The British sprint sensation captured her second gold medal of the European Championships in Birmingham, setting a season's best and extending her legendary chase.
British sprinter Amy Hunt delivered a dominant performance in the 200m final on Thursday, securing her second gold medal at the European Championships in Birmingham. The 24-year-old athlete clocked a season's best time of 22.19 seconds, powering past her rivals to cross the finish line first.
This victory follows her triumph in the 100m on Monday, placing Hunt firmly on track for an extraordinary achievement. She openly stated her ambition to become the first athlete ever to win four European gold medals in a single tournament, telling BBC TV, "Two out of four, baby!"
With two golds already in her collection, Hunt is now eyeing the women's and mixed 4x100m relay events to complete her historic quadruple. The sprinter expressed her excitement, adding, "This is becoming a magical week and one I will remember for the rest of my life," according to reporting by BBC Sport - Top Stories.
Hunt's Phenomenal Push for European Gold
Amy Hunt's 200m victory was a masterclass in composure and power. After struggling with the event earlier this summer, Hunt had described her return to the 200m as a "renewal of our vows," a promise she emphatically kept in Birmingham.
She systematically reeled in compatriot and rival Dina Asher-Smith on the back straight, showcasing her incredible closing speed over the final 40 meters. "Amy was phenomenal. She came off that bend like a train," remarked three-time world heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill on BBC TV, highlighting Hunt's explosive performance.
Her victory, which saw her emulate Asher-Smith's 2018 100m-200m European double, drew high praise. "Amy has it all. The speed, the endurance, the confidence, and now the double," observed former men's 1500m world champion Steve Cram. He concluded, "This is Amy's stage at the moment."
Asher-Smith's European Medal Collection Grows Amidst Disappointment
While Hunt celebrated, Dina Asher-Smith, a two-time European 200m gold medalist from 2016 and 2018, secured the bronze. She was narrowly beaten to the silver medal by Ireland's Rhasidat Adeleke, who set a new national record with just 0.01 seconds separating them.
Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, a two-time European 200m silver medallist, described the race's unfolding on BBC Radio 5 Live. "I knew Dina would run a blistering bend and then say 'Amy, come and catch me'. And that's what Amy has done," he commented, capturing the dynamic battle.
This bronze medal marks Asher-Smith's ninth European medal, a tally surpassed only by Polish ex-sprinter Irena Szewinska, who has ten. Despite the disappointment, the 30-year-old reflected, "I'm disappointed to have a bronze, but I think 10 years after my first one it is such an achievement to be in a place to come back year after year."
Britain's Dominance on the Track Continues in Birmingham
The European Championships in Birmingham are proving to be a showcase for British sprinting talent. Amy Hunt's second gold further cemented this dominance, building on earlier successes.
The men's 100m saw a British one-two finish with Romell Glave and Jeremiah Azu claiming gold and silver, respectively. Additionally, Matthew Hudson-Smith stormed to victory in the 400m on Wednesday, adding another gold to the team's impressive haul.
Before the 200m final, there were hopes for a British one-two-three podium sweep, with Asher-Smith, Hunt, and Eduan holding Europe's fastest times. However, Eduan, who beat Hunt for her first British title in June, finished sixth. Hunt, meanwhile, remains focused on her relay teammates, stating, "I have got a debt to the ladies. We have got to come out here and make sure we show them who the best sprinting nation is in Europe."
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gold medals has Amy Hunt won at the European Championships?
Amy Hunt has won two gold medals at the current European Championships in Birmingham: the 100m sprint and the 200m sprint.
What is Amy Hunt's next goal after her 200m victory?
Amy Hunt's next goal is to win two more gold medals in the women's and mixed 4x100m relay events, aiming for a historic quadruple gold haul at the European Championships.
How did Dina Asher-Smith perform in the European 200m final?
Dina Asher-Smith secured a bronze medal in the European 200m final, bringing her total European medal count to nine, a significant achievement in her career.
Who are other notable British medalists at the European Championships this year?
Other notable British medalists at these European Championships include Romell Glave and Jeremiah Azu, who achieved a one-two finish in the men's 100m, and Matthew Hudson-Smith, who won gold in the 400m."
