If there was any remaining doubt that this has been Amy Hunt’s summer, it was dispelled over 10 seconds of controlled fury at the European Championships, as Britain’s newest sporting superstar completed an unprecedented quadruple. When the baton was slapped into the 24-year-old’s hand on the anchor leg of the mixed 4x100m relay, she was a fraction behind Gina Lückenkemper of Germany. But then Hunt became the hunter, and a record-breaker.
In no time those long legs began to whir, her vast stride started to widen, and she found her wings. First Lückenkemper was chased down. Then Hunt ran into history.
As she crossed the line, she stuck her tongue out, stretched her arms in triumph, then held four fingers to the camera. And just like that the Cambridge graduate had completed the quadruple. To make things even sweeter, Britain’s time was a European record 39.97sec, with Germany taking silver in 40.11 and Spain claiming bronze.
So it was that adrenaline kick certainly. I loved the event.” To run seven races in seven days is difficult enough. To win all seven, across heats and finals, not only takes talent and guts but a hefty dose of chutzpah too.
But while Hunt certainly has main character energy she quickly ensured that her teammates – Jeremiah Azu, Dina Asher-Smith and Zharnel Hughes – were hailed as well. Such professionals.” It was hard to argue with that. This was the first time the mixed 4x100m relay has taken place at these championships and with the men and women alternating changeovers the difficulty level was increased to the highest.
No wonder the Netherlands and Italy were disqualified. But Britain looked smooth throughout – at least to the untrained eye. When I gave that baton to Zharnel, I was so happy, I can’t lie.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
