British Teen Sprinter Jake Odey-Jordan Reflects on Costly Mistake at European U18 Championships
British teenage sprinter Jake Odey-Jordan has spoken out after a surprising mistake during the men’s 200m race at the European Athletics U18 Championships. The 16-year-old, who has been gaining attention in the United States and is considered one of the most promising young sprinters globally, recently set a new Under-20 British 200m record with a time of 20.55 at the New Balance Nationals.
Competing again at the European Athletics U18 Championships in Slovakia, Odey-Jordan appeared set to easily qualify from his heat. However, after coming around the bend well ahead of his competitors, he looked back to check their positions and then significantly reduced his speed long before the finish line. This allowed others to catch up and overtake him, resulting in a fourth-place finish and elimination from the competition.
Despite the unusual error, Odey-Jordan remained positive about his performance. “It is all right. I mean, it is my fault, so I cannot be sad about anything but myself,” he stated. “It is what it is. It felt good. It was not the fastest run, but it felt good. For sure, it could have been sub-21. But it is all good though. I am just out here, it is my first race on this meet.”
Jake Odey-Jordan, he never thought so many runners would pass him at European Athletics U18 Championships
Meanwhile, the Paris Olympics are set to begin next week, with the London Athletics Meet being the final opportunity for athletes to gain momentum. British athletes Keely Hodgkinson and Matthew Hudson-Smith seized this chance on Saturday, with Hudson-Smith breaking his own European record in the men’s 400m race and Hodgkinson setting a new British record in the women’s 800m.
