Cardiff Met Athletes Shine at 2026 Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships

The nation’s best lit up the track at the 2026 Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships, held at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on 14–15 February, with Cardiff Met athletes once again competing at the very highest level of British athletics.

With national titles and World Athletics Indoor Championships selection spots on the line, the weekend delivered record-breaking performances and championship drama. Within that elite environment, Cardiff Met athletes, alumni and Cardiff Archers representatives made a powerful statement.

Double Gold for Azu

Leading the charge was former student and hosted athlete Jeremiah Azu, who stormed to gold in both the men’s 60m and 200m.

Defending his national title in the 60m with a winning time of 6.56, Azu once again showed his championship pedigree before going on to add the 200m crown to complete a sensational double. With the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland next month fast approaching, his performances underline his status as one of Britain’s premier sprinters.

Also competing in the men’s 60m were former student Alex Azu, who reached the semi-finals, alongside alumni Sam Gordon and Dewi Hammond, continuing Cardiff Met’s strong representation in British sprinting.

Sprint Success Across the Programme

In the women’s 60m, current student Jess Mantle progressed to the semi-finals, while Cardiff Archers athlete Nell Desir delivered an outstanding performance to finish fourth in a fiercely competitive final.

Alumna Kirsty Treglown also competed in the heats, demonstrating the depth of sprint talent connected to Cardiff Met.

Over 200m, alumna Hannah Brier produced one of the performances of the championships, claiming silver and setting a new Welsh record in the process. It was a superb achievement on the national stage and a landmark moment in Welsh sprinting.

Fellow alumna Ffion Roberts contested the 200m heats and progressed to the semi-finals of the 400m, while Stephanie Brooks also competed in the 200m heats.

Hurdles, Jumps and Field Event Strength

Cardiff Met athletes were equally visible across the technical events.

In the 60m hurdles, Cardiff Archers athlete Grace Morgan and alumni Callum Holder and Jake Cover all reached the semi-finals, showcasing strength in depth across the discipline.

In the high jump, alumna Hannah Lake secured bronze, adding another national medal to the Cardiff Met tally. Current student Peter Krunitiy-Salako impressed with a sixth-place finish in a high-quality men’s competition.

In the pole vault, Cardiff Archers coach Mark Mellor delivered a strong performance to finish fifth, while former student Funmi Oduwaiye competed in the shot put, continuing Cardiff Met’s representation across the throws.

A Programme Competing at the Highest Level

The 2026 Championships, held at the Utilita Arena Birmingham, once again brought together the very best of British athletics, including global medallists and Olympic champions. For Cardiff Met to have representation across sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws underlines the strength of its performance pathway and club structure.

From national champions and record-breakers to emerging student-athletes gaining invaluable championship experience, the weekend reinforced Cardiff Met’s position as Wales’ Sporting University.

With the World Athletics Indoor Championships now on the horizon, several Cardiff Met-connected athletes will take confidence and momentum from Birmingham into the international season.

Another championship weekend. Another powerful Cardiff Met presence on the national stage.