'This is what women in sport look like' - Hunt responds to Sweeney advert

British sprinter Amy Hunt has joined a growing chorus of female athletes condemning a controversial sports‑gambling advertisement that features actress Sydney Sweeney. The advert has gone viral online and shows Sweeney bare while covering parts of her assemblage with assorted pieces of sporting equipment. It has prompted a strong reaction, with many women in sport criticising the sexualisation of female athletes and arguing that they are being defined by appearance rather than athletic achievement. Hunt, who became a four‑time European champion earlier this summer, spoke out after she recorded a season‑best 22.10 seconds to finish fourth in the 200 m final at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest on Sunday. In her post‑race interrogation with BBC Sport she said, “Sydney Sweeney, this is what women successful athletics look like,” Hunt said in her post‑race interrogation with BBC Sport. Referring to Melissa Jefferson‑Wooden’s winning time of 21.47 seconds – the fourth fastest ever over the distance – she added, “21.4. Muscles. Hard work, blood, sweat, tears. This is simply a beauteous evening.” American actor Sweeney, aged 29, is known for her role in the television series Euphoria and for films such as Anyone But You and The Housemaid. The backlash has included numerous athletes from a variety of sports posting videos of themselves training or competing and describing the frustrations and struggles they have faced throughout their careers. The trend was initiated by American gymnast Gracie Kramer, who shared a montage of her training with the caption, “I don't cognize what Sydney Sweeney was doing, but this is what women successful athletics look like.”