British sprinter who broke athletics rules with ‘100 per cent Jesus’ headband opens up on power of Christianity when he competes
British sprinter Jeremiah Azu received a warning from World Athletics officials after wearing a headband bearing the message “100 per cent Jesus” during a 400m semi-final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo earlier this year.
Now, speaking about the incident, he’s opened up on the inspirational way his faith inspires him.
The 24-year-old was not formally sanctioned for the accessory, though governing body representatives spoke with his team about the display. Sports authorities typically prohibit religious and political slogans during competition.
Despite now supporting the rules that keep faith separate from the track, Azu has expressed no regrets about his decision.
“I believe my strength comes from my faith, and I wore the headband to show that,” he told the BBC.
Growing up as the son of a pastor, religion has been central to his upbringing.
“We read the Bible at home, we prayed at home,” he recalled.
British sprinter Jeremiah Azu received a warning from World Athletics officials after wearing a headband bearing the message “100 per cent Jesus” during a 400m semi-final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo earlier this year
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The sprinter credits his Christian beliefs with enhancing his athletic performance, particularly through discipline.
“As a Christian you have to be disciplined,” he explained. “There’s days where it’s difficult to push, but I know I have to from the discipline I’ve got from my faith.”
Azu is far from alone among elite athletes in publicly expressing his Christian faith.
Jeremiah Azu has spoken about his faith in the past | GETTY
When Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi found the net against Arsenal on Tuesday evening, he performed his customary celebration of pointing skyward.
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber, who has earned the nickname “Pastor Timber” among supporters, made an identical gesture after converting his spot-kick in the subsequent penalty shootout.
Both Premier League clubs feature prominent players who have spoken openly in recent times about how their Christian beliefs shape their lives.
The intersection of faith and professional sport has generated contrasting reactions, with some athletes facing scrutiny while others are embraced for their religious expression.
Governing bodies across various sports maintain regulations restricting the display of religious and political messaging during competition, creating tension for competitors who wish to acknowledge their beliefs publicly.
Yet for many athletes, faith remains inseparable from their identity and performance, prompting ongoing debate about where the boundaries should lie between personal expression and sporting neutrality.
Marc Guehi sparked controversy last season after writing ‘I love Jesus’ on his armband | REUTERS
Research supports the notion that faith can positively influence athletic performance.
A Seoul University study published in 2000, which surveyed 180 athletes across 41 different sports, identified prayer as one of seven primary coping mechanisms used to manage pre-competition anxiety. The findings suggested this approach could benefit performance outcomes.
While religion is not the only factor, many competitors rely on rituals before major events to focus their minds, with some incorporating faith into their preparation routines.
Semi-professional footballer Jaiden Chang-Brown, who plays for Lingfield FC, has found that his beliefs help him control his temperament on the pitch.
“I feel like sometimes my passion could get the better of me in the past,” the 21-year-old told BBC Newsbeat.
“Sometimes I would lash out at teammates. It’s really helped just to give me peace when I’m on the pitch.”
The self-described born-again Christian maintains that his faith transcends sport entirely.
“It’s bigger than football, it’s bigger than everything,” he said. “People think it’s not cool to be bold in your faith, but it is.”
