Romell Glave wins men’s 100m in Birmingham, United Kingdom; first European 100m title
2026 European Athletics Championships: Romell Glave stuns field to claim men’s 100m title
2026 European Athletics Championships: Romell Glave stuns field to claim men’s 100m title
Glave led a Great Britain 1-2, stopping the clock at 10.09s, with Jeremiah Azu (10.16s) taking silver, and Germany’s Owen Ansah (10.19s) completing the podium. Defending champion Marcell Jacobs pulled up with injury halfway through the race.
Great Britain’s Romell Glave celebrated his first European 100m title in front of home fans after he stormed to victory in 10.09s at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom on Tuesday night (11 August).
The bronze medallist from two years ago, Glave delivered on his home track when it mattered most, powering through a strong field to claim victory.
“Going into this season, my main objective was to be king of Europe,” Glave told media afterwards. “Two years ago I came third, and I wasn’t happy with that.
“I’m a different athlete now. I was dreaming about this from the start of the season. It’s an amazing feeling. Those first positions, crossing the line first, that’s what that relentless training is for, to get to this moment.”
Compatriot Jeremiah Azu took silver in 10.16s, with Germany’s Owen Ansah taking the bronze in 10.19s. The German Anti-Doping Agency has however alleged Ansah refused a doping test last month, which could eventually impact this result – although there is no suggestion he has taken any prohibited substances.
Defending champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs, who was seeking to become only the third man to win three European 100m titles, pulled up injured halfway into the race and crossed the line seventh.
Great Britain duo deliver for home fans
The men’s 100m final was the race everyone at the 20,000-capacity Alexander Stadium had been waiting for.
Great Britain had qualified three sprinters for the final and although just two took to the start line – Louie Hinchcliffe withdrew through injury – it set up a partisan atmosphere.
But none of them was expected to leave Birmingham with the gold. That honour belonged to Jacobs , the Italian who had arrived as the favourite having sent an early warning to his rivals in July with a wind-assisted 9.67 seconds .
To beat him, it was going to take something special, and that was what the 26-year-old Glave delivered.
The British champion exploded from the blocks while Jacobs made a slower start., and by the halfway mark Glave had established a clear advantage with the shape of the race already becoming apparent.
By the time Jacobs pulled up with an injury, bringing his title defence to an abrupt end, Glave was already celebrating.
As he crossed the finish line, the Briton raised a finger to the sky, savouring the moment as he became only the sixth British man to win the European 100m title .
Glave is the third Briton to do so in the past six editions, following James Dasaolu in 2014 and Zharnel Hughes in 2018.
Picture by 2026 Getty Images
Athletics | European Championships | Birmingham | United Kingdom