“Cranking up the gears” – Zharnel Hughes is currently preparing for a huge showdown at the London Athletics Meet that commences tomorrow. Britain’s fastest man is looking forward to locking horns with 6x World Champion Noah Lyles at the English capital. The two last competed at the World Championships in Budapest, something many recently got to revisit in Netflix’s documentary, SPRINT. Even though Lyles emerged victorious in the 100m event, Hughes completed the podium by finishing 3rd.

But that was back then. This season, Zharnel has already punched his ticket to Paris. In just a week, he will be preparing to clinch his first Olympic medal at the Stade de France. The London Athletics Meet takes place six days before the Summer Games at the French capital. And Hughes is looking to use this litmus test to his advantage by dethroning the reigning 100m champion. What has motivated the 4x European Champion? Let’s find out.

Zharnel Hughes looking to move past his saddening Tokyo heartbreak

Zharnel Hughes had a promising season in 2023. At the New York Grand Prix in June, the European Championship silver medalist clinched an easy win by breezing past the finishing line in 9.83 seconds. Ackeem Blake and Christian Coleman trailed after him with 9.93 seconds and 10.02 seconds, respectively. Not only did he clinch a gold, but he broke a 30-Year British 100m record set by Linford Christie. Despite this feat, his heartbreaking disqualification at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games still haunted him.

The World Championships bronze medalist had found himself at the 100m finals in the Japanese capital. Determined to clinch his first Olympic gold, Hughes made his way to the starting block. But while setting himself up, a calf cramp dampened his spirit. He could feel his contention for the win slowly slip away. Unable to stay in the blocks, Hughes had a false start. This cemented the demise of his Olympic dreams as he was escorted away after a red card.

This was the second time Hughes had to bid adieu to the Summer Games. The first being in 2016, where, due to a knee ligament injury, he was unable to compete for the Summer Games. But all hope is not lost. The 4x European Champion is looking to turn things around at the French capital. “I would love to rewrite the history books after what happened in Tokyo.” The finals left an indelible mark on Hughes, as he often found himself replaying that moment over several nights.

Post his disqualification, Lamont Marcell Jacobs produced an upset win by sprinting to the finish line in 9.80 seconds. This only added to Hughes’ heartbreak. “I believe that [I would have won that final]. I felt it. I felt I was ready. Obviously, when that happened, everything stopped.” However, there is always a silver lining! Hughes credits his performances in the 2023 season to his shocking departure in Tokyo and believes this has only added fuel to his Olympic dreams this time around.

Facing off against Lyles in Budapest last year

Zharnel Hughes and Noah Lyles gave fans a thrilling show at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. The Olympic bronze medalist went to clinch golds in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events. With Netflix’s documentary titled SPRINT, fans got to take a look at what went down behind the scenes. Episode 3 titled, Belonging, highlighted their rivalry over the 200m in London. While things seemed to be fine last year, Hughes opinions changed after the docuseries came out.

The 4x World Champion was surprised by how Lyles described him. “I didn’t know he really said that much about me until I got the preview [of the documentary]. Then I realised he said a lot.” Not too pleased by the response, Hughes saw nothing but red. “I was like, ‘This guy, he just needs to shut up.’” While he’s eager to know what the Olympic bronze medalist has to say about him, he doesn’t respond with words. He will be looking to prove himself as a strong competitor at the London Athletics meet instead.

In just under a week, the Summer Games will take place in the French capital. But track and field fans won’t be able to witness this intense rivalry until 1st August, when the track and field events will begin at the Stade de France. While Hughes has been looking forward to defeating the 6x World Champion, his goal will be to claim an Olympic gold for himself. Will we see Britain’s fastest man emerge victorious at the French capital? Only time will tell.