Dina Asher-Smith, the British record holder for the 100m and 200m, stands as the nation’s fastest female sprinter. Her illustrious career includes six European gold medals, the 2019 world championship in the 200m, and two Olympic bronze medals in the 4x100m relay from the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games.
Recently, Asher-Smith’s victories in the 100m at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in June and the 200m at the UK Athletics Championships in July have reignited her ambition. She now sets her sights on winning Olympic gold in Paris this August, representing Team GB in both the 100m and 200m events.
Asher-Smith showed promise early on, capturing the 200m title at the English Schools Championships in the Under 15, Under 17, and Under 20 categories. In 2013, she won gold in the 200m and 4x100m relay at the European Junior Championships and, at 19, was the youngest member of the British team at the World Championships in Moscow, where she helped secure a bronze medal in the relay.
Despite a series of notable achievements, Asher-Smith faced disappointment at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. “I was not happy,” she shared with Runner’s World UK at Nike’s On Air exhibition in April. “Coming into the competition running a 10.85, I was in the best shape of my life, so it was very frustrating.”
Now 28, Asher-Smith has addressed some lingering injuries and made significant adjustments, including ending her long-term coaching relationship with John Blackie last autumn. Blackie, who began coaching her at Blackheath and Bromley Harriers Athletics Club when she was eight, guided her to her 200m world title in Doha in 2019. Reflecting on their bond, she remarked that it “goes beyond sport.”
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Currently training in Austin, Texas, under coach Edrick Floreal, Asher-Smith believes the change has been advantageous. She set a British indoor record of 36.77 over 300m this year, beating Nicole Yeargin’s previous mark. In May, she claimed gold in the 200m at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational with a time of 22.51.
As the Paris Olympics approach, Asher-Smith is resolute and driven. “I want to win the Olympics and run really fast,” she declares. Although she hopes for gold in the women’s 4x100m relay, her participation in the event remains undecided.
Excited for the upcoming Games, she recalls the challenges of the Tokyo Olympics and looks forward to a vibrant atmosphere in Paris. “It’s almost like a home Games,” she says, noting the proximity and support from fans. Asher-Smith values her family’s unwavering support, describing them as her “number-one fans.
To stay grounded and focused during major events, Asher-Smith relies on her natural discipline. “When you have a goal, you do everything you can to achieve it,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of proper rest, nutrition, and training.
Off the track, Asher-Smith has a passion for fashion, having walked the runway for Off-White at Paris Fashion Week in 2018. Recently, she has discovered a love for pottery, finding joy in this creative pursuit.
As Dina Asher-Smith prepares for Paris, her journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and enthusiasm. Britain’s premier female sprinter is poised to leave her mark on the Olympic stage once more.
