Amy Hunt on Fame, Abuse, and Becoming a Track Icon
British sprinter Amy Hunt, aged 23, has opened up about her journey from a viral sensation to a determined athlete with lofty goals. In a candid interview, she reflects on the unexpected fame that followed her silver medal win at the world championships last September, where her remark about being "an academic badass and a track goddess" resonated widely.
Viral Moment and Spontaneity
Hunt recalls the adrenaline-fueled moment when she made the now-famous comment on the BBC. "As soon as I said it, I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I'm on the BBC, can I even say that? Are they going to bleep that out?'" she says, laughing. The statement was entirely unplanned, born from the high of competition, and it quickly became a rallying cry for young girls, inspiring many to pursue both academic and athletic excellence.
Since then, Hunt has received daily messages from teenagers seeking advice on balancing sports and education, particularly regarding Oxbridge applications. She has already assisted a few in achieving their Cambridge dreams and hopes to establish a track and field scholarship program akin to Stormzy's Merky initiative in the future.
Sacrifices and Priorities
Despite turning down numerous opportunities, such as fashion weeks and awards shows, to focus on training, Hunt rejects the notion of sacrifice. "I really hate the term sacrifice," she asserts. "This is my job and what I truly love to do. I wake up every day and I am so in love with the life I have created." She emphasizes that major sporting events like the Olympics and World Championships are rare, while other invitations recur annually.
Her dedication stems from past challenges, including a severe quadriceps injury at university that threatened her career. Overcoming this, she secured a relay silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics and an individual silver in Tokyo, silencing doubters.
Dealing with Social Media Abuse
Hunt has faced significant online abuse, particularly during her teenage years. "I used to get far more gross or maybe nasty messages when I was much younger," she reveals, noting a disturbing trend of inappropriate comments. While she still encounters lustful remarks around championships, she has developed coping strategies like blocking users and turning off her phone.
She offers a nuanced perspective on criticism: "People are always going to hate. One thing that is maybe controversial to say is that I think athletes should be open to a little bit more hate." Hunt argues that greater public engagement, even if negative, could help grow athletics, comparing it to sports like football and tennis. Ultimately, she prioritizes her own opinion: "My opinion is the only one that matters. I don't really care what someone online has to say about my starts."
Ambitious Targets for the Future
Hunt sets bold objectives for her career. This year, she aims to break Dina Asher-Smith's British records in the 100m and 200m, win multiple titles at the European Championships in Birmingham, and eventually transition to the 400m. "In the most selfish, vain way, if you're the person winning medals in two individual events and two relays and you go home with four Olympic medals then that makes you an icon for life," she explains.
She has already tested her 400m potential with promising results, including a strong time trial in South Africa. For now, her immediate focus is on the World Indoor Championships in Poland, where she hopes to medal in the 60m despite it not being her preferred distance.
Love for the Sport
Above all, Hunt's passion for racing shines through. "I truly love racing," she declares. "I cannot overstate how much I love to stand on that start line. I would do it without even getting paid. It's my favourite thing in the world." As she continues to chase greatness, her blend of academic prowess and athletic talent positions her as a unique and inspiring figure in British sports.
