Newark sprinter Amy Hunt is ready to step up in 2019

Stepping up a sprinting age-group doesn’t faze Amy Hunt, who says she’s already learnt too much about her sport to fear anything it has in store.

The 16-year-old, from Newark, has seen it all in 2018.

From suffering disappointment at the European Youth Games to being crowned 100m national champion and picking up the first serious injury of her career.

With a gruelling indoor season and rounds of selection for next year’s European under-20 championships in Sweden in front of her, Hunt isn’t daunted by the challenge.

“It’s a challenging enough year anyway with GCSEs, but I feel like I’ve been through more than most,” she said.

“I’ve learnt so much about myself personally, what I need to change and what’s working well for me at the moment.

“It’s been one great big learning opportunity.

“Sweden next year is my major target.

“I’ve got a lot of work to do in the lead-up, but I’m confident I can get on the podium there.”

Hunt set a personal best of 11-56 seconds at the National Athletics Championships, having burst on to the scene by grabbing gold at the National Athletics Championships in 2017.

Her cause is being helped by The Nottingham Building Society, which is teaming up with charity SportsAid to support 50 local athletes as they try to find their time to shine, with each receiving £750 of funding.

Hunt was one of 15 SportsAid-supported athletes to attend the Christmas celebration at The Nottingham’s city headquarters.

The Newark racer was enthused by the various workshops running on the day and felt the atmosphere at the event helped relieve the pressure that can exist on young athletes.

Nottingham Building Society and Harrison Murray teamed up with SportsAid in 2013 to help future sports stars get their time to shine.

Visit thenottingham.com to find out more.