Sydney Sweeney: Amy Hunt among the athletes to respond to controversial advert – BBC Sport
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This is what women in sport look like – Hunt
By Ffion Wynne, BBC Sport journalist
Published 2 hours ago
British sprinter Amy Hunt is among the female athletes to speak out against a controversial sports gambling advert starring actress Sydney Sweeney.
The advert, which has gone viral online, features American Sweeney naked but covering parts of her body with various pieces of sporting equipment. It has sparked a strong reaction from many female athletes who criticise its sexualisation of women in sport, focusing on their appearance rather than achievements.
Hunt, who became a four-time European champion earlier this summer, referenced the advert after a race on Sunday:
"Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like."
She continued, referring to a winning time: "21.47 seconds. Muscles. Hard work, blood, sweat, tears. This is a beautiful evening."
American actress Sweeney, aged 29, is known for her roles in Euphoria, Anyone But You, and The Housemaid.
The backlash includes numerous athletes from diverse sports sharing videos of themselves competing or training, describing frustrations and struggles throughout their careers.
Gracie Kramer, an American gymnast, started the trend with a montage: "I don’t know what Sydney Sweeney was doing, but this is what women in sport look like."
Australia’s four-time Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus expressed her outrage:
"Not only is it a kick in the face to every woman who has dedicated her life to perfecting her craft, but every woman who enjoys sports for what it really is. How do we live in a world where monetising a woman’s body and sexualising women’s sport is still a thing?"
Other athletes, including Sophie Capewell (Olympic cycling champion), Lisa Neumann (rugby player), Ellie Boatman (rugby player), and Tilly Kearns (water polo Olympian) also shared their experiences.
Sweeney has not commented directly but posted a series of photos on social media of other athletes posing naked or in limited clothing, seemingly suggesting hypocrisy:
- ESPN covers featuring Serena Williams (tennis) and Ronda Rousey (MMA/wrestling).
- Male athletes including Myles Garrett (NFL) and Karl-Anthony Towns (basketball).
