Home Athletics London Diamond League: British 200m Record is ‘Certainly’ Within Zharnel Hughes’s Reach, Asserts Noah Lyles

London Diamond League: British 200m Record is ‘Certainly’ Within Zharnel Hughes’s Reach, Asserts Noah Lyles

by admin
London Diamond League

Zharnel Hughes successfully managed a 100m and 200m double victory at the British Championships in July.

London Diamond League
Location: London Stadium Date: Sunday, 23 July
Broadcast: BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, and Sport Newes Center website & app from 13:15-16:35 BST.

Noah Lyles adamantly believes that Zharnel Hughes has the potential to smash the British 200m record before a full-house audience of 50,000 spectators at Sunday’s London Diamond League.

Hughes, who shattered his country’s 30-year 100m record in June, expressed that he was not particularly focused on outdoing the 200m time of 19.94 seconds, a record held by John Regis since 1993.

However, Lyles, the current 200m world champion, was of the strong opinion that such a feat was ‘without a doubt’ achievable for the 28-year-old Hughes.

When made aware of the time Hughes would need to beat, Lyles confidently stated, “We can definitely achieve that.”

During Saturday’s press meet at the London Stadium, the American teased Hughes, saying, “Why the modesty, mate?”

Referring to Hughes’s recent win in the British 100m under harsh weather conditions, Lyles remarked, “You raced in a hurricane. We can definitely achieve that time.”

Hughes, who foresaw his record-breaking 9.83-second run in New York that crushed Linford Christie’s 100m record, shared with Sport Newes Center that he has set another goal for himself, written on his vision board at home, which he aims to accomplish at the World Championships in Budapest next month.

Sunday’s competition at London Stadium, the first major athletics event to take place at the 2012 Olympic site since 2019, offers an excellent chance for renowned athletes to polish their skills for the upcoming Budapest event.

“Tomorrow is all about performing my best, not necessarily about breaking the British record. If it happens, it happens,” asserted Hughes, who achieved his personal best in the 200m of 20.02 seconds at the 2015 World Championships.

“It’s one of my goals and I’d be thrilled if it happens tomorrow,” he added.

Lyles, who has his sights set on securing three world golds in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, thinks Hughes’s 100m time – the quickest this year – positions him as a serious medal contender.

“He’s another competitor I need to outdo,” stated the Olympic bronze winner.

London Diamond League 2023: Viewing Guide and Who to Look Out for
British stars Asher-Smith & Hodgkinson aiming to impress.

An exhilarating women’s 100m race will feature Dina Asher-Smith, the 2019 200m world champion, and fellow British athlete Daryll Neita competing against a world-class lineup.

Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, American Sha’Carri Richardson, and Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou, the three fastest women globally this year, will join them in London.

Jackson, the world 200m champion, emerged victorious in the longer sprint race in Monaco on Friday night, clocking 21.86 seconds while Asher-Smith secured third place with a season-best time of 22.23 seconds. Richardson, on the other hand, has suffered just one loss all season.

Keely Hodgkinson, who broke the British record in Paris the previous month, hopes to end the day on a high note as she continues her quest for the world 800m gold. The 21-year-old, who has only been defeated once this year, will be joined by Jemma Reekie and Katie Snowden in the two-lap race. Meanwhile, Neil Gourley, Elliot Giles, George Mills, and Matthew Stonier will partake in a high-quality men’s 1500m event.

Also participating will be European indoor champion Jazmin Sawyers and previous heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson in a women’s long jump event featuring numerous major medallists.

Notable participants across the schedule include London Marathon winner Sifan Hassan (women’s 5,000m), 400m world record-holder Wayde van Niekerk, world 110m hurdles champion Grant Holloway, and Olympic pole vault champion Katie Moon.

Prominent British athletes such as Hannah Cockroft, Sammi Kinghorn, David Weir, and Sophie Hahn will compete in five Para-athletics events scheduled before the main Diamond League programme starts.

Live coverage of Sunday’s London Diamond League will be available on BBC One, iPlayer, and online starting from 13:15 BST.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about London Diamond League

When and where is the London Diamond League taking place?

The London Diamond League is scheduled for Sunday, 23rd July at the London Stadium.

Who does Noah Lyles believe can break the British 200m record?

Noah Lyles insists that Zharnel Hughes has the potential to break the British 200m record.

What was Zharnel Hughes’ significant achievement in the British Championships in July?

Zharnel Hughes accomplished a double victory in the 100m and 200m races at the British Championships in July.

Who are the key athletes participating in the women’s 100m race at the London Diamond League?

The women’s 100m race will feature Dina Asher-Smith, the 2019 200m world champion, and fellow Brit Daryll Neita, alongside Shericka Jackson, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Marie-Josee Ta Lou.

Which event did Zharnel Hughes set his personal best in?

Zharnel Hughes set his personal best in the 200m with a time of 20.02 seconds at the 2015 World Championships.

More about London Diamond League

Related Articles

Leave a Comment