Cambridge graduate Amy Hunt earns World Championship silver in 200m, calling herself a 'track goddess'

Amy Hunt, 23, a Cambridge University graduate, earned silver in the women's 200 metres at the World Championships in Tokyo, finishing behind the United States' Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in a late, fast-finishing run.

She described her performance as having a "sexy and aggressive" vibe, saying the moment she found her rhythm she believed she could challenge for the podium after overcoming a long spell of injuries and illness that had left her burnt out mentally. Hunt's finish came after she was briefly left trailing in the opening 50 metres of the race, before surging back with the memory of her grandfather John, who died earlier this year.

"Moments before the race I thought about my grandad, I knew he was watching over me. I knew he was going to guide me," Hunt said afterward. The 23-year-old juggled an English Literature degree at Cambridge University while continuing to pursue athletics, describing her education as the harder path she chose to prove that young athletes can excel in sport and study. "I'm so proud of myself for choosing the harder path," she said. "I could have picked an easier way out many times. I chose to go to Cambridge and get a degree but in part to show other young girls you don't have to give up education. You can be an academic badass and a track goddess. I'm showing you can do everything and anything you set your mind to."

"Maybe some karaoke tonight will help it sink in. Maneater." Hunt added, hinting at the emotional release of the moment. "I have not stopped smiling or crying!" she said, after spotting her mum in the stands. The silver adds to Britain's medal haul for the week, with more possible before the weekend is out.

Britain's standouts across the day included Keely Hodgkinson breezing into the 800 metres final, trainer partner Georgia Hunter Bell following into the next round, and Katarina Johnson-Thompson taking third in the opening day of the heptathlon. Max Burgin remained in medal contention heading into the men's 800 metres final. In the men's 200 metres, Noah Lyles matched Usain Bolt's record of four straight world titles with a win, clocking a fast time as the U.S. claimed the top two places behind Kenny Bednarek; Jamaica's Bryan Levell was third. Britain's Zharnel Hughes finished fifth with a season-best 19.78 seconds.

The men's 400 metres hurdles final was dominated by Rai Benjamin, who looked in a class of his own until the end when he clipped the final hurdle and briefly faced disqualification before the decision was reversed on video review.

Britain collected its second medal of the week and, with several events still to come, there is the potential for more podium finishes this weekend.