British sprinter Amy Hunt has publicly criticised a recent betting advertisement starring US actress Sydney Sweeney, saying "This is what women in sport look like." Hunt is among several female athletes who have raised objections to the commercial since it began airing.
The advert, produced for a bookmaker, has attracted attention and criticism for its portrayal of women in a sporting context. While the campaign features a high-profile actor rather than professional athletes, Hunt and others have said the depiction does not reflect the realities of women who compete in sport.
Hunt, who has represented Great Britain at junior and senior levels on the track, framed her response as a defence of female competitors. Her comment emphasised the diversity and athleticism of women in sport, and was shared amid a wider social-media reaction from sportspeople and commentators.
The controversy has prompted renewed discussion about how women are portrayed in advertising that ties to sport, and about the relationship between gambling firms and the sporting world. Critics say such adverts should more accurately reflect athletes, while supporters of the campaign have defended its creative approach.
For now, the advert remains in the spotlight as athletes, viewers and industry figures weigh in on whether the depiction is appropriate for an audience that includes young sports fans. Hunt’s remarks underline how quickly marketing aimed at a mass audience can draw responses from the sporting community.