Jeremiah Azu: From World Indoor Glory to Olympic Dreams - A Sprint Star's Journey
Welsh sprinter Jeremiah Azu reflects on his historic World Indoor gold, fatherhood, and ambitions for the Paris Olympics in this exclusive interview.
A Landmark Season Begins
Jeremiah Azu's 2024 campaign has already cemented itself in athletics history. Within three transformative months, the Welsh speedster achieved:
- π΄ Welsh Indoor 60m Champion (6.57s)
- π¬π§ British Indoor Champion (6.54s)
- πͺπΊ European Indoor Champion (6.51s)
- π World Indoor Champion (6.49s)
Double Celebration: Gold and Fatherhood
The 23-year-old's Glasgow triumph came just days after welcoming his first child. "Holding my son after standing on that podium - those are moments you can't script," Azu told BBC Sport Wales. His Cardiff homecoming saw an emotional family reunion, with relatives celebrating both his championship gold and new fatherhood status.
The Champion's Mindset
Azu attributes his breakout season to an unshakable mentality:
"In the final everyone's fast, everyone's talented, but it's who actually believes. Who's got that ability to not panic? Who's got that ability to time their dip right?"
His signature pre-race dances mask a meticulous approach. After winning European gold, the sprinter stayed behind to help clear event chairs - demonstrating the humility that endears him to fans.
Technical Evolution
Under reunited coach Helen James, Azu has refined key elements:
| Aspect | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Start Reaction | 0.128s (World Indoor final) |
| Top-End Speed | Adding 200m races this season |
| Race Management | Dip technique at the line |
Road to Paris 2024
The Cardiff sprinter's upcoming calendar:
- May: Diamond League Shanghai (100m)
- June: World Athletics Relays (4x100m)
- July: UK Championships (100/200m)
- August: Paris Olympics
"Tokyo Worlds are the priority, but Paris...that's where legends are made," Azu stated, eyes gleaming with Olympic ambition. His 4x100m relay bronze from 2023 proves his team credentials, but individual glory now beckons.
Training Philosophy
Azu's Cardiff regime combines:
- πββοΈ 5 track sessions weekly
- ποΈββοΈ 3 gym sessions (focusing on explosive power)
- π§ Visualization techniques pre-race
"There is not a thing that I'm not going to do, there's not an exercise that I'm going to leave," he vows. This uncompromising approach could make 2024 Britain's biggest sprint year since Linford Christie.
Dalian Yingbo
15:30 China, Super League, Round 11
15:30
Beijing Guoan
Seibu Lions
17:00 Japan, NPB
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Orix Buffaloes
Hanshin Tigers
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Yomiuri Giants
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Chunichi Dragons
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