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British Olympic sprint star Amy Hunt hopes her story of overcoming adversity will inspire young people in the West Midlands. The 23-year-old attended the launch of West Midlands Works, which aims to get 93,000 people into work over the next 10 years, to share her story of how a horrific tendon injury didn't stop her winning silver at the 2024 Olympics. Amy ruptured her tendon at an indoor race in Birmingham three years ago resulting in her going through surgery and a gruelling rehabilitation process. READ MORE: Ambitious plans to get thousands of West Midlands people off benefits and back into work But she bounced back in style to win silver in the 4×100 metres relay race in Paris last year before following that up with another silver in this year's World Championships. She said: "I ruptured my rectus femoris tendon, which is the tendon that connects your quad to your pelvis. "I ended up having surgery a week after that but I'm pretty terrified of needles so the hardest part for me was the surgery rather than the rehab. "I was the most nervous I've ever been in my life but just having my mum there saying 'you need to do this' meant I was able to do this and come out the other side. "Once I was over that hump, I had the surgery and everything was fixed every day was going to be better and better and I can get faster and faster. "It was very special (winning the medals). The scar is a great reminder of where I've come from and the adversity I've been through and the amount of hard work I've put in. She added: "I feel it's important that we encourage young people to have the drive and confidence to get the support they need to get onto the pathway to their dream career, and this new plan for the region will help people to do that." Paralympian Lauren Rowles OBE, has also backed the plan, and said: "I'm pleased that the Mayor's West Midlands Works Plan will help people with health conditions overcome barriers and challenges to get into their dream career. "I didn't let my injury get in the way of me reaching my potential and encourage others to do the same." Ethan Banks, aged 17, is an Esports student at Solihull College and University Centre while working with Ridge Ltd. He recently completed the Inclusive Work Readiness Accelerator Programme (IWRAP), which was created and funded by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to support young people with neurodiverse conditions and mental health needs into meaningful employment. He said: "I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I left school and as I struggle with anxiety and live with cystic fibrosis, I didn't know what options there were for me. "The IWRAP course, with support from Solihull College and the staff at Ridge, has helped me work through those challenges and overcome barriers I thought I would never be able to. "I always had an interest in motorsport and wanted to do something linked to it. "While studying at college I am working with Ridge helping to create solutions for a range of clients, including Formula 1. "I feel so comfortable and don't worry about asking questions. I've had one-to-one support to help me with interview skills, and everyone has been really flexible. "I'm proud of where I have come from and what I have now achieved. My confidence is growing every day, and I believe in myself. "By doing this step by step and with the right support I am now on the path of my dream career."
