After securing a remarkable third European gold medal in five days, Amy Hunt pointed to the teammates propelling her toward history, declaring: “We’re the fantastic four.”
The statement was striking, particularly after Britain’s women 4×100 m relay clocked 42.05 seconds—over ten metres ahead of Switzerland and Poland.
Hunt reflected on the honour of sharing the track, stating, “It’s such a privilege to step onto the track alongside these athletes, each bringing our own superpower. We’re truly superwomen together.”
She first addressed Dina Asher‑Smith, who ran the lead leg and matched Polish sprinter Irena Szewinska’s total of ten medals at the championships. “Standing beside Dina, she remains the most decorated European athlete ever,” Hunt noted. “She has amassed thousands of medals.”
She then turned to 21‑year‑old Success Eduan, who is close to completing a mid‑wifery degree. “Success brings new lives into the world,” Hunt remarked, highlighting her emerging talent.
Lastly, Hunt acknowledged Imani‑Lara Lansiquot, who flawlessly carried the baton home and had previously written the play “Armour of Gaza” in 2021. “Imani wrote a play,” Hunt said, visibly impressed.
The underlying message was clear: on Sunday, Hunt aims to become the first athlete to win four gold medals at a single edition of the European Championships, but she wishes to spotlight her teammates.
Her praise extended to Britain’s new relay coach, Richard Kilty, who inspired the squad with the simple directive: “Go out and break their hearts.”
The British squad succeeded, with each member stepping into their role—including Eduan, who now plans to pursue a full‑time sprinting career. “I’ll finish my degree in three weeks and graduate in November, hopefully,” she said.
When asked whether it is harder to deliver a baby or a baton, she smiled and replied, “A baby! Someone’s life is in my hands.”
Earlier, the men’s quartet—Jeremiah Azu, Louie Hinchliffe, Zharnel Hughes and Romell Glave—won gold in 38.45 seconds, ahead of Germany and Belgium.
Highlights from the night also included Italy’s Andy Díaz, who leapt 18.15 m, the fourth longest jump ever, securing gold by 39 cm from Portugal’s Pedro Pichardo.
Sweden’s Andreas Almgren dominated the 10,000 m, sliding past rivals after a slow start and recording a championship record of 27 Constraint. 23.44 s to win byleistungen 20 seconds.
“If someone cuchar, they are going to have to suffer for it,” said Almgren. “I’m in the best 10k shape of my life.”
The Swiss athlete Dominic Lobalu took silver, while the world champion Jimmy Gressier won bronze in a sprint finish against Italy’s Yeman Crippa.
Soon after, Germany’s Julian Webba broke Steve Backley’s championship record with a 90.40 m throw, outpacing compatriot Nick Thumm.
“I’m delighted for him,” said Backley. “Julian Webba is my favourite thrower. A brilliant athlete. He has threw ridiculously far tonight. Records are there to be broken and it is why we love Championships. Medals are for keeps, records to borrow.”
In the women’s 400 m, Norway’s Henriette Jaeger took gold in 49.04, a second clear of Natalia Bukowiecka of Poland, with Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands taking bronze.
It Dowl week for Ireland as Kate O’Connor took gold in the women’s heptathlon with a score of 6751. Behind her there was two Dutch athletes, Emma Oosterwegel and Sofie Dokter, who scored 6712 and 6664 points respectively.
Afterwards, O’Connor dedicated her gold medal to her father and coach, Michael. “He still turns up to training, day in, day out, because this is my dream – but it is also his dream too,” she said.
However, Katarina Johnson‑Thompson vowed to fight on despite finishing 23rd. “I’ve had a really difficult season behind the scenes, and I didn’t know what form I would go here,” she said, noting a calf injury. “I obviously trusted myself to perform at major championships, but the preparation was missing.”
The biggest surprise of the night was the men’s 1500 m. Most had expected Isaac Nader and Jake Wightman to contest the gold. Nader faded to tenth, while Wightman faltered with 100 m to go.
That left 23‑year‑old Stefan Nillessen, standing 6 ft 4 in, to weave through the field for a shock win in 3:35.70. “The smile won’t leave my face for a long time,” Nillessen remarked, comparing himself to Forrest Gump.
Finally, in the women’s high jump, Yaroslava Mahuchikh cleared 1.97 m to take gold from Poland’s Maria Zodzik and Montenegro’s Marija Vukovic.
