Britain’s fastest man Zharnel Hughes backs home Olympics bid
Britain’s fastest man Zharnel Hughes has backed a plan to bring the Olympics back to the UK in the 2040s.
The government is exploring a potential pathway towards an Olympics in the North of England in what would be the first version of the event in Britain since London 2012 over a decade ago. Anguilla-born Hughes is firmly in favour.
“It would be amazing to have it back there. [London] 2012 was the last time and it was absolutely one of the best Olympics,” he said.
“I wasn’t there to experience it myself, I was a youngster, but I heard great comments and obviously I’ve been around Usain Bolt and those guys so I’ve heard comments about how the Olympics was in London. I definitely back it 110 per cent.”
Hughes would be in his 50s should Britain win the hosting rights for the Games. “For a fact I definitely won’t be competing there, but I will be in the stands, God willing,” he joked.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that the capital should be involved with any Olympic bid but it appears the North would be favoured should the British Olympic Association submit an application to the IOC.
Hughes’s season will feature races at the British trials, European Championships in Birmingham, Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, London Diamond League event and potentially the new Ultimate Championships in Budapest.
Hughes on the Enhanced Games
But he won’t be at the Enhanced Games this weekend, when former Team GB teammate Reece Prescod competes in an event that allows doping.
“I didn’t even remember it was happening to be honest with you so now that you have mentioned it, I’ll probably have a look at it just to see how they act, how well they actually do perform,” Hughes added when asked whether he’d tune in.
“I know Fred [Kerley, Olympic medallist] was talking about him going for the world record so it would be interesting to see if he actually breaks it this time.
“With Reese [Prescod], that’s his choice. I wish him nothing but the best regardless – let’s see how he competes at the Enhanced Games.”
Would Hughes ever jump to the Enhanced Games, which is taking place in Las Vegas? “Nope, no way. No. Not even the smallest thought came to mind.”
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