Newly crowned European double-sprint champion Amy Hunt has revealed she has been dealing with an unexplained low blood pressure problem. The 24-year-old, who secured both the 100m and 200m titles at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this week, described how medical test results were so concerning that her sister, a nurse, stated she would have "pressed the button on the ward".
Hunt recounted an incident after the London Diamond League in July where she had to be taken to the medical room, feeling on the verge of fainting. This led to a series of "scary heart tests and stuff" throughout the year. She believes this health issue has impacted her 200m potential, explaining that while speed work for the 100m has been possible, endurance work for the 200m has not.
Doctors managing Hunt's care have identified the issue as low blood pressure but remain unsure of its root cause. Hunt now monitors her blood pressure daily during training, using salty electrolytes and cold towels, and consciously staying active between reps.