Wales Star Jeremiah Azu Insists: “I’m in the Shape of my Life” on eve of World Championships

Life is good for Jeremiah Azu.

Wales’ fastest ever sprinter over 100m has been looking back on a stellar 12 months on and off the track.

Having moved back to Wales after two years in Italy, Azu is in the form of his life and enjoying the experience of being a new dad.

Now he is in Japan, preparing for his first appearance at the World Athletics Championships where he will line-up in the individual 100m event and the 4x100m

“I'm feeling really good,” said Azu from the Great Britain team’s holding camp ahead of the championships in Tokyo.

“I'm feeling confident. I think I'm definitely in the shape of my life right now. I just want to get out there. I’m really excited to go now.”

Asked what his goal for the championship was, Azu said: “I really hold myself to a high standard, so I just want to be competitive and leave with the best performance I can.

“I think definitely the aim is to make final. Once that is achieved, then you can start thinking about medals and other things.”

Azu has every reason to be feeling confident. 2025 has been a year like no other for the Cardiff sprinter.

The Olympic 4x400m bronze medallist at last year’s Paris Olympics started the indoor season by winning all 12 of the 60m indoor races he took part in during January, February and March.

That remarkable run of success brought him the Welsh, British, European and World Indoor 60m titles.

Jeremiah Azu runs for Great Britain in the 4x100m relay at the London Diamond League.

Between the British and European triumphs, Azu and his partner celebrated the birth of their first son.

The outdoor season saw Azu equal his Welsh 100m record of 9.97 while he lowered his 200m personal best to 20.83.

There was also a 100m silver medal behind Zharnel Hughes at the Novuna UK Athletics Championships and a first ever appearance in the Wanda Diamond League 100m final in Zurich where he placed fourth.

Jeremiah Azu works on his starts under coach Helen James’ guidance.

Asked whether there had been a chance to reflect on what has been a whirlwind year, Azu said: “There's been stages where I've looked back and really taken it all in.

“I think I've had great things happen in all aspects of my life, and I'm really excited about it all in different ways.

“I'm running great and I'm starting the next chapter of my life as a father, which is something I've always wanted to become. I'm embracing all the challenges that come with it.

“I'm so driven by supporting my family, and now that I've got my own it's like even more motivation.

“So yeah, I think this year has been managing the balance and making sure that every aspect of my life is progressing. I think I'm juggling all the moving parts quite well right now.”

“Juggling all the moving parts quite well” would seem to be something of an understatement seeing as Azu has also been settling back in Wales after two years living and training in Italy.

Jeremiah Azu is brimming with confidence after an outstanding season.

The 24-year-old had moved to Padova where he was under the guidance of coach Marco Airale.

But at the end of last year he decided to move back to Wales where he was reunited with coach Helen James, who first spotted his talent as a teenager in Cardiff.

Azu is now part of a training group in the city which includes his brother Alex.

“I think for me, the way life was going, it was the best option at the time,” says Azu of the decision to return to Wales. “I think there were great parts of my previous setup, and there's great parts of my setup now.

“I think as an athlete, you just have to make sure whatever environment you're in, you're giving it the best of yourself. I think a lot of athletes can be quick to blame groups or systems.

“But I think as people if we want to be successful, we have to look within. I think I've always believed that I can be successful anywhere. It's just how much of myself do I give that environment?

“I'm just enjoying it, really. I think that's the most important thing for me. I started off this sport just having fun, and I'm just trying to keep it that way. And it's been great being back home.”

Jeremiah Azu in 100m action at the London Diamond League.

Now working again with James, Azu explained what he looks for in a coach.

“I look for someone that will support me, someone that will stand by me, allow me to believe in myself through the highs and the lows, because there's probably more lows than highs. It is tough,” he said.

“So yeah, just to kind of pick you up when you get down, and even when you are down to know that moment doesn't define you.

“I think a great coach can really help you have a good perspective on situations, because there were a few moments in summer where it was not looking great.

“But my coach allowed me not to lose any confidence in myself. We know the work that we've been doing, and it's going to pay off. So yeah, I think they keep that confidence within you.

“As athletes, we will have those moments where we doubt, and that's why the circle that you have around you so important to pull you out of that.”

Jeremiah Azu and Zharnel Hughes celebrate finishing first and second at the UK Athletics Championships.

Azu has often spoken about the importance of the team around him. Not just his coach and training partners, but also that of his family and the influence of his Christian faith.

Commenting on the importance of his religion, Azu said: “I think daily it allows me to push myself.

“I don't want to do anything half-hearted as I believe I've been gifted this talent, which doesn't necessarily mean that I don't need to work hard, because I know I need to work hard to get to where I want to get to.

“I use it as a form of gratitude, because it's completely changed my life and my family's life.

“There are days where you think, ‘can I really do this’? I think my faith, in a strange way, pulls me through that moment of where you're kind of like questioning what you want to do, you know?

“It helps me approach every day with confidence, with gratitude, with thanksgiving. I think the perspective it gives me in life is what allows me to be successful.”

Jeremiah Azu and his brother Alex celebrate winning gold and bronze in the Welsh Indoor 60m final.

With the World Championships taking place later this year, there had been fears some athletes would arrive in Tokyo tired after a long season.

Despite such a hectic start of the year and a busy outdoor season Azu says he is in fine fettle, despite suffering from the effects of jet lag immediately after arriving in Japan.

READ MORE: Jeremiah Azu Leads Welsh Foursome Heading for World Championships with GB

“I'm feeling great,” said Azu. “I had a gym workout today and everything's moving really well.

“Initially with all the jet lag and all that stuff, we were still getting over all of that. It’s hard to get out for sessions, because your body's just so discombobulated.

“But leaving that gym today, I felt really confident, and things were moving well. Yeah, I'm just excited now to get going.”

Azu starts his campaign in Tokyo with the individual 100m heats this Saturday. The 4x100m heats are on Saturday, September 20.

READ MORE: Jeremiah Azu Tops Bill As Elite Athletes Descend On Cardiff