Welsh sprinter Jeremiah Azu secured a stunning victory at the European Athletics Indoor Championships, claiming gold and smashing his personal best in the process. The Cardiff sprinter’s exceptional performance in the 60 metres event saw him clock a personal best time of 6.49 seconds, outpacing Sweden’s Henrik Larsson, who finished in 6.52 seconds. Azu’s victory not only marked his first senior individual title but also set a new high for the British team at the championships.
Azu’s gold-winning run was complemented by Andrew Robertson, who clinched bronze with a season’s best time of 6.55 seconds, marking his quickest time in eight years. Reflecting on his victory, Azu expressed his disbelief at his achievement, admitting, “Honestly, I didn’t think I won it. I thought Henrik was five metres in front of me.” However, Azu’s relentless drive and determination propelled him to success, solidifying his belief in the decisions he has made in his athletic career.
The 23-year-old Azu expressed his excitement for the journey ahead, stating, “This is just the start of the journey for us as a team. We are coming to take it all and I’m excited to be on this journey now.” Overwhelmed with gratitude, Azu reflected on the fleeting nature of life and cherished the moment of becoming a European champion, attributing his success to faith and hard work. His victory, alongside Revee Walcott Nolan’s bronze in the 1,500m event and the mixed 4x400m relay team’s third-place finish, contributed to British success at the championships.
In addition to Azu’s triumph, Saturday’s morning session saw George Mills and James West qualify for the 3,000m semi-finals, while Melissa Courtney-Bryant and Hannah Nuttall advanced in the women’s event. Notably, 18-year-old Innes FitzGerald also secured a qualification spot, showcasing the depth of talent on the British team. The collective success of British athletes at the European Indoor Championships highlighted the promising future of athletics in the country.
Azu’s remarkable performance not only secured him a gold medal but also signalled his potential for further success on the international stage. With a newfound confidence and determination, Azu’s victory served as a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in athletics. As he looks ahead to future competitions, Azu’s triumph at the European Championships sets a high standard for his athletic career and inspires a new generation of sprinters in Wales and beyond.