Jeremiah Azu is targeting his first Commonwealth Games medal for Team Wales at Glasgow 2026, declaring he is in the form of his life after a breakthrough season that saw him become indoor 60m world and European champion in 2025.
Azu's Rise to Sprint Stardom
The 25-year-old from Cardiff has been selected for his second Commonwealth Games, following a fifth-place finish in the 100m at Birmingham 2022. Since then, Azu has established himself as one of Great Britain's top sprint stars, running a wind-legal 9.97 seconds to become the first Welshman to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m.
“I think I'm at the point of my career where I've got the experience now, so I need to use that to win medals for the nation,” Azu said. “I'll be looking to go there and be competitive. I'm in the shape of my life right now.”
Fatherhood Fuels Motivation
Glasgow 2026 brings a new element of family for Azu, who became a father for the first time in March 2025. The birth of his son Azaire has coincided with his rise on the track, giving him a newfound sense of enjoyment and fearlessness.
“I've always been a huge family person, but even more now that I've got my own,” he said. “Looking up into the stands and seeing my son, I think if I wasn't motivated before, I'm definitely going to be motivated now.”
Azu added: “It's an incredible feeling going through that journey with him day to day and seeing him grow. This time last year he couldn't even speak or couldn't even sit up. Now he's running all over the place, saying, 'Dad,' and 'no' of course. It is super special, and it's going to be a moment I hope he can one day look back on and see who his dad was when he was this age.”
Support from The National Lottery
Azu's podium ambitions are supported by The National Lottery, whose funding provides access to world-class coaches, pioneering technology, science, and medical support. Since 2000, Welsh Athletics has received approximately £10.5 million in National Lottery grants, while £5.5 million has been provided to support the National Indoor Athletics Centre at Cardiff Met University.
Competition and Career Highlights
Azu won European bronze over 100m just days after his Birmingham 2022 appearance, and was part of the men's 4x100m relay team that won bronze for Team GB at Paris 2024. However, his individual 100m Olympic ambitions were dashed by a false start in his heat.
In Glasgow, he will face tough competition from fellow Brit Louie Hinchliffe and Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala, who is aiming to become the first African man to win back-to-back Commonwealth 100m titles. Despite the challenges, Azu remains optimistic.
“I came into athletics not knowing where it would take me, and it's taken me around the world competing in front of so many people,” he said. “But the Commonwealth Games is so special because I'm so proud to be Welsh and to be here with everyone else representing Wales. As athletes, we're always looking for the next thing but it's a moment like this announcement where you get to stop and actually take in all the achievements. The journey of sport, you never really know where it's going to take you, but it is always a privilege and an honour to represent Wales, so it's going to be something special.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33 million is raised every week for good causes, supporting sport, arts, heritage, and community projects across the UK, including athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
