World renown athlete and champion medalist, Anguilla’s own Zharnel Hughes, returned home on Wednesday 11th October, 2023, accompanied by his companion, on an American Eagle flight from Miami.
His parents, a small group of relatives and friends, as well as Ministers of Government, representatives from the Ministry of Social Services, and officials from the Department of Sports and the Anguilla Tourist Board were on hand at the Clayton J. Lloyd Airport to give him a hero’s welcome for his outstanding achievements on the stage of world athletics.
This is the first time that Zharnel is back home since the last track season when he achieved several feats.
Zharnel is a sprinter who competes for Great Britain, and last year he secured bronze in the World Championship 100 meters. He also broke the 100 meter record of Linford Christie, who had held that slot for some thirty years.
Zharnel was given a warm “welcome home” from the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Bonnie Richardson-Lake, both of whom presented him with beautiful bouquets of flowers.
Premier Webster counted Zharnel’s homecoming as an amazing moment. “Zharnel is our own superstar,” he said. “This is an amazing moment that a world-class athlete from a small island like ours can come home like this. It is so good be here to welcome him. Something like this is what we do to make our people proud to be Anguillian. And, indeed we are all proud be Anguillian, today, for Zharnel’s athletic performances have made us proud, indeed. He has certainly put us on the map and is keeping us on the world stage.”
In the VIP arrival lounge, Zharnel was interviewed by several media agents including Radio Anguilla’s Niamke Brooks, Lloyd Gumbs Live as well as local Sports Commentator, Tony Fleming.
Asked what would be his words of encouragement for up and coming local athletes, who are aspiring to be like him, he replied: “My encouragement to young athletes is no matter what your background might be on this small island, just have big dreams to show to the rest of the world. As long as you have the mindset and believe in yourself, anything is possible once you stay committed and consistent.”
When asked how it felt to break Linford Christie’s record that had stood for such a long time, Zharnel answered: “I feel pretty proud of myself because this is something that I had put on my vision board. It is something that I wanted to achieve. My coach had always seen me as having the potential to break Christie’s record. I had spoken to my agent the week before I broke it,” he said. “I told him that we want to break that record. So, I just entered the race focused on my goal of breaking that record. I gave it my best shot. When I saw the record was actually broken, after the race, I realized it was a dream come true.”
Following immigration and customs checks Zharnel exited the terminal to reunite with loved ones, friends, and well-wishers.
