Jamal Britt Reflects On Breakthrough Season After Strong Finish | 2026 Brussels Diamond League Post-Race Interview

Fri, September 4, 2026 at 11:54 PM UTC

Jamal Britt secured a second-place finish in the men's 110m hurdles final with a time of 13.09. Reflecting on his journey, Britt shared how past setbacks at the USA championships and entering the season unsponsored motivated him to make a statement this year. Looking ahead, Britt rejects the idea of treating this as an "off year," viewing it instead as a foundation to get better and set himself up for the upcoming World Championships and the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Video Transcript

Amazing.

Okay, second is I know you always go- going into the wind, but before we even talk about the race, you have had this season of a lifetime: breakthroughs, running times that are unfathomable, getting signed mid way through the season.

Can you just conceptualize what's been going on for you up until this point?

Yeah, I mean, this whole start of the season, you know, I really wanted to make a big difference this season.

I really think what changed was last year when I fell at USAs.

I mean, it happens, but, you know, it's kind of like I kinda been having the worst luck when it comes to USA.

So I think this year I really wanted to make a big difference this season.

Obviously, I was still unsponsored going into this season, so I really just wanted to have a great season 'cause I was on a point where I wasn't sure if I truly want to continue this, if I keep doing the, you know, same stuff over and over again each season, not getting inside and, you know, have to work and, you know, just not being like a professional athlete.

So, but I mean, really me and coach has been locking in on what we need to work on and, you know, the goal-- I mean, we set the goal this year to make a statement just for me and, you know, set myself up for these next two years.

So I'm pretty happy about what's been, going on so far.

Honestly, everything hasn't hit yet 'cause I'm still so locked in with the season, so I'm pretty excited o-of my journey.

You know, it, it's just the start.

As we talked about your journey, Budapest next week.

So how does this play into that journey for that ultimate, like, season finale?

Oh, this is, like, my first championship, so, I'm excited to go out there, you know.

And one thing about me, I love rounds.

So I get that chance to do that.

So, I think right now I'm just really trying to just lock in 'cause this event is just outrageous.

So, and you know, I'm part of it as well, but the little details count.

So honestly, the goals go out there and win, win it all and, you know, close out the season.

You made this, late February an off year, like, overall.

So what does this do for you as you start going into the next two championships, which is the World Championship here soon and then obviously LA TwentyEight?

I mean, th-this I mean, there's no difference.

I'm still gonna have the same mindset.

Honestly, people saying this is a off year, but I didn't want to treat it as a off year.

This is a year for me to get better.

Emmanuel.

So, like I said, this is just a start for me.

I think once after, you know, I set in with this season and look back on what I need to do better on and, you know, and things will start flowing.

So I'm pretty excited for these next two years and, you know, LA twentyeight is the biggest one `cause we're at home.

And then bringing it back to this race, talk to me about it all.

You guys had to get called back, and then, -- did that do anything to you that I should go forward?

No, I stay logged in.

I mean, it happens.

honestly, I, I can definitely say in the past it kind of messed me up a bit.

I was a bit, little bit more excited w-once they called back, so I had to calm myself down just a little bit 'cause sometimes when I get too excited, I tend to do a little bit of things, but it's nothing new to me.

I've been practicing, you know, when it comes to, training and stuff, so I just shake it off and move on.

Can we talk about Tokyo?

When you were in the mix because of you were coming for Jacoby, obviously ten more meters short, but what do you think you could do better could happen differently?

Oh, my finish.

Most definitely.

I haven't looked back the details of it yet.

I think I had a really good start.

I guess these last two meets wasn't h- wasn't my best, so And plus I was sick, so I was, like, trying to get back on it, and today I felt great.

So, I didn't know what time I ran 'cause I was just focusing on the place.

But, I'm pretty excited what-- with these next two meets 'cause I go to Rovetto after this and Ultimates.

Okay, going to Rovetta.

That's where we're going.

Ro- Yeah.

Ro- Or Rovetto actually.

Rovetto.

Yeah, yeah.

I keep mixing these countries .

I'll be there.

Okay.

All good.

it-- You look like the type of athlete who likes to race themselves into shape.

Very different from athletes who tend to be a little bit more selective when they come.

Like, what does that mean to you?

Why, is that the plan?

Yeah.

I'm always been the type of person that need reps.

Honestly, I can do so many reps in practice, but I need a lot of racing reps just to get lock in my rhythm and technique.

So this year is, it's kind of been overboard for me 'cause I never ran I think this is race twenty-five for me this season.

Twenty-five, twenty-six.

Wha- whichever-- which one it is.

But, so I mean, I was a four hundred back in college, so I still have that base.

So running much races doesn't really bother me.

It's just a matter of just maintaining my body and, you know, also traveling and stuff like, which takes a big toll on me, 'cause, you know, I've been all, all around the world.

So really just taking care of myself is, like, the main part to continue to run fast.

Well, good job.

I'll see you in Italy.

Thank you.

See you there