British sprinter Amy Hunt has joined a growing movement of female athletes speaking out against a high-profile sports betting advertisement featuring American actress Sydney Sweeney.
The digital promotional spot has circulated widely across social media platforms, showing Sweeney partially nude while holding various athletic items. The commercial has drawn widespread condemnation from sportswomen who argue it relies on the sexualization of female competitors rather than recognizing their athletic accomplishments.
Hunt addressed the controversy following her performance at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest. The British sprinter crossed the finish line in the 200-meter final with a season-best time of 22.10 seconds to secure a fourth-place finish.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Hunt pushed back against the imagery in the betting campaign. She directed her comments at the actress, emphasizing that female athletes are defined by dedication and physical capability.
The British champion pointed to the performance of American runner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who clocked a winning time of 21.47 seconds, marking the fourth-fastest time in history for the event. Hunt noted that this level of achievement represents intense labor, physical strain, and rigorous training rather than superficial representation.
The broader backlash began when American gymnast Gracie Kramer shared a training montage online. Kramer challenged the commercial by highlighting genuine athletic preparation, prompting a wave of responses from competitors across multiple disciplines.
Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus of Australia also voiced strong disapproval of the campaign. Titmus stated that the commercial undermines individuals who have committed their lives to mastering their athletic disciplines and diminishes the authentic enjoyment of sports. She questioned the ongoing commercialization and sexualization of female athletes in modern media.
Other prominent competitors, including British Olympic cycling champion Sophie Capewell, rugby players Lisa Neumann and Ellie Boatman, and Australian water polo Olympian Tilly Kearns, have similarly shared their personal journeys and frustrations. These athletes have utilized online platforms to highlight the hurdles they face and to redirect public attention toward actual athletic competition.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
