Britain’s fastest man dedicated his 100m triumph in Birmingham to aunt Iola, whose funeral was taking place in Anguilla at same time as his race
Zharnel Hughes fought back tears when dedicating his British 100m title to an aunt whose funeral was taking place while he was competing last night.
The national record holder was comfortable enough to celebrate before the line, finishing three-hundredths ahead of Jeremiah Azu in a time of 9.94secs.
But Hughes was consoled by world indoor champ Azu when stepping on to the podium and revealed that he had been battling his emotions while mourning the passing of Iola Ebanks in Anguilla.
“A very difficult day for me,” Hughes said. “I was very close with her. “Today was a bit of a mental strength game for me. I had to keep suppressing the insides and I couldn’t speak with my family because I was getting too emotional.
“Jeremiah was trying to console me a little bit because I almost started crying but this win was for her. I know she would have loved to have seen this. I dedicate this win to my family and everyone back home.”
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There was a shock in the women’s final as favourite Daryll Neita was disqualified for a false start before Amy Hunt ran a lifetime best 11.02secs to secure her place in next month’s World Championships in Tokyo. Desiree Henry finished second to Hunt but must still run the 11.10secs qualifying time by August 26 to secure her spot.
Hunt planned to toast Saturday night’s win with a trip to Nando’s but returns on Sunday for the 200m and a duel with Dina Asher-Smith. “We’re 1-1 in the head to head so far this year,” Hunt said. “I’m ready to bring it. I want to win two titles.”
Georgia Hunter Bell wants to win the national 800m title on Sunday afternoon before deciding whether to make a double run for gold at next month’s World Championships. The 1500m Olympic bronze medallist plans to seek advice from Dame Kelly Holmes, who won both middle distance titles in Athens 21 years ago, about the logistics of targeting two distances.
However with her team-mate and reigning Olympic champ Keely Hodgkinson yet to return from injury, Hunter Bell admits her path to a global title appears clearer over two laps.
And that is largely down to Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon being so far ahead of the rest over 1500m. “It’s hard to see how you can get gold when she’s in it,” said Hunter Bell after comfortably qualifying fastest from Saturday’s trials heats, with Jemma Reekie next best. The top two will be guaranteed their seat on the plane.
Hunter Bell’s place over the longer distance in Tokyo is already secure thanks to her podium finish in Paris last summer. But she added: “The 1500m is so good and this year has moved on from last year. Whereas the 800m is not as strong.
“So looking at it, at the end of the day you want to win a medal. There’s stuff to consider but that’s an issue for next week.”
World indoor champion Molly Caudery was a class above in the pole vault – not joining the competition until a height of 4.35m that proved high enough for Tilly Hooper to claim silver.
And after successfully making it over 4.85m, Caudery said: “That was so much fun. I’ve just kind of been finding my flow again and figuring a few things out but it was really exciting to jump over the 80s again.”
Elsewhere in the field Lawrence Okoye slung a championship record 65.93m for discus gold and promised: “There is quite a lot still to come because I didn’t quite get it altogether out there.” Anna Purchase also produced a championship record 72.96m in the hammer.
But there was a surprise in the men’s long jump as favourite Jacob Fincham-Dukes finished sixth while Alessandro Schenini leapt 7.85m to win. Alicia Barrett won the 100m hurdles and Scott Lincoln claimed his 20th national title in the shot put.