Hunt achieves sprint double and relay gold
Amy Hunt has continued a notable week by securing her third gold medal at the European Championships. Following individual victories in the 100m and 200m, Hunt joined Dina Asher-Smith, Success Eduan, and Imani-Lara Lansiquot to win the women’s 4x100m relay. The team finished in 42.05 seconds, marking the fastest time in Europe this season at the Alexander Stadium.
Hunt expressed her enjoyment, stating, “I’m having the time of my life.” She praised her teammates, highlighting their unique qualities, referring to them as “special and talented people.” Hunt also mentioned that the week had been a “whirlwind” and anticipated an emotional reaction once the events conclude.
The British women’s 4x100m relay team’s performance saw them finish more than 10 metres ahead of Switzerland and Poland. Hunt emphasized the collective strength, noting, “It’s such a privilege to be able to step on the track with these ladies, and the individual superpowers that we bring.”
The team’s new relay coach, Richard Kilty, reportedly gave them a simple message before the race: “Go out and break their hearts.”
Asher-Smith’s historic medal count
Dina Asher-Smith made history by equalling the record for the most medals won at the European Championships. Her gold in the 4x100m relay brought her total to ten medals since her debut in Amsterdam. This achievement places her alongside Polish sprinter Irena Szewińska. Of these, seven are gold medals, a joint record shared with Croatian discus thrower Sandra Elkasevic and Norwegian middle-distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
Hunt referred to Asher-Smith as “the GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time), acknowledging her extensive collection of medals. Asher-Smith, who studied history at King’s College London, reflected on her achievements, stating that while she hears the statistics, she hopes to fully appreciate them in the future. She expressed that it is an honour and a privilege to win medals, especially as part of a team.
Asher-Smith had previously secured a bronze medal in the 200m event, finishing in 22.29, just behind Amy Hunt and Rhasidat Adeleke.
Men’s relay success and other notable performances
Minutes before the women’s relay victory, the British men’s 4x100m quartet also claimed gold. Jeremiah Azu, Louis Hinchcliffe, Zharnel Hughes, and Romell Glave secured their win in 38.45 seconds, ahead of Germany and Belgium. This marks the fifth time in the last six championships that the British men have won this event.
Romell Glave, the 100m champion, anchored the team, and Jeremiah Azu, a 100m silver medallist, commented on the team’s strong relationship and shared goals. He noted the camaraderie among the athletes, stating, “We lift each other up. It feels special to win this with your friends, especially in front of our own fans.”
The relays showcased strong technique and execution, with exchanges described as slick. Both British quartets are expected to be formidable competitors in the upcoming mixed 4x100m event.
Beyond the relays, the championships featured several other impressive performances. In the triple jump, Italy’s Andy Díaz won gold with a leap of 18.15m, the fourth furthest in history. Sweden’s Andreas Almgren dominated the men’s 10,000m, winning by nearly 20 seconds in a championship record of 27 minutes 23.44 seconds. Germany’s Julian Weber broke a javelin championship record with a throw of 90.40m. Norway’s Henriette Jaeger took gold in the women’s 400m in 49.04, and Ireland’s Kate O’Connor secured gold in the women’s heptathlon with a score of 6751.
In the men’s 1500m, Stefan Nillessen achieved a surprise victory in 3:35.70. The women’s high jump saw Yaroslava Mahuchikh clear 1.97m to win gold. Additionally, Kristjan Čeh successfully defended his discus title with a throw of 72.51m, setting a new championship record. Matthew Hudson-Smith also secured his third European 400m crown, winning in 44.17. Emma Zapletalová won the women’s 400m hurdles in 52.91, and Leo Neugebauer claimed the decathlon title.
Ireland’s Mark English won his first European outdoor 800m title in 1:45.26, having set a championship record of 1:43.49 in the semi-finals.
Source: independent.co.uk