By Paul Jones

Jeremiah Azu gave notice of a timely spike in form in Olympic year when he became the first Welsh athlete to run a 100m in less than 10 seconds at the weekend.

The Cardiff flier broke the 10 second-barrier for the first time in wind legal conditions at the True Athletes Classic in Leverkusen, Germany.

https://twitter.com/AthleticsWeekly/status/1794426693882384523

In the last race of the day, Azu stopped the clock at 9.97 for a notable victory on the road to the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships.

That is where the former European U23 champion will be looking to return to the rostrum after winning 100m bronze in Munich 2022.

https://twitter.com/BritAthletics/status/1794418555523322356

Based on current form, Azu will be looking to trade up that bronze medal from two years ago after he become the first European sprinter to break the 10 second-barrier in the 100m in 2024.

“I’m really pleased and it’s amazing to run sub-10 seconds for the first time,” said Azu.

“A big shout out to my coach, my family and my girlfriend and everyone else who has helped and supported me.

“I use my speed to have moments like this where I can impact maybe just one person to realise there is a god out there, who can help you find true happiness in life. It’s great running fast, but, ultimately, there is so much more to life.”

From a historic standpoint, Azu moves to equal eighth on the British all-time list alongside Dwain Chambers and Adam Gemili.

Azu won by a clear margin from Germans Owen Ansah (10.11) and Robin Ganter (10.13).

In case you missed it, over the weekend – Jeremiah Azu became the first Welsh person to run 100 metres IN UNDER 10 seconds!! pic.twitter.com/A1uYvibjgM

— Peter Gillibrand (@GillibrandPeter) May 27, 2024

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