Jeremiah Azu has kicked off 2025 in spectacular fashion, aiming for the best year of his life. Already, it seems his dream is becoming a reality.
Azu has dominated the indoor 60m track, claiming titles as Welsh champion, British champion, European champion, and world champion. Alongside these athletic feats, the 23-year-old also welcomed his first son into the world, marking a personal milestone in addition to his athletic success.
After his momentous victory at the World Indoor Championships in China, Azu took a short break to enjoy time with his family. But it wasn’t long before he was back on the track, training under the Cardiff sun and setting his sights on more success as the outdoor season approaches.
“It’s hard to believe,” says Azu.
“It’s the moment when you say it out loud, that’s when you really realize what you’ve done,” he shared with BBC Sport Wales.
Azu is relishing the balance of being a world champion and a father. He describes the celebration at home after his European indoor title win, where his family surrounded him with joy and support.
“Before, it was for my family, but now it’s really for my son and my wife. It adds a whole new level of motivation. I want to go to the top and win global titles.”
The Confidence of a Champion
Azu, who won Olympic bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics, says his confidence comes from the unwavering support of his family and his belief in God. Despite his bold startline dances, Azu is grounded and humble in his approach.
His humility extends beyond the track as well. Just days after becoming European indoor champion, Azu participated in a Commonwealth Day event in Wales. Long after the event ended, he stayed behind to help clean up, showing his commitment to his community.
Rising Through the Ranks
On the track, Azu’s results speak volumes. He has already proven himself with a world indoor title and an Olympic bronze. His world indoor 60m gold was a significant milestone in his career, establishing him as a rising star in athletics.
Azu explains that confidence comes naturally when you truly believe in your abilities. “I’ve learned how to win,” he says. “It’s not just about being fast, it’s about believing in your training, in your coach, and in the team around you.”
A New Chapter with an Old Coach
Azu’s relationship with his coach, Helen James, has come full circle. After initially training with James at 17, Azu spent two years under coach Marco Airale in Italy. Now, he’s back in Cardiff, reuniting with James, who has high hopes for Azu’s future.
“The world’s his oyster,” James says. “He’s going to go a long way further than this.”
What’s Next for Azu?
Azu’s focus is now shifting to the outdoor season, with his sights set on major events like the Diamond League and the World Athletics Relays in China in May. He plans to expand his program to include more 200m events alongside his usual 100m races, aiming to enhance his speed and future medal prospects.
With the World Championships in Tokyo looming in September, Azu recognizes that his world indoor title has brought higher expectations. But for him, it’s not about proving himself to anyone else. “I do this because I know I can,” he says confidently. “I was born to do this.”
With his unwavering dedication and mindset, Azu is set to continue pushing the boundaries of what he can achieve in athletics, and he’s just getting started.
