Zharnel Hughes chases 200m title in Birmingham; could become second man to win twice

2026 European Athletics Championships: Zharnel Hughes chases 200m title as Mumenthaler and Ansah advance to final

The British athlete is hoping to become the only the second man to win the 200m title twice after Pietro Mennea (Italy) in 1974 and 1978.

Zharnel Hughes and Timothé Mumenthaler stared each other down at the finish line of their men’s 200m semi-final heat on Thursday (13 August), offering a glimpse of what’s to come in Friday’s final (14 August) at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Home favourite Hughes is looking to reclaim the title he won in 2022, after missing the 2024 championships in Rome.

On that occasion, it was Switzerland’s 23-year-old sprinter who took the title.

Paired in the semi-final after both received byes from the heats, the duo were in a class of their own, with Hughes taking the victory in 20.05s , while defending champion Mumenthaler clocked 20.09s to book his place in the final.

If Hughes does win, he would become just the second man to win the European 200m title twice.

“I was having a laugh, looking across the line as I finished,” Hughes said after the race.

“I am happy with my time, most definitely. It was controlled and I was able to enjoy myself.

“I am looking forward to the final and becoming a five-time European champion. I’ll give it my best because I want that gold medal.”

Germany’s Owen Ansah ran the fastest time across the semi-finals, cruising to a 20.04s win, a European lead that looked fairly comfortable.

After winning bronze in the 100m, he is a strong contender for another podium finish in the half-lap event.

Italy is the only country with two men in the final, with Eseosa Fostine Desalu and national champion Filippo Dezza both securing their spots.

Olympic 4x100m relay gold medallist Desalu won the opening semi-final in 20.08s , while Dezza finished third in the final semi-final to confirm his place in the final.

“I know I am in shape, but I must take each race step by step,” Desalu explained.

“I am excited I have a chance. My priority is to make the podium but I have to not get carried away. I will need the crowd behind me tomorrow. I am very confident I can do it.”

The men’s 200m final is scheduled for 21:25 local time on Friday (14 August)

Picture by 2026 Getty Images

Athletics | European Championships | Birmingham | United Kingdom