A Wirral teenager has rewritten history to become the fastest hurdler on the planet in his category this year.

Jay Husain from Newton set a series of records to be crowned English Schools Athletics’ Association 300m hurdles champion at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium (last Saturday).

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With a new personal best time of 37.09 seconds, the 14-year-old toppled the U16 championship, UK and European records while claiming a new U18 world lead record for 2026.

Jay said: “As I was coming off the last hurdle, I could tell it was a fast race. You can see the clock and I knew I was a lot faster than normal. Then I got through the finish line and realised it was a massive PB.

“I knew it was a championship and UK record but I didn’t know about the others. I came fourth last year and was really close to a medal. It was amazing to get the gold. I'm really happy.”

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The Calday Grange Grammar pupil trains at Warriors Pentathlon and Athletics Club on the Wirral alongside older brother Luke who is ranked UK number 2 in the 400m hurdles.

Jay has gone to another level since moving from 80m to long hurdles this season. He attributes his success to a strict training regime under coach, Andy Fraser.

Jay Husain on top of the podium

“I worked really hard with my coach through winter and I guess it all worked out,” he said.

“Andy knows that our group are already talented so he just tries to make us work hard to do the best we can.”

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Jay’s dad, Sadruddin, added: “Jay’s taken a lot from the belief shown in him. Andy said he saw a special talent in Jay at an early age and has helped nurture that.

“There are times in athletics where you’re going on a freezing Friday night and there's no one there. It can be hard but Jay’s kept at it.”

Next up for Jay is the England Athletics Age Group Championship in Bedford (July 25-26) where he aims to add national champion to his English schools title. This time, he’ll be the one to catch.

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Jay said: “It’ll be kind of different. I'll have the pressure on me now because last time I wasn't the favourite. I'll see how I can deal with it.

“If you have a doubt in your mind, you're not going to be able to do it. You have to know that you can win.”

Warriors Pentathlon Athletics Club offer free starter sessions on Thursdays at The Oval in Bebington.