British sprinter Amy Hunt has joined a chorus of female athletes condemning a controversial sports gambling advertisement featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The ad, which has gained significant attention online, depicts Sweeney in a provocative manner, using sporting equipment to cover her body, prompting widespread criticism regarding the sexualisation of women in sports.
Hunt, who recently secured her status as a four-time European champion, made her remarks following a strong performance at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest, where she clocked a season’s best of 22.10 seconds in the 200m final. In her post-race interview with BBC Sport, she highlighted the importance of recognising female athletes for their achievements rather than their appearances, stating, “Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like.”
She further emphasised the dedication and hard work that goes into athletic success, referencing Melissa Jefferson-Wooden’s impressive winning time of 21.47 seconds, which ranks as the fourth fastest ever recorded for the distance. Hunt remarked on the beauty of the evening, underscoring the physical effort and commitment that defines female athletes.
The backlash against the advertisement has seen numerous athletes from various sports sharing videos of their training and competitions, expressing their frustrations with how women in sports are often portrayed. This movement was initiated by American gymnast Gracie Kramer, who shared a montage of her training with the caption, “I don’t know what Sydney Sweeney was doing, but this is what women in sport look like.”
Sweeney, known for her roles in the hit television series “Euphoria” and films such as “Anyone But You” and “The Housemaid,” has not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding the advertisement. The ongoing discourse highlights a growing concern among female athletes about the representation of women in sports and the need for a shift towards celebrating their accomplishments.
The conversation continues to evolve as more athletes advocate for recognition based on their skills and achievements, rather than their physical appearance, reinforcing the message that women’s contributions to sports deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.
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