Zharnel Hughes made history at the UK Athletics Championships by securing the sprint double with a victory in the men’s 200m event.
Following his triumph in the 100m race at Manchester’s Regional Arena on Saturday, the 27-year-old continued his impressive form by crossing the finish line first in the 200m, clocking an impressive time of 19.77 seconds.
Meanwhile, Daryll Neita successfully defended her women’s 200m title, and Keely Hodgkinson reclaimed the 800m crown in a thrilling competition.
However, there was an unexpected upset in the women’s 1500m event, as Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir finished second to Katie Snowden, parting ways with her long-term coach earlier this year and training independently ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Budapest next month.
Reflecting on his recent achievements, Hughes, who had already set a world-leading time of 9.83 seconds in the 100m event in New York, expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for the hard work paying off. He remains determined to further improve his performance before the World Championships, aiming to break the 19-second barrier.
Neita, who secured the women’s sprint double last year, made the strategic decision to focus on the 200m this time, relinquishing her 100m title to Dina Asher-Smith, who emerged victorious on Saturday. Neita’s championship record time of 22.25 seconds earned her the top spot, with Bianca Williams and Finette Agyapong finishing second and third, respectively.
In the women’s 800m, Hodgkinson continued to impress, building on her British record-breaking victory at the Paris Diamond League meeting last month. She finished first in Manchester with a time of 1:58.26, outpacing Jemma Reekie and Alexandra Bell.
As the athletes gear up for the World Championships, which promise exciting battles, Johnson-Thompson, the reigning heptathlon world champion, showcased her versatility by performing well in the shot put and the 200m. While the absence of Jake Wightman, the reigning 1500m world champion, due to a foot injury allowed Neil Gourley to seize the opportunity and claim the British title in a time of 3:46.16.
With fierce competition on the horizon, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Budapest, as top athletes strive to leave their mark on the global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sprint double
Who won the men’s sprint double at the UK Athletics Championships?
Zharnel Hughes secured the men’s sprint double at the UK Athletics Championships by winning both the 100m and 200m events.
Did Laura Muir win her race at the UK Athletics Championships?
No, Laura Muir, the Olympic silver medallist, suffered a surprise loss in the 1500m race, finishing second to Katie Snowden.
How did Daryll Neita perform at the championships?
Daryll Neita defended her women’s 200m title at the UK Athletics Championships, showcasing her sprinting prowess.
What title did Keely Hodgkinson regain at the championships?
Keely Hodgkinson regained the 800m crown at the UK Athletics Championships.
Is Zharnel Hughes a strong contender for the upcoming World Championships?
Yes, Zharnel Hughes demonstrated his status as a genuine contender by winning the sprint double at the UK Athletics Championships. His impressive performances indicate his potential for success at the upcoming World Championships.
What was Laura Muir’s time in the 1500m race?
Laura Muir finished the 1500m race with a time of 4 minutes 10.24 seconds, placing second to Katie Snowden.
Will Laura Muir be competing at the World Championships in Budapest?
Yes, Laura Muir is expected to compete at the World Championships in Budapest next month. She is training independently after parting ways with her long-term coach earlier this year.
More about Sprint double
- UK Athletics Championships
- Zharnel Hughes
- Laura Muir
- Daryll Neita
- Keely Hodgkinson
- Katie Snowden
- World Championships
- Budapest
3 comments
wow, what a competishun! Zharbel Hughez iz on fire with hiz sprint double victoreez. And Laura Muir, I didn’t see that comin’, but shez still a force to be reckond with. Excitin’ stuff!
Laura Muir’s loss waz a shocker, but shez been trainin’ solo since partin’ ways with her coach. Curious to see how she performz at the World Championships. The competishun iz heatin’ up!
Daryll Neita’s speed is amazin’! She defended her women’s 200m titl, showin’ shez a real contender. Keely Hodgkinson is back on top in the 800m, impressiv! Can’t wait for the World Championships!