‘Two out of four, baby’ – Hunt wins 200 m as she eyes historic quadruple
Britain’s sprint star Amy Hunt clinched the women’s 200 m title at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham on Saturday, adding a second gold to her haul from the meet. The 23‑year‑old, who already triumphed in the 100 m earlier in the week, celebrated with the now‑familiar “two out of four, baby” chant. Her victory not only cements her status as a premier sprinter but also fuels a bid for an unprecedented quadruple of gold medals at a single European Championships.
Key takeaways
- Hunt’s 200 m win secures her second individual gold at Birmingham 2024.
- The British sprinter aims to capture four titles – 100 m, 200 m, 4×100 m and 4×400 m relays.
- A historic quadruple would match the best European championship performances ever.
- The next days will focus on relay line‑ups and preparation for the World Championships in August.
Background
Amy Hunt burst onto the senior scene in 2022, taking silver in the 200 m at the World Indoor Championships. Since then, she has become a cornerstone of Britain’s sprint programme, regularly featuring in the national 4×100 m relay squad. The 2024 European Championships, held at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, marked the first major outdoor event since the COVID‑19 disruptions, providing a platform for athletes to test form ahead of the World Championships in Budapest.
The British athletics federation has invested heavily in relay depth, adding athletes like Nethaneel Mitchell and Daryll Neita to the roster. This strategic push makes Hunt’s quadruple ambition realistic, as the team already boasts a strong medal pedigree in both sprint relays.
What happened
In the 200 m final, Hunt exploded out of the blocks, posting a season‑best 22.01 seconds to edge out Italy’s Giulia Rizzotti and Germany’s Gina Lückenkemper. The win came just hours after she celebrated her 100 m triumph, where she clocked 11.07 seconds, a personal best that set a new British record for the championship. Interviewed moments later, Hunt grinned, “Two out of four, baby – I’m not stopping until every gold is in the bag.”
Her performance was hailed by the home crowd and broadcast live on the BBC, with commentators noting her flawless technique and powerful finish. The win also secured Britain’s position atop the sprint medal table, giving the team a psychological edge heading into the relay events.
Why it matters
A quadruple of gold medals at a single European Championships has only been achieved by a handful of athletes, most notably French sprinter Marie‑Josée Ta Lou in 2018. If Hunt completes the set, she would become the first British woman to do so, raising the profile of UK athletics on the continental stage.
Beyond the personal milestone, a successful relay campaign would boost Britain’s medal prospects at the upcoming World Championships, where the 4×100 m and 4×400 m relays are traditionally high‑stakes events. The achievement also underscores the effectiveness of the UK’s talent‑development pathways, which have been spotlighted in recent analyses of European sprinting trends.
What happens next
The next day, Britain will field its 4×100 m relay team in the heats, with Hunt slated to run the anchor leg. Team selectors are expected to fine‑tune the baton exchanges, a critical factor after a mishap in the previous championships.
If the sprint quartet reaches the final, Hunt will have the chance to add a third gold. The 4×400 m relay, scheduled for the final day of competition, will be the decisive test for the historic quadruple. Coach Matt Beard has hinted that a strong performance in the 400 m could see Hunt step up for the longer relay, adding another layer of intrigue to the final weekend.
Frequently asked questions
How many gold medals has Amy Hunt won at this championship so far?
She has secured two individual gold medals – the 100 m and the 200 m – and is targeting two relay golds to complete a quadruple.
What is the timeline for the remaining relay events?
The 4×100 m relay heats take place on Monday, with the final on Tuesday; the 4×400 m relay final is slated for Thursday.
Could Hunt’s quadruple attempt affect her World Championships preparation?
Competing in multiple events may add fatigue, but the British coaching staff plans a tailored recovery schedule to keep her peak for August’s World Championships.
Bottom line
Amy Hunt’s 200 m triumph in Birmingham not only adds a second gold to her European tally but also sets the stage for a potential historic quadruple. The sprint star’s quest will be watched closely as Britain aims to dominate the relays and carry momentum into the World Championships, according to BBC Sport.
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