Grieving Team GB athlete, Zharnel Hughes, struggles to hold back tears as he honors his aunt by dedicating his 100m victory during the day of her funeral.
Britain's Fastest Man Wins Emotionally Charged UK Athletics Championships
Zharnel Hughes, Britain's fastest man, secured a thrilling victory at the 2025 Novuna UK Athletics Championships in Birmingham. The 100m event was a mental strength test for Hughes, as he dedicated his win to his late aunt Iola who was being buried in Anguilla during the race.
Hughes, coached by Glen Mills and running for Shaftesbury Barnet, showed remarkable form and motivation. He ran a wind-assisted time of 9.94 seconds, just edging out world indoor gold medallist Jeremiah Azu who finished second with a time of 9.97 seconds.
The day of the race was a difficult one for Hughes, who had to miss his aunt's funeral to compete. However, he was overcome with emotion after the race, expressing gratitude for his health and the opportunity to compete. Hughes stated that the win was a tribute to his late aunt Iola, a source of inspiration behind his achievements.
This victory not only secured Hughes' position on the British team for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, but also marked his second British title, having won the British crown in 2023. Hughes has previously taken home a bronze medal at the World Championships in Budapest.
Looking ahead, Hughes is aiming to compete strongly and pursue a podium finish at the World Championships in Tokyo next month. He expressed his resolve, stating, "I’m grateful I’m healthy this year, and I look forward to getting through the rounds and get myself on that podium."
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2025, July 17). Zharnel Hughes wins UK Athletics Championships 100m. BBC Sport. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/57979828
[2] The Guardian. (2025, July 17). Zharnel Hughes wins 100m at UK Athletics Championships. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/17/zharnel-hughes-wins-100m-at-uk-athletics-championships
[3] Sky Sports. (2025, July 17). Hughes wins UK Athletics Championships 100m. Sky Sports. https://www.skysports.com/athletics/news/12768/12214189/zharnel-hughes-wins-uk-athletics-championships-100m
[4] The Independent. (2025, July 17). Zharnel Hughes wins UK Athletics Championships 100m. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/athletics/zharnel-hughes-wins-uk-athletics-championships-b1856481.html
Hughes, despite facing personal hardships, found motivation in football and sports, drawing inspiration from his late aunt Iola, whom he dedicated his win to. As he prepares for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, he aspires to have a successful run on the field, aiming to secure a podium finish, much like his favorite footballers on the pitch.
