The outstanding feat accomplished by Anguillian athlete, Zharnel Hughes, by winning the gold medal for Team Great Britain, in the 100-metre European championships in Germany on August 8, is still very much in the air in Anguilla, England and wherever else he is held in high esteem for his athletic prowess.
Zharnel was a member of Great Britain’s four-man team which went on to win the 4×100-metre relay gold medal also in the European championship held in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, August 12, attracting further widespread commendation for Zharnel.
A specialist in the 100 and 200-metre sprints, Zharnel, 23, set a new championship record of 9.95 seconds in the 100m, beating his nearest arrival, Reece Prescod, who settled for a silver medal.
There have been a number of official congratulations expressed in Anguilla for the young athlete who has already won a series of other top athletic awards. A message from the Governor’s Office on Facebook reads:
“Look what can happen in less than ten seconds…Zharnel Hughes clinched the New Euro Championship 100m Record at 9.95s! Congratulations from all of us at the Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s Office.”
Chief Minister Mr. Victor Banks said: “Anguilla and Anguillians are extremely proud of the achievements of our son of the soil, Zharnel Hughes, as he continues to ‘wow’ us. He shows that our small island, with scarce resources, and primitive facilities, can produce such quality athletes. Of course, our home-grown athletes are competing as part of Team Great Britain based on our constitutional relationship. Congratulations, Zharnel! We are proud of you!”
Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. Cardigan Connor, joined in congratulating Zharnel. “Our youth continues to make all of us proud. Zharnel again did a terrific job at the European championships and again that tells you about the opportunities that are afforded to him. Of course, if he was representing Anguilla only it would not be possible. He has a great opportunity not just to represent Great Britain but, by extension, to represent Anguilla as well. I think all Anguillians are very proud of that, and wherever we have the Anguillian youngsters doing well, it tells us that our future looks very impressive.”
Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, Leader of the Anguilla United Movement, commented: “Anguillian Zharnel Hughes does it again. He became the fastest man in Europe in record time, representing Team Great Britain and winning the 100-metres gold in the European championships in Berlin, Germany. On behalf of the Anguilla United Movement, and Anguillians everywhere, I would like to congratulate Zharnel for his hard work, dedication and commitment to greatness. He is testament to the resilience and brilliance of Anguillians who, though battered by the Hurricane of 2017, have roared back stronger, faster and prouder in 2018. Go Zharnel. Go Team AXA. God Bless.”
