Romell Glave Wins European 100m Title as Azu Takes Silver 2026

Romell Glave soared to the European 100m title in a dramatic final in Birmingham, as fellow Brit Jeremiah Azu made it a one-two for Great Britain. The race saw defending champion Marcell Jacobs struggle with an apparent injury, finishing last, while Glave's powerful start carried him to gold in 10.09 seconds.

Glave's Breakthrough Victory

Glave, who had previously won bronze at the 2024 European Championships, overcame a back injury that hampered his progress. Working with coach Michael Afilaka on sprint mechanics and mental preparation, the 26-year-old executed his plan perfectly. "We've been working on my start to the first 30 metres, and I was able to execute that today," Glave said after the race.

The victory was especially sweet as it came on home soil in Birmingham, with the crowd of 16,000 roaring him to the line. Glave celebrated by jogging around the track wearing a gold crown, a fitting image for the new champion.

British One-Two History

This was the third time Britain has claimed gold and silver in the men's 100m at the European Championships. The previous occasions were in 1998 when Darren Campbell beat Dwain Chambers, and in 2018 when Zharnel Hughes finished ahead of Reece Prescod. This historic repeat underscores the depth of British sprinting talent.

Jacobs' Disappointment

Marcell Jacobs, the Olympic champion and two-time European champion, was bidding for a third consecutive title but his body broke down in the final. He hobbled over the line in 12.26 seconds, a far cry from his usual form. The Italian's tattoo of the Colosseum and a gladiator serves as a reminder of his fighting spirit, but on this night, he was unable to battle through the physical setback.

Key Takeaways from the Race

• Romell Glave won gold in 10.09 seconds, a modest time but enough for victory.
• Jeremiah Azu took silver in 10.16, ahead of Germany's Owen Ansah (10.19) who claimed bronze.
• The race was held in Birmingham, marking a home-soil triumph for British athletics.
• Glave's win is his first major international gold, following a bronze in 2024.

What's Next for Glave?

With this European title under his belt, Glave will set his sights on the World Championships and the Olympics. His improved start and mental resilience make him a strong contender on the global stage. "I was ready for this occasion," he said, signaling his ambition to compete with the world's best.

FAQ