British sprinter Amy Hunt has joined a growing number of female athletes in criticizing a recent sports gambling advertisement featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The advert, which shows Sweeney naked and partially covered by sporting equipment, has drawn backlash for what many athletes perceive as the sexualization of women in sports, emphasizing appearance over athletic achievement.
Hunt made her statement following a season's best performance in the 200m final at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest. She told BBC Sport, "Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like," contrasting the advert's imagery with the physical exertion and dedication required in professional athletics. She highlighted her own time and that of the race winner, noting the "muscles. Hard work, blood, sweat, tears" involved.
The trend of athletes speaking out was initiated by American gymnast Gracie Kramer, who posted a video montage of her training sessions. Her caption stated, "I don't know what Sydney Sweeney was doing, but this is what women in sport look like."
Since then, athletes across various sports have shared videos of themselves competing or training, detailing the challenges and discrimination they have encountered throughout their careers. Sweeney, 29, is known for her roles in the television series "Euphoria" and films such as "Anyone But You" and "The Housemaid."