Olympic Champion Predicts Home Success for British Sprinters
Olympic gold medallist Mark Lewis-Francis has expressed strong confidence in British sprinters Amy Hunt and Jeremiah Azu, backing them to deliver outstanding performances at the upcoming 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Hunt Described as 'An Inspiration to the Sport'
Lewis-Francis, a revered figure in British athletics, offered high praise for Amy Hunt, stating emphatically, 'Amy Hunt is an inspiration to the sport. There are so many young girls waiting to see her compete. She's going to do amazingly.' This endorsement comes as Hunt builds significant momentum following a stellar 2025 season.
The young sprinter secured a silver medal in the 200 metres at the World Athletics Championships last year and has started her 2026 campaign impressively. She recently clocked her fastest ever season opener in the 60 metres, posting a time of 7.17 seconds, signalling she is in formidable early-season form.
Azu's Remarkable Journey and Form
Jeremiah Azu also receives strong backing from the Olympic champion. 'The same with Jeremiah Azu. He will definitely shine at the European Championships,' Lewis-Francis affirmed. 'He's an amazing athlete and an amazing guy.'
Azu's recent career trajectory has been remarkable. After leaving his original coach to train in Italy, he returned to Wales and achieved a spectacular double in 2025, winning gold medals at both the European and World Indoor Championships. This success story underscores the exciting potential within British sprinting as the home championships approach.
Lewis-Francis Draws on Personal European Experience
The former sprinter speaks from a position of considerable authority when discussing the European Championships. A two-time European medallist himself, Lewis-Francis won 4x100m relay gold in 2006 and an individual silver in the 60 metres at the 2010 championships in Barcelona.
He vividly recalls his 2010 silver medal performance as a career highlight. 'Barcelona in 2010 was a personal one for me. I was definitely the underdog,' he remembered. Having just recovered from an Achilles injury and joining Linford Christie's training group, the pressure was immense. 'If you know Linford, he's got banter, so I would never have been able to live it down if I didn't get a medal. That was one of the highest highlights of my career.'
Inspiring the Next Generation in Birmingham
Now aged 43, Lewis-Francis is actively involved in inspiring future athletes. He has been visiting schools around the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, the venue for the 2026 championships, which is also the home of his former club, Birchfield Harriers.
Speaking at Ferndale Primary School in Great Barr during the launch of the Birmingham 2026 group ticket offer, he emphasised the importance of visible role models. 'Being able to see the kids that may not know who I am watch a video of me competing, it just puts a massive smile on my face,' he said. 'Coming back and inspiring the next generation and getting them involved in athletics is very rewarding.'
He believes the proximity of a major championship can have a transformative effect. 'Seeing is believing. If you see somebody that you've seen on TV in real life and you watch them in real life compete, it makes you believe that you can do it as well.'
A Historic Home Championships
The 2026 event marks a significant milestone as the first time the European Athletics Championships will be hosted by a British city. Lewis-Francis, a Birmingham native, is clearly excited about the prospect. 'It's exciting times for Birmingham,' he stated. 'To come into the schools and get the locals involved see the faces of the kids who are excited that a European Championships is coming to Birmingham is amazing for me.'
With both Amy Hunt and Jeremiah Azu appearing to hit peak form at the ideal moment, and with the motivational boost of competing on home soil, the stage is set for what Lewis-Francis anticipates will be a spectacular showcase of British sprinting talent from 10th to 16th August 2026.
