a growing change in the way that we are thinking about stigma around mental ill health and Mental Health in general. So ten or more years ago, people really wouldnt be comfortable talking. About in society, and they definitely wouldnt feel comfortable talking about in sport. Now more people are comfortable talking about their Mental Healthl in society, so sports are also more comfortable. But this is a parallel relationship that is influenced, these incredible Sports Stars speaking openly about their Mental Health, we know inspires others to do the same. L and crucially, for many people, it gives them confidence in the ability to go seek help for themselves, looking up i to their heroes who they see as very much heroes, and recognising they have a veryl similar condition to what they are expanding at the moment. And for these incredible i athletes, as helena said, the stress they are under has been particularly significant. I but in individual ways, people in our society are also facing a similar kind of level of stress as we come out of the pandemic. Im fascinated by the fact that several of you have talked about what might� ve been different ten or so years ago. Looking back to 1998, theres one particular example the brazilian footballer ronaldo, 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 couldnt stop crying yet he still went out onto the pitch and didnt perform that well. Youve had been in that situation before. 18 finalfor the most 18 final for the most important event. Would that situation with ronaldo in 1998 be different now . I do remember that, i remember everyone watching on and going, whats going on . Its so strange. I remember the late 90s, early to thousands and how we looked at psychology and athletes, and im going, stop watching me. That developed and has changed so much, and psychologists are Part And Parcel of an athletes life. Now we are starting to introduce the Well Being and Mental Health element, as well. I dont think that wouldve happened, that would not happen now. We saw that with Simone Biles, the fact that her Team Mates and, which was to support simone and allow her to do what she knew she needed to do. So thankfully that is starting to change i dont think thatll be the case in every team, dont get me wrong, we are not there yet, but its 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 massively. I remember when i first came into this about 20 years ago, people saw it as being like you go to see steve if youve got something seriously wrong with you. Thankfully when some of the top stars came to me, saying they were working to understand their mind and accelerate the performance, it turned around completely. People are now very open about working with me. But i think thats really great. I think the key 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 for focusing and striving to do really well but come competition, that can turn on you, particularly if you link it with your Identity And Self esteem. Because then they become unforgiving on themselves and they go into the arena with this attitude of not being able to let people or themselves down, and it becomes untenable to deal with. 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, its about to be over . What should they do at that point . Yeah, i mean, i really hope theyve 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 weeks sometimes, id come home and feel down and a bit sad, and i would cry for a reason i did not know why. It was because ive been in this intense environment, you know, living out my goal and my purpose, and my dream and suddenly it stops, and im not surrounded by all my Team Mates any more. Im at home by myself and thats just the way it is. And i think the message that ive tried to think about for myself when i retired after the rio olympic games was, its ok to not be ok. You dont have to be happy all the time. If youre having ups and downs, thats ok, thats normal, thats 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 arentjust 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 younger ones, as bogart said, there always be paris. Thank you all so much. Good afternoon. Its been another day of success for Team Gb at The Olympics in tokyo, with two more Gold Medals taking the Overrall Tally to 20. The Flyweight Boxer Galal yafai won britains first gold in the Mens Flyweight Division since 1956, Whilejoe Chung triumphed in the mens modern penthathlon. And there was more success for the diver Tom Daley. Heres natalie pirks. What a moment for Galal Yafai. From working in a carfactory in solihull to the fulfilling a lifelong olympic dream its been quite the six Year Ascent for Galal Yafai. So, we are under way, then. In the mens flyweight final, Carlo Paalam of the philippines stood in his Way But Tokyo represented yafais shot at redemption and he was determined to deliver a masterclass. Oh, and hes down his aggressive start won him the first round unanimously with thejudges and he never looked back. In blue. Yes, and there is confirmation im Olympic Champion, man. Im just going to chill, relax with my family and friends and then look at my next chapter after. Can hear the vocal encouragement coming from choong. Yesterday, Kate French won gold in the womens Modern Pentathlon. Today, Joe Choong was determined not to be outdone. Hed led from the very start of the fencing and with only