The European bronze medalist is claiming her first British 100m title and recorded the first wind-forced 10m performance of her career in a blistering 9.98 in Birmingham.
European 100m bronze medalist Rommel Glaive put his career on display by winning the men’s elite 100m final at the Novuna British Athletics Championships in Birmingham on Saturday (June 20th).
The 26-year-old stormed to victory with a wind-legal 9.98 (0.5) to secure his first British title and legally break the 10-second barrier for the first time.
Glaive held off a late challenge from Jarnell Hughes, who recovered from a slow start to finish second in a season-best 10.01. Louis Hinchliffe and Jeremiah Azu both clocked 10.03 to finish third and fourth respectively.
With the European Championships due to be held at the same venue this summer, Glave’s performance sent a strong message to his continental rivals. His 9.98 equals the European lead set by Germany’s Owen Ansah earlier this month and makes him only the third European athlete to break 10 seconds this year, alongside Ansah and Italy’s Olympic champion Lamont Marcel Jacobs.
Glaive had dipped below 10 seconds six previous times, but each of those performances had been aided by extreme winds. He recently ran a 9.88 at Savona, where he beat Jacobs, albeit with wind aid.
“I wasn’t really worried about the time, it was all about qualifying today,” Glave said. “Time was secondary. Nice to be back in Birmingham and the crowd was amazing. It makes me even more excited for the Europeans.
“This gold medal has been coming for a long time. I knew the quality and potential was there, but I had to believe in it. Thanks to my coach and support staff for believing in me through the ups and downs. It helped me believe in myself when there was doubt.
“I’ve changed my mindset this season and today shows what I’m capable of.”
Runner-up Hughes said: “Today was just about having fun and racing. Obviously, I’m not doing the 100m yet, but I’m mainly focused on the 200m. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and seeing what I can deliver.”
