Britain’s Amy Hunt claimed her second gold medal of the European Championships in Birmingham on Thursday, winning the women’s 200m and keeping alive her hopes of an unprecedented four-gold haul.
The 24-year-old produced a season-best 22.19 seconds to follow up her 100m triumph earlier in the week. After a strong start from compatriot Dina Asher-Smith, Hunt gradually closed the gap before powering past her rival down the home straight to take gold.
Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke finished second, just 0.01 seconds ahead of Asher-Smith, who collected bronze.
“Two out of four, baby!” Hunt told BBC TV after the race, making no secret of her ambition to create history in Birmingham.
Hunt is aiming to become the first athlete to win four European Championship gold medals at the same edition, with the women’s and mixed 4x100m relays still to come.
“This is becoming a magical week and one I will remember for the rest of my life,” she said.
The Briton has no intention of celebrating just yet, insisting that the focus remains on the relay events.
“There will be no celebrations and no champagne until Sunday night,” Hunt added.
Asher-Smith settles for bronze
Asher-Smith, a two-time European 200m champion, was unable to maintain her early advantage as Hunt and Adeleke came through strongly in the closing stages.
The bronze medal was nevertheless the 30-year-old’s ninth European medal, moving her to within one of the championship record held by former Polish sprinter Irena Szewińska.
“I’m disappointed to have a bronze,” Asher-Smith admitted, “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.”
Hunt’s victory continues an impressive week for Britain in Birmingham. Romell Glave and Jeremiah Azu secured gold and silver in the men’s 100m, while Matthew Hudson-Smith won the 400m title.
With two sprint titles already secured, Hunt now has two more opportunities to complete what would be a remarkable piece of European Championship history.
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