Jeremiah Azu, a rising star in sprinting and recently crowned champion, has quickly become a name to watch on the international athletics stage. The 23-year-old Welshman solidified his place among the elite by clinching both the European and World Indoor Athletics titles in March 2025, establishing himself as one of the leading sprinters in the sport.
He cemented his prowess with a remarkable performance at the 2025 World Indoor Championships held in Nanjing, where he faced off against formidable competitors, including Australia's Lachlan Kennedy, who had set the world lead just weeks prior. Running out of the blocks, Azu recorded a personal best time of 6.49 seconds on March 21, 2025, edging out Kennedy by a mere hundredth of a second.
“It was a burst of emotion,” Azu said, reflecting on the exhilarating moment he was declared the winner. He spoke about the journey leading up to this achievement, highlighting the challenges he faced, including life changes that had occurred in recent months.
A week earlier, on March 8, Azu had already made headlines by securing the European Indoor Athletics title with the same lightning-fast time of 6.49 seconds in the Netherlands. “I knew I could win it,” he emphasized in an interview with BBC Sport. “I said at the Europeans I want to take over the world. This is just the start of our journey. The sky isn’t the limit - there is way, way more than that.”
Azu’s accomplishments are even more notable given the personal milestones he has achieved this year. Just two weeks before claiming his first individual title, Azu welcomed his first child, a son named Azaire, with his partner Terri. “Seeing the birth of my son, I just thought to myself, there is no way that I can’t step on the line now and have fear,” he stated. The newfound perspective on life and fatherhood has brought a sense of joy and fearlessness to his performances.
The influence of his heritage is also significant in Azu's life. Born in Rotterdam to Ghanaian parents, he takes pride in his cultural roots. He enjoys cooking traditional Ghanaian dishes, emphasizing a connection to his upbringing. “My family’s originally from Ghana; so I like to learn Ghanaian dishes from my Mum,” he shared. This cultural richness extends into his personal life, reflecting a balance between his athletic career and family values.
Azu's rise to fame is complemented by a strong faith background. Growing up in a Christian household, he engages deeply with his church community, not just as an athlete but also as a singer. “I feel free when I sing: it’s a similar feeling to when I am running,” he said, illustrating how both pursuits inform and enrich one another.
Having initially balanced football and athletics in his youth, Azu attributes part of his drive to football idols like Cristiano Ronaldo and Welsh phenomenon Gareth Bale. He admired their achievements and work ethics, particularly Bale's local roots, which provided a personal connection to his aspirations. British hurdler Colin Jackson, too, served as an inspiration for Azu, showcasing the heights achievable through determination and hard work.
After a disappointing showing at the 2024 Olympic Games, where Azu was disqualified from the 100m due to a false start, he made a significant change by returning to work under the guidance of his original coach, Helen James. This rekindled relationship has proven pivotal, as Azu expressed how James helped establish the foundations of his athletic career. “She really changed my life,” Azu remarked, hinting at the emotional journey they shared, particularly as he faced challenges over the previous two years.
As he celebrates his recent achievements, the future is bright for Jeremiah Azu. With his impressive performances, heartfelt connection to his roots, and a supportive family, Azu embodies the spirit of a true champion. “It’s important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and care about you,” he concluded, underscoring the values that have shaped his career thus far. As Azu sets his sights on future competitions, fans and fellow athletes alike will be eagerly watching to see what this talented sprinter accomplishes next.
