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

The 16-year-old has seen it all in 2018 – suffering disappointment at the European Youth Games, 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 is Sweden stretching out in front of her, Hunt isn’t cowed by the challenge.

“It’s a challenging enough year anyway with GCSEs, but I feel like I’ve been through than most,” said the Charnwood Athletics Club ace.

“I’ve learnt so, 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 for me.

“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 11.56 secs in racing to glory at the National Athletics Championships, having burst onto the scene by grabbing gold at the National Athletics Championships in 2017.

Her cause is also being helped by The Nottingham Building Society, who are 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 stars to attend a fun-filled Christmas celebration at The Nottingham’s city HQ, helping celebrate and bring the ongoing partnership to life.

Four top ice hockey aces from The Nottingham Panthers were in attendance to offer their advice to the upcoming athletes, while among activities was a Kit Challenge and Wheel of Fortune with prizes.

Hunt 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.

“It was a bit more informal this time but a really great event because we had access to the knowledge of athletes who’ve been professional for 17 years,” she said.

“There were lots of tips they could give us as they’ve made it to quite a high level in their sport.

“It was really interesting chatting to other people, seeing things we commonly struggling with or are doing very well in.

“Things like nutrition are important at this stage of our lives and it’s important to see what different people’s coping mechanisms are.

“The events SportsAid run help you feel you’re appreciated and other people are in the same position as you, you’re not just struggling away on your own.”

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.