two fences down in the showjumping, the World Number one took a 12 second lead into the final run and shoot. In the high Stakes Game of laser tag, choong showed composure, Endurance And Speed to beat egyptian Ahmed Elgendy in the last 200 metres and complete a glorious double for Team Gb. This was britains first male gold in history. New Olympic Champion for great britain ive always said i wanted to be the best in the world at something and ive been World Number one but its not the same as winning a world champs or an olympics. This is literally a dream come true. In the olympic final for great britains Tom Daley. After the joy of synchronised gold, today Tom Daley was flying solo. As his son robbie watched on from home with his husband, there was no knitting to alleviate the nerves this time, just six dives between him and the individual gold he so craved. Yes, get in he got off to a cracking start but his remarkable chinese rivals soon turned the screw. 0h Cao Yuan became the first man in history to win olympic gold in three different disciplines. His compatriot, yang jian, took the silver. For daley, bronze and a little piece of british diving history. Well, that bronze is Tom Daley� s fourth olympic medal at his fourth olympic games. Just like a fine wine, he seems to be getting better with age. So, whats next . I dont know. Ive always said ill keep going as long as my body will let me or if i become an Olympic Champion, but now ive become Olympic Champion im kind of like, ooh, that felt good. I want to try and do that again but you know, i dont know. Hopefully theyll have the mixed Synchro Events in The Olympics next time or the Team Event and that will be something that will definitely be worth coming back for. Thats something for him to chew over then, for the next three years. Natalie pirks, Bbc News, tokyo. Theres been success in the velodrome too for great britain, on the penultimate day of the games. Ethan hayter and Matt Walls won silver in the Mens Madison. And on the track, Josh Kerr took bronze in the mens1500 metres. With more details, heres andy swiss. Theyre housemates back in manchester and look what theyre taking home. In Cyclings Version of the relay, Matt Walls and Ethan Hayter proved the perfect combination, as a late burst in the madison saw them surge to this silver. Its been another superb ride there was also success in the athletics, as norways Jakob Ingebrigtsen charged to gold in the 1500 metres. Not far behind him was a new british star. And a brilliant bronze medalforJosh Kerr 23 year old Josh Kerr winning britains first medal in the Mens Event since 1988. I know i have this weird confidence in myself. Some may call it cockiness. Today i felt like a World Beater and ijust had to come out and perform. There was history, meanwhile, in the javelin. Neeraj chopra winning indias first ever gold in athletics. Indias prime Minister Nahendra Modi said his achievement would be remembered forever. But the days biggest celebrations belonged to japan. For this baseball mad nation, a first ever gold in the sport after beating the usa. And with each player getting a 10 Million yen bonus, the wait has certainly been worth it. Andy swiss, Bbc News. Well, great britain are now 5th in the medals table. Tomorrow, the final day of the games, there are 13 golds up for grabs. Lets Ta Ke lets take a look at the latest Government Coronavirus figures. There were more than 28,500 new infections, in the latest 24 hour period, that makes an average of nearly 27,000 new cases per day over the last seven days. So the longer Term Trend is slightly down. 103 deaths were recorded in the last 2a hours, thats an average of 90 a day in the past week. Nearly 89 of adults in the uk have had theirfirstjab, and over 74 are now fully vaccinated. Wales has moved to covid alert level zero, meaning social distancing rules and most other restrictions, have now come to an end. People can gather indoors and nightclubs can re open. But face masks will still be required by law in shops and on public transport. Heres our wales correspondent, hywel griffith. Its not quite ripping up the rules but from today, life in wales is far less limited. Social distancing is no longer written into law. No need to count how many people meet indoors. Facemasks are still mandatory in shops and most indoor spaces, something emma says she can live with. I think its quite a good idea, really, because theres still quite a lot of vulnerable people. I dont like wearing them but its just something weve all had to do, really, isnt it . For the manager here, its about keeping customers confident. They cant afford to take risks. We need to move steadily, gently to complete normality. It isnt going to happen overnight but we do need to build our trade up because since weve reopened, were only taking about 60 of what we took in 2019. While theres obvious relief at ending some of the restrictions people have had to live with for almost a year and a half, theres already some nervousness about the months ahead. The welsh government has warned that the rise of another Coronavirus Variant could yet mean having to reimpose some control measures. Barring people from the bar again would be unpalatable for many in the beer trade. From today, Table Service and masks are no longer legally required in welsh pubs, restaurants and cafes. They hope theyve seen the last of