Athletics: Is Zharnel Hughes the man to bring Gold back to Britain at the European Athletics Championships

Hughes On Track For Victory at European Championships

British sprinting sensation Zharnel Hughes is ready to go one better after finishing second behind Reece Prescod in the recent trials meet held on June 30. After an impressive semi-final victory in 10.25, Hughes is currently in London preparing for the European Championships, commencing on August 7.

“Trainings been going really well, the works been put in already, so it’s all maintenance and fine-tuning from here,” Hughes said.

Residing in Jamaica and training at the famous Racers Track Club, home of the world’s fastest sprinter Usain Bolt, Hughes sent tongues wagging at the clubs Grand Prix meeting last month, lowering his personal best over the 100m to a sizzling 9.91. The 23-year old came from behind to run down training partner Yohan Blake and hold-off a late charge from American 200m world leader Noah Lyles.

“I’ve been working on my starts and focusing on ways to execute a ‘perfect run’. Still in the learning process as I’m a student of the sport, so learning as I grow is essential.”

“I definitely think I’m capable of going sub-10 again. It all comes down to consistency, relaxation and executing.”

Known as a 200m specialist, Hughes burst onto the scene in 2015, after notching up two impressive Diamond League victories over the distance in London and Lausanne. Hughes then made the final of the 200m at the World Championships that same year in Beijing, finishing 5th behind Olympic champions Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin and clocked a new personal best time of 20.02.

This year began with a bang for Hughes, after taking home a gold medal for his contribution in the 4x100m relay for England at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April, where his brilliant second-leg put his country into a winning position, defeating the likes of sprinting powerhouses South Africa and Jamaica. He then travelled to Boston to compete in the Adidas Boost Games and defeated a star-studded field including 100m Commonwealth Games champion Akani Simbine, recording a time of 9.99, however with an illegal wind of +2.4.

With 12 race victories already to his name in 2018, Hughes progression towards next year’s World Championships and the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 is coming along nicely, with his chances in both the 100m and 200m seemingly probable.

“Anything’s possible the way I look at things. There’s always a positive attitude for me.”

You can follow Hughes on Instagram: @zharnel_hughes.