Amy Hunt delivered the performance of her career to claim silver in the women’s 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, marking a breakthrough moment for the 23-year-old sprinter and providing Great Britain with its second medal of the tournament.
Hunt, contesting her first major individual final, crossed the line in 22.14 seconds, finishing behind America’s Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who stormed to victory in 21.68. The Briton’s late surge edged out Jamaica’s two-time champion Shericka Jackson, leaving the young sprinter staring at the scoreboard in disbelief before breaking down in tears.
“This is a dream come true,” Hunt told BBC Sport. “As soon as I saw my mum, I burst into tears. I knew if I was with them off the bend, I could do it. I’m so proud of myself.”
Inspiration and resilience
Hunt’s achievement comes after a testing few years. A ruptured quadriceps injury in 2022 derailed her progress, leaving her battling doubts over whether she could return to the heights expected of her after breaking world junior records in 2019.
She credited her late grandfather, whose name she has tattooed on her arm, as her source of strength before the race. “Moments before the race, I thought of my grandad,” she said. “I knew he was watching over me.”
The result continues Hunt’s steady rise under Italian coach Marco Airale. Earlier this season she set personal bests across 60m, 100m and 200m, including a blistering 22.08 at the London Diamond League that made her the second-fastest British woman over the distance.
Balancing track and academia
Hunt’s journey has also been defined by her determination to pursue both education and elite sport. While recovering from injury, she completed an English degree at the University of Cambridge.
“I’m proud I chose the harder path,” she said. “I want to show other young athletes, especially girls, that you don’t have to give up education. You can be an academic badass and a track goddess.”
Her silver in Tokyo adds to the relay medals she has won, including Olympic silver in Paris last year, but represents her first individual global podium.
Reaction and analysis
The performance drew plaudits from across the athletics world. Former Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill hailed Hunt’s finishing strength. “Her pick-up in the last 30 metres was outstanding,” Ennis-Hill said. “She wasn’t letting anyone get away. What a fabulous silver medal.”
Dina Asher-Smith, who finished fifth in 22.43, also praised her teammate: “Amy did incredibly. I’m disappointed with my own race, but this was a brilliant performance from her.”
Jefferson-Wooden’s victory secured her a rare sprint double, making her the first woman since Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in 2013 to win both the 100m and 200m at a world championships.
A new star emerges
For Hunt, the medal felt like confirmation of her potential after years of setbacks. Once tipped as one of Vogue’s “faces to define the decade” in 2020, she is now fulfilling that promise on the world stage.
“I just beat some amazing girls and I can’t believe it,” she said. “I’m showing that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. Anything is possible.”
Asked how she planned to celebrate, Hunt laughed: “Maybe some karaoke tonight.”
Key takeaway
Amy Hunt’s 200m silver is more than just a medal — it’s a statement of resilience, talent and belief. From injury setbacks to academic success, she has proved she belongs among the sport’s elite and is ready for a long run at the top.
