HUNT TAKES THIRD PLACE IN SPORTSAID ONE-TO-WATCH AWARD

Amy Hunt (coach: Joe McDonnell; club: Charnwood) claimed third place in the SportsAid One-To-Watch following the charity’s annual SportsBall on Tuesday evening.

The award, which has been held annually since 2006, shines a light on the achievements of some of Great Britain & Northern Ireland’s best and brightest sporting prospects, with many of Britain’s top sportsmen and women having received their support during their careers.

2019 has been a record-breaking year for Hunt as she shattered the World  Under-18 and British Under-20 200m record, clocking an astonishing 22.42s in Mannheim in June, which also moved her to third on the all-time British 200m rankings.

She then capped her season with gold medals in the 200m and the 4x100m relay in Borås, Sweden at the European Under-20 Championships.

On receiving her award, Hunt said: “We know how much sacrifice and hard work we put in as athletes – so to come third and be recognised by SportsAid is incredible.

“My family go through everything with me – the emotional times, the lows, the late nights. They cook me food and drive me because I don’t have a licence. It’s not just an award for me, it’s for my family and the whole support team that surrounds me.”

Hunt will be provided with a kit allowance to the value of £1500 by global sportswear brand Nike thanks to their ongoing partnership with SportsAid, along with a cash boost of £750.

Hunt was presented with her award by Dame Katherine Grainger at the ball, which was held on Tuesday evening in London.

The overall award went the way of para swimmer Ellie Challis from Essex after a year that saw the 15-year-old win women’s S3 50m backstroke bronze at the IPC World Para Swimming Championships and set one world and two European records at the British Para Swimming International.