Zharnel Hughes gets warm welcome home to Anguilla | THE DAILY HERALD

September 7, 2018

Andre Collins (Director of Sports), Governor Tim Foy, Howell Hughes (father), Zharnel Hughes, Victor Banks, Zanalyn Ebanks (Mother), Cardigan Connor, and Evalie Bradley (Ministerial Assistant).

ANGUILLA—Anguilla’s sprinter Zharnel Hughes arrived at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on Wednesday afternoon, September 5 for a vacation with his family. The talented Anguillian athlete disembarked from the ferry and walked out to applause and cheers from admiring fans, hugs from smiling family members, and warm congratulatory handshakes from the Governor Tim Foy, Chief Minister Victor Banks Minister and other government officials.

Hughes has competed internationally for Great Britain since 2015. Specializing in the 100 meters and 200 meters, he won the gold medal in both the 100 meters and 4 x 100 meters relay at the 2018 European Championships representing Great Britain, and in the 4 x 100 meters relay at the 2018 Commonwealth Games representing England. As of June 2018, he is rated as the second fastest British 100 meter sprinter ever and the fourth fastest European sprinter, and in the 200 meter event, he is currently ranked as the fourth fastest British sprinter in history.
At a small welcoming ceremony, Parliamentary Secretary Cardigan Connor presented Hughes with a beautiful glass trophy from the Department of Sport and the people of Anguilla to commemorate the island’s pride in his accomplishments. Connor said, “Zharnel is truly an ambassador of Anguilla. There is something special about our athletes from this part of the world – when you go overseas and around the world, you are representing us.”
Hughes thanked everyone who came out to welcome him home. He said, “Without the support of the island, none of this would have been possible. I am so happy to be home for a bit to enjoy the beaches and am really looking forward to my Mom’s cooking”. He then spent a few minutes talking about his winning approach to running. He said, “I am a demonstration to the younger athletes that anything is possible no matter where you come from. Even from a small island like Anguilla, we can take on the world. This is the mentality that I go out with; I don’t fear anyone. I just go out and give it my best. I set goals for myself, and I want the youth to do the same, knowing that anything is possible as long as you have determination, perseverance, and patience.” He ended by thanking his coaches, his team, and his supporters in both Anguilla and England.