Sprint queen Amy Hunt reveals 'scary heart tests' ahead of Birmingham 2026 double gold

Great Britain sprint star Amy Hunt has opened up on the “scary heart tests” she underwent before winning double gold at Birmingham 2026.

The 24-year-old from Newark confirmed her status as the new star of British athletics on Thursday by adding the 200 metre crown to her 100m title at the European Championships.

She now heads into the weekend at Alexander Stadium aiming to complete an unprecedented golden quadruple in the relay events.

Yet while Hunt has made it look easy on the track, her path to victory has been far from straightforward after issues with low blood pressure left her approaching the 200m, her favoured event, with a sense of trepidation.

Hunt, who won 200m silver at last year’s world championships, revealed how she had to be whisked away to the medical room after competing at last month’s London Diamond League.

She said: “I was kind of on the floor, on the verge of fainting.

“We had to do a lot of medical tests. I have had a lot of scary heart tests and a lot of health stuff going on this year, so I feel we have not been able to touch anywhere near my potential for the 200.

“That is probably why the 100 has been going so much better because we have been able to do the speed work but not so much the endurance work because I have been on the verge of fainting.”

Asked what had caused the problem, Hunt replied: “I don’t really know. They have no idea.

“But my sister is a nurse and said if I had that blood pressure on the ward, I would be really worried about me, pressing the bell!

“Luckily I am sponsored by a supplement brand so I have been having a lot of super salty electrolytes to raise my blood pressure.

“I have to take my blood pressure every day in training like an old lady.

“It has definitely not been the most straightforward journey but I think that is what makes it more rewarding.”

Hunt, who won 100m gold on Monday, overhauled British rival Dina Asher-Smith to win her second title of the week.

But she explained how she approached Wednesday’s 200m semi-finals “almost scared” due to what had happened in London.

She continued: “You guys are used to me finishing the race and walking straight off, while everyone else is on the floor.

“That is the first time I was on the floor and everyone else was walking off! I was a bit apprehensive but that (semi-final) dispelled all my worries.

“I woke up this morning with such a feeling of calm. The same as the 100 I had an overwhelming premonition today was going to be my day. I could feel it in the air. It didn’t matter what everyone else is going to do. I am going to win.”

Hunt added: “The last two days have been a confirmation I still love the 200 and the 200 loves me back.”