IAAF World Indoor Championships 2026: Jeremiah Azu narrowly misses out on 60m medal

Defending champion Jeremiah Azo narrowly missed out on a medal in the men’s 60m final at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Poland.

Twelve months after claiming the first world title of his career by winning the World Indoor gold medal in China, Azo missed out on a return to the podium by just 0.01 seconds as he clocked 6.46 seconds in Toruń.

The 24-year-old always faced stiff competition as he looked to defend his title but showed his medal credentials by improving his personal best to 6.45 in the semi-finals – a time that moved him into second place in the British all-time list behind Dwayne Chambers.

American Jordan Anthony, who arrived at the championships as the fastest man this year, improved to 6.41 seconds to lead Jamaican Keeshan Thompson, Olympic and world silver medalist in the 100 meters, across the finish line.

Both Thompson and American Trayvon Brummel finished in 6.45 seconds to complete the podium, with Azzo being denied victory in a thrilling finish to the opening day of racing.

Earlier on Friday, Olympic champion and world indoor record holder Kelly Hodgkinson dominated the women’s 800m from start to finish to win in 2:00.32 and advance to the semi-finals, where she will be joined by teammate Isabelle Bovey.

World bronze medalist Ben Pattison (1:47.48) advanced in the men’s event, also held on Saturday morning.