lockdowns. Basically, weve taken no money. Weve managed to survive with the brewery, weve got an independent brewery. Plus weve been doing home deliveries. But if we hadnt have had that, i dont know if wed have survived and i think that pubs in general are struggling. Everyone hopes today is a first taste of real lasting freedom. But for now, few are getting carried away. Hywel griffith, Bbc News, maesteg. Britain is sending firefighters to greece, to help Battle Flames that have forced thousands of people to flee their homes. More than 150 wildfires are burning across the country, some close to the northern suburbs of athens. Two people are known to have died and at least 20 others have been injured. Greece, like many parts of europe, has been grappling with extreme weather this summer. Widespread flooding and colder than average temperatures in Central Europe and now baking hot weather in the south. Our europe correspondent, bethany bell, reports from athens. Greece is in the grip of an emergency. Wildfires have been blazing out of control for days. The extreme heat means these forests Near Athens are like a tinderbox. Helicopters keep returning here to try and put out this fire but it isnt working yet. This is the main North South Motorway Near Athens but its been closed for two days because of all the fires around here and the strong scorching winds arent helping. As the fire spreads down the hillside, people are frightened for their houses. Panicked screams. In athens, their screams for help as the flames grow closer. People are desperately trying to put out the fires in any way they can. Thousands of people have been evacuated. This lady in athens told me she is worried for her family. A big national tragedy. Do you live around here . I dont live here. My sister lives here. But its horrible, for the whole of greece. This was the scene on the island of evia last night. Ferries carried hundreds of people to safety after they fled to the beaches. Safe on board, One Man filmed the inferno on his phone. The fire burned through a vast area of pine forests. Only the sea could stop it. Tonight, evia is still burning and the flames are spreading towards one of the islands largest towns. Bethany bell, Bbc News, athens. Thats it. Ill be back with the late news at 10 10. Now on Bbc One, time for the news where you are. Bye for now. Good evening from Bbc London and bbc South East. Walk in Vaccine Centres are open across london and the South East this weekend. Cracks of thunder in the last few hours, brought by the slow pressure sitting on top of us. It is here today, it will be here tomorrow, and it will be influencing our weather on monday. You can see on the Satellite Picture that there was a lot of cloud across the uk, with a few breaks here and there. But, overall, quite a cloudy picture. You can see the distribution of showers at the end of the afternoon. The really heavy ones across parts of scotland, Northern England and northern ireland. In the south, there are still some heavy ones around, but they sort of come and go. And i think the chance of a little bit more brightness, and also, in the North East of scotland here, not a bad day overall. So there are pockets of some decent weather. Here is the low pressure through the night. You can see it spinning away on top of us. Remember, this is a slow moving area of low pressure. Spinning over is quite fast. But it is moving slowly so the weather brings sets across the uk for some time. Here it is on sunday. The centre of the low pressure has hardly moved. It has only drifted ever so slightly towards the north. That also means the wind on the southern flank of this, they will be a little bit stronger across part of finland and wales, really quite gusty. 1a mph gusts. At that actually might be a decent thing, because it means any heavy showers will be blown through quite quickly. The lighter wind will be across more northern areas. Yeah, the showers will be slow moving. The heavy showers will be more prolonged. The temperature is, quite disappointed, obviously, and not much change into monday. There are hints that things are going to improve, from around tuesday, into wednesday and thursday, we will be between weather systems. There is low pressure out in the atlantic, but this lump of High Pressure building. Its only a weak area of High Pressure. It suggests there will be slightly warm air coming our way from the south. Mostly affecting South Eastern and eastern parts of the country. Not super warm, but warmer compared to what we got right now. You can see the gentle rise, temperatures could, for example, hit 24 temperatures could, for example, Hit 2a or 25 degrees in the South East. So that is something. Goodbye. This is Bbc News these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. The us and britain warn their remaining citizens in afghanistan to leave as the taliban continue their advance, seizing a second provincial capital. Hundreds are evacuated by ferry in greece, as firefighters continue to battle an unprecedented outbreak of wildfires. Indias first ever Track And Field Gold Medal at The Olympics Neeraj Chopra wins the javelin and ends a 100 year wait for glory. And its Gold Medal number 20 for Team Gb asJoe Choong takes Top Spot in the mens Modern Pentathlon and from the charts to the stage. Pop star, Lily Allen makes her Acting Debut in the West End