Great Britain Claims Gold in 4x100m Mixed Relay at European Championships
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Great Britain secured the gold medal in the 4x100m mixed relay at the European Championships, with Amy Hunt playing a pivotal role in this achievement. This victory marked Hunt’s remarkable fourth gold medal in the championships, a record-setting triumph that underlined her dominance in the sport.
Hunt, who had already clinched gold in the 100m, 200m, and women’s 4x100m relay events, anchored the British quartet featuring top athletes Jeremiah Azu, Dina Asher-Smith, and Zharnel Hughes. The team finished the race in an impressive European record time of 39.97 seconds, outperforming competitive teams from Germany and Spain.
“I am over the moon,” expressed Hunt after the victory, sharing her joy in concluding the competition alongside her esteemed teammates. Reflecting on their performance, she remarked, “The first time we did that changeover was an hour ago in warm-ups. Look how smooth it was. Such professionals.” Hunt also likened the exhilarating experience of racing to riding a roller-coaster, highlighting the thrill and fear involved, while expressing her excitement for the new opportunities presented by this fresh format.
Dina Asher-Smith’s contribution to the race was particularly noteworthy, as this win represented her eighth continental gold, a feat that elevates her above notable athletes such as Sandra Elkasevic from Croatia and Jakob Ingebrigtsen from Norway, both of whom have secured seven European golds. Asher-Smith, now the most-decorated European athlete in history with a total of 11 medals, shared her motivations during the race, saying, “I was thinking about representing my country and running as fast as I can.”
During the intense moments leading up to her baton exchange with Hughes, Asher-Smith admitted to feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. “I was terrified. I was absolutely terrified. When that gun was going, I was like, ‘Dina, just relax’. When I gave that baton to Zharnel, I was so happy. I can’t lie. I was like, ‘Get this out of my hand’.” Her resolve to try something new was evident as she noted, “The more we do it, the more we learn the tips and tricks of the event to keep running faster.”
The British sprinters showcased an exceptional week, collectively achieving significant accolades. Rommel Glave and Azu’s 1-2 finish in the men’s 100m, along with Hughes claiming silver in the 200m and the men’s team matching the women’s in the 4x100m relay, spotlight the strength of British athletes in sprinting competitions. Azu expressed pride in representing British sprinting, stating, “We are super strong in sprinting, and we wanted to showcase that for the British fans.”
He also praised Hunt’s accomplishment, saying, “Amy is on the rise. What she has done at these championships is incredible.” Azu reminisced about his early days in athletics, noting how Asher-Smith was an inspiration to him when he commenced his journey in 2017, and expressed gratitude for being part of the same team as her.
Hughes echoed this sentiment, stating, “It was incredible. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Are you not entertained?” This compelling victory at the European Championships enhances the profile of British athletics and highlights a promising future for its sprinters.
