Jeremiah Azu, the 23-year-old sprinter from Britain, achieved remarkable success at the 2025 European Indoor Championships held on March 8 in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, by winning the men’s 60m title with a stunning time of 6.49 seconds. This victory not only marked his first senior individual international title but also stood as the culmination of both personal and professional transformations over recent months.
Azu’s performance was impressive, especially following the challenges he faced after his disqualification from the 100m at the Paris Olympics last summer. His win came as he was welcomed by the Dutch crowd, and after running such a strong race, he shared his disbelief, stating, "Honestly, I didn't think I won it. I thought Henrik was five metres in front of me. When you're in a line, you can't really tell what is going on. I was pushing every bit of me to the line," as reported by BBC Sport.
This victory holds even more significance for Azu, who became a father just one week prior to the championship. His son, Azaire, was born shortly before the event, and witnessing his father's triumph will allow him to look back and see early moments of his father's career. "It's a huge moment with his father becoming European champion. He’s going to be able to look back on this and see what his dad was doing, which is amazing feeling," he told reporters.
Joining Azu on the podium were Sweden's Henrik Larsson, who secured silver with a personal record of 6.52 seconds, and British teammate Andrew Robertson, who earned bronze with 6.55 seconds. Robertson’s achievement is notable as he was called up just three days before the event, filling the void left by teammate Romell Glave's withdrawal. It has been quite the transformation for Robertson at age 34, as he expressed joy about finally earning his first senior international medal. Reflecting on his unexpected participation, he joked, "This time last week I was having cheesecake, having a great time with my family. I got the call to be a reserve but was always prepared because this has been my goal for so long. To come away with my second-fastest time ever, I can't ask for any more!"
The 2025 European Indoor Championships have been incredibly pivotal for Azu, who faced trials prior to this victory. Following the disappointment of failing to qualify during the Olympic Games, he made significant changes to his life. Returning to Cardiff from Italy, where he trained with coach Marco Airale, Azu reuniting with his first coach, Helen James, who initially inspired his passion for athletics, has proved beneficial. This move has ignited Azu’s career once again, displaying his physical prowess on the track.
Prior to this championship, Azu had retained his British indoor 60m title, showcasing his talent and competitiveness among Europe’s elite athletes. He has consistently proven his capabilities, including being part of Great Britain's bronze medal-winning 4x100m relay team at the Paris Olympics and having won multiple European U23 titles.
Azu's victory marks not only personal success but also establishes him as Britain’s first winner of the men's 60m event since Richard Kilty's consecutive titles back in 2017. His aspect of faith and family became apparent as he embraced the moment post-race. After the races, Azu engaged with the crowd, greeting them with warmth and enthusiasm, capturing the spirit of the championship. A triumphant victory lap filled with joy, he celebrated by embracing the event’s mascot and sharing the moment with his family present during the event. His parents rushed to catch the overnight ferry back to Cardiff, so his father could continue his duties as a preacher at their church, showcasing the strong family ties prevalent throughout Azu's life.
This moment is only the beginning for Azu, who is eager to build upon this achievement as he sets his eyes on the World Indoor Championships later this month. "Now, I’m just excited to be on this new chapter of my career. If you can run six-five, you can run nine-nine. I’m just ready for the next step!" he said confidently. The mixture of exhilaration from new fatherhood and newfound success has evidently fueled Azu's determination.
Azu’s gold is not just personal triumph but also inspiration for many young athletes, exemplifying how resilience, dedication, and family support can positively impact one's career. Throughout the championship, moments of emotional significance broke through, highlighting the joy and unity found within the sport of athletics. The European Indoor Championships are not just about medals but also about creating moments and memories shared with family, friends, and supporters who have been along for the ride.
Overall, this championship has proven to be historic— Azu's dash toward gold, Robertson's bronze, and the strong performance of other competitors exemplify the spirit of competition and the hard work put forth by the athletes, leaving audiences excited for what the future holds.