Zharnel Hughes is thought for his love of flying, however after breaking the British 100m document final weekend in New York he nonetheless has his ft firmly on the bottom.
The 27-year-old, a budding pilot in his spare time, clocked 9.83 to interrupt Linford Christie’s 30-year-old nationwide mark. But he saved his post-race celebrations low-key – with some Jamaican meals and a stroll round Occasions Sq. – and is decided to take the remainder of the season step-by-step as he tackles the UK Championships in Manchester subsequent weekend, the Diamond League in London on July 23 and World Championships in Budapest in August.
He additionally says he can be content material if his 9.83 stays his finest time on the finish of the summer season, too. This doesn’t imply he isn’t formidable, although. He has his sights set on profitable medals.
“You don’t at all times see the quickest occasions popping out within the finals,” says Hughes, who’s clearly not one for brash predictions. “You simply should be part of the rumble and should you could be affected person and be essentially the most relaxed particular person within the area then something is feasible.”
The Anguillan-born Brit is coached by Glen Mills, the identical man who guided Usain Bolt. Hughes generally bumps into Bolt as they use the identical gymnasium, however he hasn’t seen him for the reason that UK record-breaking run. Neither has he had the prospect to talk to the person whose document he beat.
“When Linford did it (9.87 in 1993), I wasn’t even in existence but,” he says. “Nevertheless it’s one thing that was at all times on my thoughts. I at all times wished to interrupt the British document ultimately and I’m simply pleased to have achieved it.
“After I ran it in New York, I didn’t know what time I ran till I circled and noticed the clock. I simply knew I had executed a superb race. There’s quite a bit nonetheless to repair. It felt quick however I didn’t know I broke the document. Trying again at outdated clips of Linford again in his days is one thing I take a look at.”
Zharnel Hughes (Getty)
Regardless of profitable the European 200m title in 2022, Hughes says he has attacked this season with renewed starvation after a barely disappointing 12 months. “Final season it made me a bit extra hungry,” he explains. “I bought again and I didn’t need to do any trip. I simply wished to get again into work. I solely took two weeks off from the season simply to spend just a little time with the household. And it was again to work.
“Coach Mills could be laborious at occasions. However he’s truthfully one of the real, all the way down to earth folks you’ll ever come throughout and he desires the most effective for all of his athletes and I feel I’m simply pleased to be coming to my full potential now along with his steerage.”
Hughes believes there’s room for enchancment too. “We haven’t actually began a lot velocity work as but however that is simply velocity endurance I’m operating off and I’m fairly certain come late July and early August Coach Mills will begin to sharpen up all of the bits that should be sharpened.”
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