By Gareth James

Jeremiah Azu will bid to retain his European U23 title after smashing the Welsh 100m record for the second time in five days.

The Cardiff speedster clocked 10.04 secs as he stormed to victory in his semi-final in Finland.

Azu had broken the record at the Uk Championships in Manchester last weekend when he ran 10.08 secs.

https://twitter.com/WelshAthletics/status/1679520601206059014

The 22-year-old, who had broken the mark set by Christian Malcolm, said: “I hold the Welsh record, so to lower it again was great.

“I am a Championship performer, so I’m excited for the final to see what else I can give.

“I have been gifted a talent, and I’m grateful to be able to express this in front of people.”

Azu goes for gold in the final in Espoo on Friday evening having also set a championship record in the semi as he finished 0.24 secs ahead of  Nsikak Ekpo from the Netherlands.

He won the title in 2021 in Estonia.