Amy Hunt is a superstar – but here’s how Team GB’s sprint queen can get even faster

Amy Hunt emerged as a champion at the European Championships, clinching four gold medals in the 92-year history of the event. The 24-year-old sprinter achieved the historic feat by winning the individual 100m and 200m races, while also securing victories in the women's 4x100m relay and the mixed 4x100m relay alongside fellow British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith. The latter two triumphs were accomplished with her teammate, the baton passing from Hunt to Asher-Smith as the new era of British sprinting unfolded.

Hunt's drive to win those four golds was evident, as she openly expressed her aspiration to be iconic in her sport. Known for her showmanship on the track, she delivered her signature "Are you not entertained?" shout as she sealed the individual sprint double. Behind her charisma lies a strong work ethic, evidenced by her first-class degree from Cambridge alongside her dedication to track training.

The charismatic British sprinting sensation admitted to being proud of her achievements, handling the emotions and commitment to maintain discipline despite the highs of her week. However, Hunt has hinted that her future plans may involve entering the 400m distance, akin to American sprinting legend Allyson Felix. This move would increase her versatility as a sprinter, potentially granting her an edge in the shorter races.

The biggest challenge for her competitors is Hunt's untapped potential, particularly in her start, which has been her weakest point. Standing at nearly 6ft tall, she never seems the quickest off the blocks, as evidenced by her seventh-place finish in the 10m mark of the 100m final. Hunt has acknowledged a love-hate relationship with the 60m, her least competitive sprint distance, which relies heavily on a strong start.

Her finishing speed is, however, her strongest asset, coupled with an unwavering self-confidence that has propelled her to the top of the podium in the biggest events. Hunt's success has come without much fanfare, as she has occasionally been overshadowed by more illustrious competitors like Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Julien Alfred. Despite not being the fastest on paper, Hunt's belief in her abilities has allowed her to overcome any pressure and deliver consistently in major races.

While Hunt has excelled in continental competitions, there is room to translate her successes at the European Championships to the world and Olympic levels. Over the course of the year, she has ranked 14th fastest in the world over 200m and 25th fastest over 100m. Additionally, health issues have prevented her from reaching her full potential in the longer distances, forcing her to focus primarily on speed work.

However, this has nonetheless led to improvements in her personal bests – a 7.04-second 60m and under 11-second 100m.

Hunt admires athletes like Allyson Felix, who exemplify versatility in sprinting. Her ultimate goal may be the 400m, a race she believes could make her a formidable competitor. She has expressed interest in testing her skills in the 400m at the upcoming world championships in Beijing and the world indoor championships in Bhubaneswar, India. In the absence of a 100m or 200m race, these events would provide an ideal platform to fine-tune her start and develop her all-around skills ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.