Sprinter Amy Hunt was concerned her words might be censored by the BBC during her exhilarating post-medal interview at the World Athletics Championships. Hunt is set to compete this weekend at the World Indoor Championships in Poland where she’ll participate in the women’s 60m.

The Nottinghamshire-born athlete first gained recognition as a teenager when she set a new World Under-18 record in the 200m, but injuries hindered her career. Hunt also began her studies at Cambridge University in 2020 and subsequently receded from the limelight. However, after shining in Team GB’s silver-medal-winning 4×100 relay team at Paris 2024, Hunt reached her first senior individual global final in Japan. She faced off against reigning world champion Shericka Jackson and clinched 200m silver in 22.14 seconds, whilst Melissa Jefferson-Wooden secured gold.

An emotional Hunt gave an unforgettable post-race interview to the BBC. However, one particular comment of hers contained a borderline expletive, leading the 23-year-old to worry she might have been censored on live television. Following her race, Hunt told the BBC: “Oh my god. I’ve not stopped smiling or crying. As soon as I saw my mum, I just burst into tears.

“I can’t believe it. Maybe some karaoke tonight! I’m so proud of myself for choosing a harder path. I could’ve chosen an easy way out many times, but I chose to go to Cambridge to get a degree. In part to show other young sportspeople and other young girls, you don’t have to give up education, you can be an academic badass and track goddess.”

This expression has subsequently become legendary though Hunt recalled her apprehensions. She remarked this week: “As soon as I said it, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m on the BBC.’

“I was like, ‘Are they going to bleep that out? I feel so bad.’ I was so incredibly high with adrenaline and endorphins that there wasn’t a connection between my brain and my mouth. All I remembered was that I had this T-shirt that said ‘Goddess’ on it, so that flashed into my mind. I feel like I can’t wear that T-shirt because it’s too corny to wear now.”

Hunt expanded on the statement and her academic path ahead of the World Indoor Championships, having completed her studies at Cambridge in 2023 with a degree in English Literature. She continued: “There are so many girls who message me every single day.

“I reply to as many as I can, especially those trying to go through the Oxbridge system, but it’s quite hard. I’m trying to open more doors for people coming up behind me. I’ve helped a couple of girls get into Cambridge and some of them I’m now close friends with.

“It’s lovely to see more girls be emboldened and empowered to do that. It’s just having those conversations, or reaching out with a message saying, ‘You can do it.’ That goes a long way.”