ZHARNEL Hughes, a key member of Team GB at this year’s Paris Olympics, has found a steadfast supporter in his girlfriend, Shenel Francis.
From the start of their relationship, she has stood by the record-breaking British sprinter as he prepares to compete for the Paris Olympics.
Zharnel Hughes’ girlfriend Shenel Francis is a dentist and social media influencer.
In 2019 she enrolled at the University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica to study a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene.
She graduated in 2021 with full honours.
She works as a dental hygienist at Jam Smiles Dental in Waterfront, Kingston.
Additionally, she has also founded a luxury hand-poured scented candle brand called Esenek.co Candles.
According to the brand’s Instagram page, the wax products are currently out of stock and the website is undergoing reconstruction.
She gained attention through her Instagram account where she shares fashion, lifestyle, and travel content.
Shenel has a 10,300 followers on Instagram as of July 2024 and also has a YouTube channel where she uploads vlogs and hauls.
Her relationship with Zharnel Hughes, who is a British sprinter specialising in the 100m and 200m events, has also contributed to her enhanced public profile.
After securing the British 200-meter record and surpassing John Regis’ 1994 time of 19.94 by .21 seconds, Zharnel Hughes told GQ in 2023: “I did it again!
“My girlfriend is there as my witness – I got up in the morning and said, give me two minutes, let me just meditate.”
Zharnel Hughes and Shenel Francis have been together since 2018.
However they didn’t go public until September 2022.
The shared a series of photos showing them walking hand in hand on their Instagram accounts.
Zharnel told GQ: “In 2018, my girlfriend bought me a journal, and I just started writing down my thoughts on training, what I have coming up and how I’m feeling going into competition.
“Before going to bed, I’ll reflect on the day I had: what can I work on, what could be better going into the following day or week.
“Consistency is key to being successful, and writing things down helps me stay on top of things.”
As of early March 2024, they had moved in together.
Zharnel Hughes and Shenel Francis have no children together.
Shenel commented on her Instagram post “slow down now” after a user suggested: “House, marriage then baby in a carriage.”
