Dina Asher-Smith will enter the World Championships in Budapest without the usual hype surrounding her medal prospects, but the British sprinter remains confident in her ability to deliver on the big stage. Ranked sixth in the world over 100m and 12th over 200m this year, the 27-year-old insists that rankings mean little once the race begins.
“I don’t mind what is said. We don’t run on paper, we run on the track,” Asher-Smith said. With 15 major championship medals to her name, she has a history of performing when it counts. A recent 100m time of 10.85 seconds in London has boosted her confidence that she can challenge her personal best of 10.83 seconds.
Asher-Smith described the current women’s sprinting landscape as a “golden age,” with formidable opponents including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Marie-Josée Ta Lou, and Sha’Carri Richardson. “It will be one of the strongest and most exciting events of this world championships,” she said.
Coached by John Blackie, who has worked with her since she was eight, Asher-Smith emphasised the trust and openness in their relationship. Despite Blackie’s use of a mobility scooter, his guidance remains invaluable. Asher-Smith is determined to be in the medal mix once again, adding to her collection that includes 200m gold and 100m silver from 2019.
