Swiss sprint hurdler Jason Joseph successfully defended his title in the men’s 110m hurdles at the European Athletics Team Championships in Madrid on Saturday.
Jason clocked 13.24 seconds to edge out Italy’s European champion Lorenzo Simonelli (13.27). Great Britain’s Tade Ojora completed the podium in a season-best 13.36.
After the race, Joseph offered an unusual insight into his rhythm and race strategy, by revealing the hurdle he dislikes most.
“My least favorite hurdle? The first one,” Joseph admitted. “That’s the one that if I clear it well, I know the race is on. I always try to come out of the blocks strong, but if the first hurdle doesn’t go smoothly, I feel it. The second one is where I finally start to flow.”
Despite his early-race struggle, Joseph powered through with authority on Madrid’s fast track, a venue that has become a personal favorite.
“Simonelli gave me a tough battle. Madrid is always special, great track, great energy, and it’s where I know I can run fast,” he said.
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s top hurdlers in recent seasons. A five-time Swiss national champion, Joseph claimed European Indoor gold in the 60m hurdles in 2023 and has continued to rise on the international stage.
Earlier in June , Joseph delivered a major upset at the Rome Diamond League, beating American standout Cordell Tinch to claim the victory.
He backed that up with a strong 13.07 run at the Paris Diamond League, where he finished third behind world silver medalist Trey Cunningham.
Joseph, who also reached the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics, is now establishing himself not just as a top contender in Europe, but a global force in the hurdles.
