Jeremiah Azu is riding high after an incredible run of success, both on and off the track. The 23-year-old sprinter has had a whirlwind year, becoming a father for the first time and securing a string of championship titles. He clinched the Welsh, British, European, and world indoor 60m titles, a feat that he still sometimes struggles to believe. "Even sometimes now it doesn't feel real," he admits, highlighting the surreal nature of his achievements.

Returning home after his World Indoor Championships victory in China, Azu was met with a hero's welcome. "My family were there cheering me on when I walked into the house, just picking me up, throwing me around. It was just a big celebration," he recalls, emphasizing the importance of his family's support.

Azu's motivations are now deeply intertwined with his family life. "Before it was for my family. But now it's really for my own son and my wife and I think you can't really beat those motivations," he explains, noting how fatherhood has amplified his drive to succeed.

Despite his growing list of accolades, including an Olympic bronze in the men's 4x100m relay in Paris, Azu remains grounded. He attributes his confidence to his family's unwavering support and his faith. This humility was evident when, after a Commonwealth Day event in Wales, he stayed behind to help tidy up, long after the other guests had departed.

Azu emphasizes the importance of self-belief and mental fortitude in athletics. "I've learnt how to win and I think that's important in athletics. Because in the final everyone's fast, everyone's talented, but it's who actually believes it," he states, pointing out that success hinges on the ability to remain composed and trust in one's training.

His coaching setup has also seen a return to familiar ground. After a stint in Italy, Azu is once again working with Helen James, his coach from when he was 17. James is optimistic about his future, saying, "The world's his oyster. He's going to go a long way further than this."

Looking ahead, Azu is focused on the outdoor season, with plans to compete in the Diamond League and World Athletics Relays in China. He also intends to incorporate more 200m races into his schedule to enhance his speed and broaden his medal opportunities. The World Championships in Tokyo in September are a major target. "Coming in as world indoor champion, now there's a bit more expectation," Azu acknowledges. "But for me I'm not really doing this for anyone. I don't want to prove myself to anyone. I do this because I know I can do this. Because my ability shows me that I was born to do this."

Azu's unwavering dedication is clear: "There is not a thing that I'm not going to do, there's not an exercise that I'm going to leave. I go into everything wanting to be the best. So I just continue with that mindset towards everything."