Great Britain's rising sprint star Amy Hunt delivered a season‑best performance in the women's 200 metres at the closing Diamond League meeting of the year, earning a podium finish with third place in Brussels. Her time of 22.16 seconds placed her behind the race winner, Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia, who not only claimed the top spot but also entered the competition as the reigning Olympic champion in the 100 metres, clocking an impressive 21.79 seconds.
Close on Alfred's heels was America's Kayla White, who crossed the line in 22.00 seconds to take second place. The British contingent also featured Success Eduan, who, despite a solid effort, finished seventh out of eight competitors with a time of 23.06 seconds.
Eduan's performance, while not medal‑winning, highlighted the depth of talent the United Kingdom continues to develop in sprint events. Hunt's recent achievements have made her a fan favourite, especially after her spectacular showing at the European Athletics Championships held in Birmingham earlier this summer.
There, the 24‑year‑old captured four gold medals, showcasing both her speed and her charismatic personality that has resonated with supporters across Europe. She dominated the individual sprints, taking gold in both the 100 metres and 200 metres, and also contributed to British victories in the women's 4x100 metre relay and the mixed 4x100 metre relay, underscoring her versatility and team spirit. The Brussels meeting also featured other notable British athletes.
Matthew Hudson‑Smith, the European champion in the men's 400 metres, competed on Friday night but finished fifth in his event, a result that fell short of expectations given his recent continental success. Meanwhile, Sweden's pole‑vault world record holder Armand Duplantis was forced to withdraw from the Diamond League final due to a tight back, a setback that came just a week before the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships scheduled to take place in Budapest. Duplantis expressed his disappointment, stating, "The worst possible thing to do is having to pull out of a competition.
The fans wanted to see a good show and I wish I could deliver that. Unfortunately, I can't right now. My head is everywhere right now.
It's super difficult, but that's life, that's the life of an athlete. I try to stay calm and positive. We will see if I can make the Ultimate Championships. I don't have the answer right now." His remarks highlighted the physical and mental challenges elite athletes face when injuries threaten participation in major events.
The World Athletics Ultimate Championships represent a novel, biennial competition designed to bring together the sport's most decorated athletes—Olympic champions, World champions, Diamond League winners, and other top performers—to compete for a staggering $10 million (£7.87 million) prize pool. Individual event winners will each receive $150,000 (£110,865), marking the largest single‑event payout in the history of track and field. This financial incentive aims to elevate the sport's profile and reward athletes for their dedication and excellence.
One of the marquee names expected at the Ultimate Championships is Noah Lyles, the men's 100‑metre champion from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although Lyles has ended his competitive season early due to injury, he confirmed his intention to travel to Hungary and support the event in a non‑competitive capacity.
"I am still going to be at the Ultimate Championship. I still do have parties to throw and things to do behind the scenes to help support the athletes," Lyles said. He added, "I still think that this is going to be an amazing competition, and I'm excited to watch that. And I'm even more excited to see what the future is going to bring." Hunt's performance in Brussels not only adds a third medal to her season tally but also signals her continued upward trajectory as she prepares for the upcoming Ultimate Championships.
Her ability to deliver a personal best under the pressure of a Diamond League final demonstrates the mental fortitude and technical proficiency that will be essential in the high‑stakes environment of the new competition. Moreover, her success serves as an inspiration to younger athletes watching the sport, illustrating how dedication, resilience, and a positive attitude can translate into tangible results on the world stage.
Looking ahead, the British athletics federation will likely focus on maintaining Hunt's momentum while also addressing the injury concerns of other key athletes like Duplantis and Lyles. The upcoming Ultimate Championships in Budapest will be a litmus test for how well the sport can adapt to a format that blends traditional track and field events with a heightened emphasis on prize money and global viewership. If the event lives up to its promise, it could usher in a new era of commercial viability and fan engagement for athletics, providing athletes with unprecedented opportunities to showcase their talents and reap the financial rewards of their hard work. In summary, Amy Hunt's season‑best 22.16 seconds in the 200 m not only secured her a place on the podium in Brussels but also reinforced her status as one of Britain's most exciting sprint talents.
As the athletics world turns its attention to the upcoming Ultimate Championships, fans can look forward to seeing Hunt and her fellow competitors strive for excellence on a stage that promises both historic prize money and a celebration of the sport's finest performances.