Amy Hunt wins the UK 100m women’s title in Birmingham with personal best time to qualify for World Championships in Tokyo in September

Amy Hunt qualified for next month’s World Championships in Tokyo after winning her first senior outdoor UK title on Saturday.

The 23-year-old from Grantham dominated the women’s 100m final at the UK Athletics Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. The event doubled up as the official trials for the World Championships.

Hunt (Charnwood) produced a stunning personal best of 11.02sec after defending champion Daryll Neita was disqualified for a false start.

Hunt left the field in her wake with Desiree Henry (Enfield & Haringey) taking silver in 11.32 and Faith Akinbileje (Blackheath & Bromley) third in 11.34.

Former Kesteven and Grantham Girls School pupil Hunt started her career at Grantham Athletics Club.

She said: “We wanted to view this Championships as another step in the road to Tokyo. I am happy to get my first senior outdoor UK title and book that plane ticket.

“That was the goal, to come away with the gold and win in front of a home crowd and enjoy the moment. The big focus was on staying relaxed as we know that’s when I run best. It’s about having confidence in myself and having fun.

“I’m so excited. I love coming in as the young gun and dark horse. I’m slowly building throughout the season and each step is getting bigger and bigger.”

Hunt nearly made it a memorable double as she finished second in the 200m final on Sunday, beaten by Dina Asher-Smith (Blackheath & Bromley) who set a new championship record in the process.

She nearly pipped Asher-Smith on the line but both athletes were awarded the same time of 22.14.

The duo were part of Great Britain’s 4x100m relay team that won silver at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.