Amy Hunt wins 200m at Birmingham European Championships; first to complete European 100m/200m double since 2018

European Athletics Championships 2026: Amy Hunt’s “main star” moment: “I could feel it in the air I was going to win”

After securing her second European title of the week, Hunt discusses overcoming medical scares and doubts this year as she enters the second half of her Birmingham 2026 golden quartet dream.

Amy Hunt ’s odessey towards four golds at the 2026 European Athletics Championship has its second chapter.

The 24-year-old followed up her 100m victory on day one of Birmingham 2026 with a golden 200m on day four (Thursday 13 August).

Since her silver at the 2025 Tokyo World championships, a silver to start the summer major championships at the Commonwealth Games, Hunt’s week in her homeland Midlands has seen everything she touch turn to gold.

“It was the same as with the 100m (victory); I had such an overwhelming premonition that today was going to be my day ,” she said after her race.

“I woke up this morning with an utter feeling of calm. I could feel it when I walked out tonight in the air that it didn’t matter what anyone else was going to run, I was going to win .

In Thursday’s 200m, it took 22.19 seconds for her to become the first woman since Dina Asher-Smith in 2018 to complete the European 100m and 200m double , and only the third woman in history to do so.

“I’m so proud of myself to achieve something that I think only two other women have achieved and they’re two women I’ve looked up to since I was a child,” she said. “To do it at home makes it even more special.”

The past year has seen Hunt turn a dark horse narrative into an undeniably dominant force on the continent. With Gladiator-like arms aloft looking back towards the home straight, her homecoming double sent fireworks flying and more tiaras crowned above Hunt’s head.

“ I love being able to put on that show, bring the entertainment to the crowd ,” she said with a smile.

“I came to Birmingham in 2022 to watch the Commonwealth Games because I was injured on crutches. I was sad I couldn’t join in and now I get to be the main star; it’s an amazing full-circle moment .

“ I’ll always remember this week for the rest of my life, no matter what happens for the rest of the week .”

Hunt on medical scares and rekindling the 200m flame

In the race, it was close until it wasn’t. Hunt’s backburner pace stole the show in the 100m on Monday; its repeat on Thursday as she accelerated beyond Europe’s best sprinters hints at it becoming an internationally known habit.

After spending much of 2026 focusing on the 100m, hopes for a “ lovely reunion ” with the 200m event have been a more complicated build up to Birmingham.

“People don’t really know, but after the London Diamond League I had to be taken to the medical room because I was close to fainting,” she told the media, crowned with her new European title.

“I’ve had a lot of medical tests, a lot of scary tests and things going on this year, so we haven’t been able to see anywhere near my potential in the 200m this year.

“We worked it out it was low blood pressure, so I have to monitor that everyday like an old woman! My sister is a nurse and she was like, ‘If you were on the ward, I’d be worried about those blood pressure levels’. My mother and sister have been flying back and forth from Italy (where Hunt is based) to London to take care of me. It’s been such a big family effort.

“I was scared coming back into the 200m after London, but the semi-finals dispelled all my worries. It’s not been the most straightforward journey, but I think that makes it so rewarding .

“In the last two days, I’ve had the reconfirmation that I do love the 200m, and the 200m loves me back .”

Hunt will look to complete her ambition of four golds in Birmingham 2026 in the women’s and mixed 4x100m relays, beginning on Saturday (15 August).

Athletics | European Championships | Birmingham | United Kingdom