Britain’s fastest man fires warning to Noah Lyles, Letsile Tebogo and Co

Britain’s fastest man Zharnel Hughes has cast his eyes on breaking records in 60m as well as running much faster in 100m and 200m in 2025 in what is a warning to his track rivals.

Hughes is coming from a disappointing 2024 season when injuries wrecked his campaign, leading to a poor outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he could not go past the semi-final in 100m, although he was part of Team GB that won bronze in 4x100m relay.

“My expectations are high, yes. I aim to run fast. Let’s see what happens. My coach and I will have to sit down and look at the schedule, especially the Diamond League schedule,” Hughes told of his desire to lower Dwain Chambers’ 60m record of 6.42 seconds that has stood for over 15 years.

Thompson's breakthrough season on track and field, which saw him eventually win silver in the 100 meters of the Paris Olympic games, has paved way for more financial rewards to him.

“We’ll definitely be hitting a few more of those races and I said to my coach that I want to try some 60m races. I feel I can also break the British record there. I want to focus on the technical, ensure I’m sharpening the bits that need to be fixed.

“That’s a strategy I’m looking at, attacking the first 60 metres, getting that correct, so it sets me up nicely for the last 40 in the 100.

“It won’t be the World Indoor Championships for sure, but a couple of 60m races just to get me sharp, along with the Diamond League races.”

Noah Lyles has explained the pivotal role his mother, father and siblings have played in helping him 'change' track and field forever.

Hughes believes running faster in 60m will be crucial in lowering his time in 100m, and possibly 200m, as he looks to run as low as 9.7 or 9.6 to beat some of the fastest times posted by his rivals this year.

Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson has the world’s fastest time of 9.77 followed by Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala (9.79) same as American Noah Lyles (9.79) and those are the levels Hughes wants to hit in 2025 as he gears up for the World Championships.

“I can’t say exactly what times, but I’m looking at low 9.7s or mid 9.7s. Who knows if I can get a 9.6 out of my body? That would be exceptional. But I have high standards for myself and there is a lot more to give. I’m working hard on making my body a lot stronger to ensure I stay clear of injuries,” said Hughes, whose personal best is 9.83 ran in June 2023.

Thompson-Herah has reacted for the first time since parting ways with coach Reynaldo Walcott amid talks of a sensational reunion with Stephen Francis' MVP Track Club

Hughes won bronze in 100m at the 2023 World Championships while finishing fourth in 200m but he still favours the latter, having clocked 19.73 seconds to beat John Regis’ record in July last year.

“I’m still trying to learn the 100m a little bit more. There’s more to dial down, especially the first couple of metres. That’s one of my weakest points and what I’m trying to really focus on,” he added.

“My top running speed is one of the best in the world. I’m always going to catch you at the latter part of the race.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce launches a football competition through her foundation, promoting community unity and empowering Jamaican youth.

“So, I’m trying to focus on the first 30-50m. Next season we’re looking forward to attacking that.”