Noah Lyles might be the face of American sprinting, but when it comes to picking the top contender, Michael Johnson isn’t looking stateside. Instead, the four-time Olympic gold medalist is backing the British star as the one to watch. Once again, Johnson has overlooked Lyles and his American counterparts, shifting the spotlight across the Atlantic. Is it just a tactical assessment, or is there something deeper at play?
And why wouldn’t he? Zharnel Hughes is shaking up the sprinting hierarchy, demanding attention with his dominance. From leading the British 4x100m squad to outpacing Lyles in an electrifying anchor leg, the 28-year-old has proved he’s more than just a challenger. Now, with the Michael Johnson-led Grand Slam event on the horizon, Hughes has the perfect stage to cement his case.
Michael Johnson isn’t just making predictions. When asked about the athletes primed for a breakout 2025 season, the sprinting legend didn’t mention Noah Lyles or any of his American counterparts. Instead, he doubled down on Zharnel Hughes. “I’m going to say I think Zharnel Hughes… had a great year in 2023, and he was on his way,” Johnson told CITIUS MAG. “He figured a lot out in 2023… ran two PBs, national records, and then got injured last year.” Despite setbacks, Johnson firmly believes Hughes will dominate this season. He reinforced, “I’m going to say Zharnel is going to have a good year.” In 2023, the sprinter set British records for 100m and 200m clocking 9.83 and 19.73 respectively. The 200m British record was nothing short of historical- the track sensation broke John Regis’ 30-year-old record to set his own. The same year he also secured bronze at World Athletics in Budapest. But life hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses for him!
A few months ago, he was battling a hamstring injury that forced him to withdraw from the 200m event at the Paris Olympics and tested his mental resilience. “Sometimes I felt as if I was putting a little bit too much pressure on myself, and I wasn’t really enjoying the moments,” Hughes admitted to the BBC. But after overcoming those struggles, he has come back stronger than ever. Proving his potential by leading Britain’s 4x100m team and at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas. Moreover, the 29-year-old managed to fetch bronze for his country in the 4x100m event at the Paris Olympics.
Image Credits: Imago
With Michael Johnson’s open endorsement where he looked past American track sensations to pick Zharnell Hughes, track fans are only fair to want a Zharnell-Noah showdown. At any rate, Hughes has a good enough reason to hunt Lyles.
Zharnel Hughes’ redemption arc: A season of opportunity
For Zharnel Hughes, the upcoming season isn’t just about racing. It’s about rewriting the narrative. After a challenging Olympic cycle and falling short against Noah Lyles in Budapest, Hughes is all fueled for redemption. But beyond personal goals, he’s embracing a greater responsibility. “I’m looking forward to making them [supporters] even more proud this season,” he shared. A signal of his commitment to both individual glory and national pride.
In his own words, Hughes described wearing the GB vest as feeling like a “superpower.” But this season, he’s taking a new approach. In the past, he meticulously mapped out his goals in writing, setting specific targets before the season even began. Now, he’s stepping away from that rigid mindset. “I am just taking it day by day, step by step, getting the progress done according to what my coach and I are working on,” he explained. This signals a more adaptable and focused mentality heading into the Olympics.
With the highly anticipated Grand Slam Track event set to debut, Hughes has another opportunity to challenge Lyles outside of the Diamond League and World Championships. The format excites him, as he believes it “brings a little more light to the sport.” However, neither sprinter has officially committed to the series yet. One thing is certain: whether it’s in the Grand Slam or on the Olympic stage, Hughes is ready to prove he belongs at the top.
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