Amy Hunt Urges Role Models in Sport After Sydney Sweeney Betting Ad Backlash

Olympic sprinter Amy Hunt has voiced growing concern over the impact of Sydney Sweeney’s recent gambling advertisement, warning it may deter young girls from pursuing sports. The actress, known for her roles in 'The White Lotus' and 'Euphoria', starred in a high-profile promotional campaign for a betting platform that has sparked debate over the normalization of gambling in youth culture. Hunt, a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist and advocate for female athletes, emphasized the importance of positive representation, stating that such ads could create a 'barrier' to participation by associating athleticism with commercialized risk-taking rather than dedication and health. The controversy centers on the ad’s portrayal of Sweeney as a glamorous figure engaging in high-stakes betting, a narrative critics argue undermines the values of discipline and perseverance central to competitive sport. With Australia’s youth gambling rates rising—recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows a 12% increase among 15- to 17-year-olds since 2020—Hunt’s call for responsible role models is gaining traction. She stressed that young athletes need figures who inspire through integrity, not endorsement deals tied to addictive industries. As regulatory bodies in Australia and the UK review influencer marketing practices, Hunt’s advocacy highlights a broader cultural shift: the need for alignment between celebrity influence and ethical messaging in youth development. Her message resonates beyond the track, urging brands and media to consider long-term societal impacts when choosing public figures. The conversation continues to grow, setting the stage for industry-wide accountability.