Anguilla’s world-class sprinter, Zharnel Hughes, is the recipient of a grant of US$8,000 from the Social Security Board.
In making the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday, October 6, Director of Social Security, Mr. Timothy Hodge, told media representatives: “On this occasion we will handover a sponsorship cheque to Zharnel (Swift) Hughes who is making all of us very proud as an Anguillian sprinter; and soon we hope that he will be carrying the title as the fastest man in the world. The Social Security Board is very happy to be associated with Zharnel and to finance his living and training expenses over the next few months before he goes over to the British athletics.”
Mr. Hodge added: “We also want to be associated with Zharnel in terms of asking him to help us to promote the benefits of Social Security in Anguilla, so it will be a win-win situation.”
Zharnel was accompanied at the press conference by his Manager, Ms. Kareen Campbell-Carty, his aunt, Ms. Ebanks and one of his brothers. With Mr. Hodge were members of his Management and Public Relations team, among them being Mrs Rosanna Browne-Harrigan who presented the cheque to Zharnel.
During the question and answer period, Zharnel was asked how he felt being an Anguillian but competing internationally or Great Britain. He responded: “For me, I cannot forget where I came from. I still have Anguilla in my mind and in my heart.” Questioned what he would do next if and when he finally beats Usain Bolt, he replied: “I will move on to other world records”. May be one day he will be an Olympic gold champion.
The Anguillian 200m sprinter is currently being trained, on a scholarship award, at the IAAF’s High Performance Centre in Jamaica. He returned there on Wednesday this week. He trains with the Racers Track Club alongside Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Delano Williams and others.
On March 17, 2015, Zharnel made his Diamond League debut in New York and was commended for almost beating world champion Usain Bolt. On July 24, 2015, he won the 200m at the London Diamond League meet, and on August 27 he came 5th in the 200m at the World Championship in Beijing.
