World Athletics Championships: Britain’s Amy Hunt announces herself on global stage with 200m silver

Great Britain’s Amy Hunt announced herself on the global stage by claiming a superb 200m silver in her first major final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The 23-year-old stared up at the screen in disbelief before bursting into celebration and skipping down the track as her breakthrough achievement was confirmed.

Reaching for the line, Hunt edged out Jamaican sprint great Shericka Jackson for second place as American Melissa Jefferson-Wooden completed a dominant clean sweep of the sprint titles after gold in the 100m, while Dina Asher-Smith came fifth.

It was GB’s second medal of the championships, following Jake Wightman’s silver in the men’s 1500m.

“I have not stopped smiling or crying!” Hunt told BBC Sport following her stunning performance.

“As soon as I saw my mum, I burst into tears. I knew I could do it as long as I put in a good turn and was with them off the bend. I am so proud of myself.”

After placing fifth in the world indoor 60m final in March – the least favourite of her sprint events – an emotional Hunt revealed her grandfather John had provided inspiration during “battles” during the winter.

Referencing a tattoo bearing his name on her arm after he passed away earlier this year, Hunt said: “Moments before the race, I just thought of my grandad.

“I knew he was watching over me, I knew he was going to guide me.”

Reflecting on her daughter’s achievement, Hunt’s mum Claire told BBC Sport: “Oh my God, I’ve not actually taken it in yet. It’s just absolutely amazing, what a star.

“It’s been a long time coming, there’s been ups, there’s been downs, but oh my God, what a star.

“It’s been a year where we’ve had two grandparents, unfortunately one [became] very ill and one passed away.

“It’s been a lot for her to cope with this year, but I think that’s given her some extra passion.”