The "Azoom" Effect: Jeremiah Azu Dominates the 60m in Birmingham

The "Azoom" Effect: Jeremiah Azu Dominates the 60m in Birmingham

Article by Mark Dunn for Sports News-UK

 https://www.sportsnewsuk.co.uk

The atmosphere inside Birmingham’s Utilita Arena was electric this weekend, but it was the flash of British sprint royalty that truly stole the show. Jeremiah Azu, the reigning World Indoor 60m Champion, proved once again why he is the man to beat on the short track, successfully defending his 60m national crown and making a statement ahead of next month’s World Indoor Championships in Poland.

Mens 60m - Image by Mark Dunn

⚡️ Race Breakdown: Men's 60m Final

Jeremiah Azu entered the arena with a target on his back as the reigning World Indoor Champion. The race was a masterclass in composure; while the field was tightly packed for the first 20 meters, Azu’s transition and "pick-up" speed were unmatched. By the 40-meter mark, he had carved out a decisive lead, crossing the line in 6.56 seconds to secure his third consecutive national indoor title.

Final Results:

Gold: Jerremiah AZU - 6:56

Silver: Romell GRAVE - 6.62

Bronze: Jody SMITH - 6.63

Precision and Power

Coming off a strong start to the season in Stockholm and Dusseldorf, Azu looked like a man on a mission. In the 60m final, his trademark explosive start—often referred to by fans as the "Azoom" effect—was on full display. Clocking a solid 6.56 seconds, he held off a competitive field to secure the gold.

Reflecting on the race and the pressure of being the defending world champion, Azu shared his thoughts on the victory:

Beyond the 60m: The Sprint Double

While the 60m was expected, Azu’s decision to lace up for the 200m the following day caught many by surprise. In an era where elite sprinters often "wrap themselves in cotton wool," Azu took a different approach. He treated the 200m as the ultimate training session, winning his sixth race in 24 hours with an outright lifetime best of 20.77.

Azu explained that the decision was about more than just medals; it was about building the "base" for the outdoor season and giving the home crowd a show.

Azu and Hughes at the 2025 UK Athletics 100m - Image by Mark Dunn

Beyond the 60m: The Sprint Double

While the 60m was expected, Azu’s decision to lace up for the 200m the following day caught many by surprise. In an era where elite sprinters often "wrap themselves in cotton wool," Azu took a different approach. He treated the 200m as the ultimate training session, winning his sixth race in 24 hours with an outright lifetime best of 20.77.

Azu explained that the decision was about more than just medals; it was about building the "base" for the outdoor season and giving the home crowd a show.

Champion: Jeremiah Azu – 6.56

It is never easy to defend these titles, and it is not something I take for granted. I am getting emotional because my family are here, my son is here, it is such a privilege.

I will be going to world indoors to go and defend my title. This was a dress rehearsal. I actually wanted to run quicker, well I always want to run quicker. The emotions of running in competition always have an impact. Training can’t do that. So, getting through this today gives me confidence going into world indoors.

My life has changed so much over the last 12 months. It is never easy and nothing is guaranteed, no matter how hard we train.

 Jerameiah AZU - Image by Mark Dunn

Silver medallist: Romell Glave – 6.62

It is a privilege to be here and racing in front of a home crowd; it is my first UK Indoor Championships. Even though the race didn’t quite go to plan. I have been enjoying the indoor season so far, and hopefully I’ll be selected for the world indoors.

 Romell Grave  - Image by Mark Dunn

Bronze medallist: Jody Smith – 6.63

The race felt amazing, to line up next to some of the best guys in the country is always a pleasure. This is my first year where I rally been able to compete with the top guys and to come out with a medal is an amazing feeling. There is no feeling like it.

 Jodi Smith  - Image by Mark Dunn

All Roads Lead to Poland

With the UK title safely in his locker, the focus now shifts to the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland. Azu is currently in a "good place," balancing his newfound status as a global champion with the raw work ethic that got him there.

If this weekend in Birmingham was a preview, the rest of the world has been put on notice: Jeremiah Azu isn't just defending his titles; he’s evolving into a complete sprint powerhouse.