Amy Hunt, the 22-year-old British sprinter, has revealed that she underwent “scary” heart tests as part of her preparation for the Birmingham 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she aims to win double gold. The tests, which she described as a precautionary measure, have given her confidence that her body can handle the demands of competing in both the 100m and 200m events in her home city.
A Scare That Led to Reassurance
Speaking to BirminghamWorld, Hunt explained that the heart tests were triggered by a family history of heart issues. “It was scary, but they were just checking everything was okay,” she said. “It’s something that’s in the family, so I wanted to make sure I was safe.” The tests, which included an ECG and an echocardiogram, came back clear, allowing her to focus fully on her training.
Hunt, who won relay gold at the Tokyo Olympics and European Championship gold in the 200m, is now targeting a double at Birmingham 2026. The Games, which will take place at the Alexander Stadium, are set to be the biggest moment of her career so far, and she is determined to perform in front of a home crowd.
Building on a Glittering Career
The sprinter, who hails from Nottingham but trains in Birmingham, has already tasted success at major championships. Her Olympic gold came as part of the women's 4x100m relay team in Tokyo, while her European 200m title was secured in Munich in 2022. She also claimed silver in the 200m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, narrowly missing out on gold.
“I’ve got a silver from the last Commonwealths, and I want to upgrade that to gold,” Hunt said. “To do it in Birmingham, in front of my home crowd, would be incredible.” She added that the support from the local community has been overwhelming, and she feels a strong connection to the city where she trains under coach Leon Baptiste.
Preparing for the Demands of a Sprint Double
Competing in both the 100m and 200m is physically demanding, requiring careful management of training loads and recovery. Hunt has been working closely with her coaching team to ensure she peaks at the right time. “It’s about being smart with my training and listening to my body,” she said. “The heart tests were part of that – making sure everything is in order so I can push myself to the limit.”
The Birmingham 2026 Games are scheduled to run from July 23 to August 8, 2026. Hunt is expected to be one of the headline acts, with organisers hoping her presence will boost ticket sales and inspire a new generation of athletes in the West Midlands.
With the heart tests behind her, Hunt is now fully focused on her preparations. “I’m in a good place mentally and physically,” she said. “I can’t wait to get out there and compete.”
