There has already been a British sprinting one-two at this week’s European Championships and another could be on the cards as Amy Hunt and Dina Asher-Smith do battle in tonight’s women’s 200m showpiece.
Newly-crowned 100m queen Hunt, 24, is targeting her second gold of the week in the latest instalment of her bid for a remarkable quadruple of golds.
Standing in her way is Asher-Smith, 30, who completed the continental sprint double herself in 2018 and is determined to prove she can still rule Europe.
It is not quite ‘master versus apprentice’ but this is a fascinating next chapter when it comes to the balance of power in British sprinting – and it comes in the event each of them favour.
Asher-Smith has played down talk of a rivalry in the past, instead saying ‘everyone is a rival’ on the start line. But there is no doubt she will be determined to get one over her compatriot in one of the most intriguing head-to-heads on show this week.
Some fans picked up on the pair appearing to avoid each other following the conclusion of the women’s 100m race in Birmingham.
Newly-crowned 100m queen Amy Hunt, 24, is targeting her second gold of the week
Dina Asher-Smith, 30, is the big rival for Hunt in Thursday night’s 200m final in Birmingham
Some fans picked up on the pair appearing to avoid each other after 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 new 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 10),’ 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 speedster, 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 2025 New Year Honours
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 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.
