Britain has already celebrated a sprinting one-two at this week’s European Championships, and another all-British duel could define tonight’s women’s 200m final as Amy Hunt and Dina Asher-Smith go head to head in Birmingham.
Hunt, 24, arrives as the newly crowned European 100m champion and is now chasing a second gold medal of the week, with an eye on what could become a stunning four-title haul.
Her biggest obstacle is Asher-Smith, 30, who knows exactly what it takes to dominate the continental stage after winning both sprint titles in 2018, and who will be eager to show she remains a force at the top of European athletics.
Asher-Smith has previously brushed aside suggestions of a personal rivalry, insisting that “everyone is a rival” once the athletes line up. Even so, the prospect of her taking on Hunt gives the 200m final one of the most compelling subplots of the championships.
The tension has not gone unnoticed, with some spectators pointing out that the pair appeared to keep their distance from one another after the women’s 100m final in Birmingham.
Amy Hunt, 24, is aiming to add the 200m crown to her newly won European 100m title
Dina Asher-Smith, 30, is set to challenge Hunt in Thursday night’s 200m final in Birmingham
Fans noticed Hunt and Asher-Smith appeared to avoid each other following the 100m final
Asher-Smith missed out on a 100m medal but is out for revenge in the 200m final on Thursday
Athletics commentator Richard Newman alluded to the rivalry ahead of the Championships, saying on his Podium Athletics podcast: ‘I do think – and I don’t want to overhype the rivalry between them – but it’s going to have so many more eyes on it.
‘I think the media are going to build it up more. I think they’re going to be asked about it a lot. I know it’s real but the intensity of it could make it even more. The intensity of it is going to rise.’
Both domestic contenders eased to victories in their semi-finals and Hunt is staying zen ahead of the next chapter in her shot at history.
‘I would give that a solid eight (out of ten),’ she said. ‘I knew I needed to put down a really hard turn, kill them to 150 (metres) and no-one was ever going to hang with me.
‘I was trying to check the screens as I was in lane eight and figure out who was where to save a bit of energy for the final.
‘To be relaxed and happy is the biggest thing. It’s trying to stay social and not get yourself too serious as you can kill yourself doing that.
‘I’m just trying to stay chill, my coach keeps me laughing and we have fun.’
The Cambridge University graduate’s bubbly personality has endeared her to fans and brands alike, with sponsors reportedly queueing up to join forces with the ‘relatable’ star.
Her Instagram page, followed by 142,000 people, showcases her love of culture and literature as well as her exploits on the track, which have hit new heights since her breakthrough World Championship 200m gold in Tokyo last year.
She was not shy when broadcasting her aim to become the fastest woman in Europe, channelling her love of High School Musical when stating ‘I want it all’ at the start of the week.
The Newark athlete, who went to the same school in Grantham as Margaret Thatcher, now goes in search of following in Asher-Smith’s footsteps with a 100m/200m European double.
Cambridge graduate Hunt’s profile has boomed since she won silver in the 200m at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo
Asher-Smith has been the queen of British sprinting since becoming world champion in 2019
She was made an MBE for her contribution to athletics in the New Year Honours last year
Asher-Smith was dethroned by her domestic rival over the shorter distance on Monday night but has won more European medals than any other Brit and another this evening would bring her tally to nine.
She finished fifth in the 100m but looked in ominous form in the 200m semis, cruising to victory in 22.49 seconds with plenty to spare.
‘When you have so many motivated, talented and hard-working ladies, the important thing is a good lane draw for the final,’ she said.
‘I don’t even know what number (medal) it is as to me every single one is different, every one comes in different circumstances.
‘I don’t really think about what’s gone before or what lies ahead, I’m just trying to stay in the moment and execute.’
Two nights on from Romell Glave and Jeremiah Azu’s one-two in the men’s 100m, this is another domestic duel to savour for a home crowd.
After winning the 100m title at June’s Novuna UK Athletics Championships on this track, Hunt said: ‘It’s so great. It shows that our national championships are one of the best in the world. Dina is one of the fastest athletes on the circuit, so I know I have to bring my A game.’
Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk.
