Zharnel Hughes Smashes British 100m Record at USATF New York Grand Prix

A highlight of the USATF New York Grand Prix on Saturday (24) was Zharnel Hughes’ record-breaking performance in the 100 meters, which was an astounding British record.

Ackeem Blake from Jamaica got off to a good start, but Christian Coleman, the 2019 world champion, quickly regained the lead. Despite this, Hughes started to push his way down the track in the second half, flying past Blake and Coleman. He extended his lead to an impressive margin when he broke the tape in a wind legal (1.3m/s) 9.83 seconds. Blake crossed the line second in 9.93 and Coleman took third in 10.02.

Hughes shaved 0.04 off the British 100m record held by Linford Christie which stood for almost three decades. He also became the second-fastest European man behind Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs.

“I woke up with a dream this morning,” Hughes said. “This morning I woke up with 9.83 on my mind.

“When I looked at the clock and saw 9.83, I don’t know if you saw my reaction, but I was like, ‘What just happened there?’ It actually came through.”

Hughes previous personal best time the 100m before this race was 9.91, which he set in 2018.

Men’s 100m Final, Wind: +1.3

Final event of the night was the eagerly awaited men’s 200m race featuring Noah Lyles.

After running side-by-side with Issam Asinga for the first 50 metres, Lyles pulled away and entered the home straight with a one-metre cushion. Lyles increased the lead dramatically in the last 60 and crossed the finish line in 19.83, with Asinga hanging on for second place in 20.25.

Lyles equaled Usain Bolt’s record for the most 200m finishes under 20 seconds.