Zharnel Hughes isn’t just fast—he’s lightning in spikes. The British sprinter holds jaw-dropping national records of clocking 9.83s in the 100m and 19.73s in the 200m. He has also smashed Linford Christie’s 30-year 100m mark at the NYC Grand Prix. And that World Championships bronze in 2023, where he became the first Brit in two decades to podium. But Zharnel’s career isn’t all gold confetti and victory laps. Remember Paris 2024? Dude gritted through hamstring agony to snatch the relay bronze for Team GB. In Tokyo 2020, his relay silver was lost after a teammate’s doping scandal. Also, don’t even get him started on 2016, when a shredded knee ligament sidelined him entirely. So, how does he keep bouncing back? Fans are obsessed—like, what’s behind this grit? Turns out, it’s all in his roots and faith.

What is Zharnel Hughes’ ethnicity?

Zharnel Hughes’ story starts with a mix of Caribbean hustle and British drive. Born on the tiny island of Anguilla, he didn’t have the luxury of flashy tracks or fancy gear. As a kid, Zharnel was tearing up the grass fields because that was all his island had to offer. But one cannot underestimate the role of Mom, Zarnalyn, and her genes. She brought that Jamaican fire that has fueled athletes like Usain Bolt. And, when it comes to his father, Howell has kept the Anguillan vibes strong.

But here’s where it gets wild: Teenage Zharnel packed his bags for Jamaica, landing at Kingston College to train under Glen Mills—the same coach who turned Bolt into a legend. At Kingston, Zharnel smashed Yohan Blake’s junior 100m record with a 10.12-second blaze. Looking back, Hughes cracks up, “That’s when I knew—oh yeah, I’m kinda good at this sprinting thing.”

Fast-forward to today, and he’s representing Team GB with pride. However, Anguilla is in his heart, the pure island hustle that is embedded in his DNA.

What is Zharnel Hughes’ religion?

Hughes’ faith is not something that he has kept hidden under the blanket. It’s central to his grind. He has been vocal that he is a Christian and has often been seen thanking God in post-race interviews. After that World Championships bronze in 2023, he shouted out, “God first… this one’s for you guys back home.” His Instagram is also filled with verses and gratitude posts, like when he and fiancée Shenel Francis announced their pregnancy, “Blessed beyond measure with our little one on the way.”

But his faith isn’t just hashtags. Hughes has talked about leaning on prayer during setbacks, like that Tokyo false start. “I didn’t know if I wanted to continue,” he admitted, but added, “There’s a born desire within me… I’m willing to chase that light.” Even his ritual of writing race times in a notebook shows his faith. He calls it “manifesting,” blending belief with hustle.

Maybe it is his faith that, despite the injuries and heartbreaks, hasn’t dimmed Hughes’ fire. Fresh off his Paris relay bronze, his calendars are jam-packed in 2025. First up, he is going to participate in Grand Slam Track, a new global league where he’ll race in Kingston, Miami, Philly, and LA. “It’s gonna be tough, but I’m here to push the bar,” he said, aiming to lower his British records even further.

And let’s not forget the bigger picture. At 29, Hughes is eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, determined to finally snag that individual medal. So keep an eye on this speedster and see his faith and roots help him snag more medals.