Hunt wins third gold as Asher-Smith makes history

Dina Asher‑Smith’s smooth baton handoff to teammate Hannah Hunt was seen as a symbolic moment within the broader narrative of the championships. As one of Britain’s leading sprinters, Asher‑Smith has been adding to a decade‑long legacy, while Hunt continues to demonstrate that she is only beginning her ascent. Asher‑Smith, an Olympic‑level champion in the 200 m and the British record holder across sprint distances, has collected 22 senior world medals since her debut in the women’s 4×100 m relay at the 2013 World Championships. She was the last athlete to complete a sprint triple at the European Championships in 2018, a year before reaching the top of an individual global podium. Now Hunt, undeniably the star of these championships as she pursues an “iconic” four‑gold haul, aims to follow Asher‑Smith’s path and translate continental dominance into global success in the years ahead. Having progressed rapidly after an injury‑interrupted start to her senior career, the Cambridge University postgraduate secured her first individual world medal—a silver—in Tokyo last year. Back on home soil, Hunt has made clear her intention to claim every available title this week. So far, no rival has been able to stop her. Her campaign in Birmingham is not yet finished. Monday’s 100 m gold marked her first senior world title. She then held off Asher‑Smith in the 200 m. Joining forces with her British teammates to retain the relay crown, the treble is now hers. The mixed 4×100 m relay is a new addition to these championships and was not previously available to Asher‑Smith as she built her catalogue of honours. It remains to be seen whether Asher‑Smith will elect to join Hunt in that event, which would give her the opportunity to stake a claim as the most decorated athlete in championship history.