Jay Husain, a 14-year-old from Newton on the Wirral, has become the fastest hurdler in the world in his category this year after a record-breaking performance at the English Schools Athletics’ Association championships. Competing at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, he won the 300m hurdles U16 title with a new personal best of 37.09 seconds.
Record-Breaking Performance
Husain’s time shattered the championship, UK, and European records for the U16 age group, while also setting a new U18 world lead for 2026. The Calday Grange Grammar School pupil trains at Warriors Pentathlon and Athletics Club on the Wirral alongside his older brother Luke, who is ranked UK number 2 in the 400m hurdles.
Reflecting on his achievement, Husain said: “As I was coming off the last hurdle, I could tell it was a fast race. You can see the clock and I knew I was a lot faster than normal. Then I got through the finish line and realised it was a massive PB. I knew it was a championship and UK record but I didn’t know about the others. I came fourth last year and was really close to a medal. It was amazing to get the gold. I'm really happy.”
Rise Through the Ranks
Husain has progressed significantly since moving from the 80m hurdles to the longer distance this season. He credits his success to a strict training regimen under coach Andy Fraser. “I worked really hard with my coach through winter and I guess it all worked out,” he said. “Andy knows that our group are already talented so he just tries to make us work hard to do the best we can.”
His father, Sadruddin, added: “Jay’s taken a lot from the belief shown in him. Andy said he saw a special talent in Jay at an early age and has helped nurture that. There are times in athletics where you’re going on a freezing Friday night and there's no one there. It can be hard but Jay’s kept at it.”
Next Challenges
Husain’s next target is the England Athletics Age Group Championship in Bedford on July 25-26, where he aims to add the national title to his English schools crown. This time, he will be the favourite. “It’ll be kind of different. I'll have the pressure on me now because last time I wasn't the favourite. I'll see how I can deal with it,” he said. “If you have a doubt in your mind, you're not going to be able to do it. You have to know that you can win.”
Warriors Pentathlon Athletics Club offers free starter sessions on Thursdays at The Oval in Bebington.
