Olympic gold medallist Mark Lewis-Francis has expressed strong confidence in British sprinting talents Amy Hunt and Jeremiah Azu, predicting they will deliver outstanding performances at the upcoming Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships. The former athlete, who made history anchoring Team GB's 4x100m relay victory at Athens 2004, believes the duo are perfectly positioned to shine on home soil this summer.
British Sprinters in Peak Form Ahead of Home Championships
Amy Hunt, who secured 200m silver at last year's World Athletics Championships, has already demonstrated impressive early-season form by recording her fastest ever season opener in the 60m with a time of 7.17 seconds. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Azu enjoyed a remarkable 2025 campaign, claiming both world and European indoor gold medals. Their current trajectory suggests they are reaching peak performance at an ideal moment, with the prestigious continental championships approaching.
Lewis-Francis's Personal Connection to European Championships
The 43-year-old athletics legend understands better than most what it takes to succeed at European level, having won 4x100m relay gold in 2006 and individual silver in 2010. Lewis-Francis particularly cherishes his Barcelona 2010 achievement, describing it as one of the highest highlights of his career. "Barcelona in 2010 was a personal one for me. I was definitely the underdog," he recalled. "I had just come back from an Achilles injury, and I moved over to Linford Christie's training group. That was one of the highest highlights of my career. It was the last big race of my career too, so it meant a lot."
Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes
Now actively involved in promoting the championships, Lewis-Francis has been visiting schools around Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, where the event will be hosted. As a member of Birchfield Harriers, the club based at the stadium, he recognises the importance of visible role models for young people. During a recent appearance at Ferndale Primary School in Great Barr, where he helped launch the Birmingham 2026 group ticket offer, he witnessed firsthand the excitement building among local children.
"It's exciting times for Birmingham," Lewis-Francis commented. "To come into the schools and get the locals involved, see the faces of the kids who are excited that a European Championships is coming to Birmingham is amazing for me. Coming back and inspiring the next generation and getting them involved in athletics is very rewarding. It shows that the legacy continues."
Strong Endorsements for Hunt and Azu
Lewis-Francis offered glowing praise for both athletes, highlighting their potential impact on the sport. "Amy Hunt is an inspiration to the sport. There are so many young girls waiting to see her compete. She's going to do amazingly," he stated. Regarding Azu, he added: "He will definitely shine at the European Championships. He's an amazing athlete and an amazing guy. He left his original coach to go to Italy, came back to Wales and won gold at the European and World Indoor Championships in 2025. So, it's super exciting times for sprinting."
Historic Moment for British Athletics
Birmingham 2026 represents a significant milestone as the first time the European Athletics Championships has been hosted by a British city. The event is scheduled to take place at Alexander Stadium from 10th to 16th August 2026, with ticket information available through official channels. Lewis-Francis's endorsement adds considerable weight to expectations for British success, combining his personal experience with genuine belief in the current generation's capabilities.
The championships promise to create lasting memories for both participants and spectators, particularly with home athletes competing in front of supportive crowds. Lewis-Francis emphasised the powerful effect of witnessing elite athletes in person: "Seeing is believing. If you see somebody that you've seen on TV in real life and you watch them in real life compete, it makes you believe that you can do it as well."
