Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
British sprinter Jeremiah Azu has come under criticism after wearing a headband inscribed with the words “100% Jesus” during his appearance at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Azu, born in Cardiff to Ghanaian parents, is a devout Christian and openly vocal about his faith. However, World Athletics regulations prohibit athletes from displaying political or religious slogans during competitions.
The governing body confirmed on Wednesday that it had “taken note” of Azu’s headband and said his team would be reminded of the rules and possible sanctions if he repeats the gesture when he lines up for the sprint relay on Saturday.
Azu, 23, made history as the first Welsh sprinter to run under 10 seconds in the men’s 100m. He attributes his success to his Christian faith and has previously said he feels divinely empowered on the track.
“For me, I want to spread the gospel. The faster I run, the more people I can reach. Once I’m on the track, I know I’m not doing it on my own – there is a power behind me,” he said in an earlier interview.
The sprinter’s father is a preacher, and Azu has said he is unbothered by criticism of his beliefs. “Whichever way things go, I’m okay because I know I’m doing God’s work,” he once told reporters.
This is not the first time athletes in England have clashed with sporting authorities over religious expressions. Last season, Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi was cautioned by the Football Association after writing “I love Jesus” on his armband during a Premier League match.
The rainbow armbands were introduced as part of the league’s LGBTQ+ inclusion campaign, but Guehi wrote his own message instead. Though he was reminded of the rules, the defender faced no sanction. He later wore another armband with the inscription “Jesus loves you” in his next match.
World Athletics has reiterated that political and religious messaging on kits or bodywear remains prohibited under its competition regulations.