European sprint champion Asher-Smith ‘so happy’ as she bids for Olympic gold

European 100 metres champion Dina Asher-Smith believes she is well-placed to “create history” as she bids to become the first British woman to win an Olympic sprint gold medal at the upcoming Paris Games.

Asher-Smith showed her class with victory in the 200m at the UK Athletics Championships in Manchester on Sunday.

The 28-year-old sealed her place in the British team for Paris by winning in a championship record time of 22.18 seconds, a performance made all the more creditable given the race was run in cold and wet conditions.

It was another encouraging sign for Asher-Smith following her 100m gold at the European Championships in Rome earlier in June.

Now Asher-Smith is setting her sights on becoming the first British woman to win an Olympic gold in either the 100 or 200m.

“I’m so happy with my performance,” said Asher-Smith. “Obviously we’re in the north. It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s windy — much to be expected from Manchester.

“I was honestly just hoping for a healthy race and to qualify for the Olympic Games, but to come through in a season’s best when I know that I can run faster when it’s a little bit warmer — it bodes really well.

“I want to be so successful, I want to do myself proud and I want to create history. I’m running great. I’m happy that as we’re coming into the crunch time in the season everything’s coming together. I’m on track.

“It’s not my first rodeo and I’m very excited going into my third Olympic Games in a really good place.”

Asher-Smith’s buoyant mood is in marked contrast to the disconsolate figure she cut at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, where she finished eighth in the 100m final and seventh in the 200m.

She subsequently decided to change coaches, team up with Texas-based Edrick Floreal after parting company with longstanding mentor John Blackie.

“I absolutely adore my previous coach, John. He’s a phenomenal coach, a very intelligent man and we’ve had great success,” said Asher-Smith.

“I don’t think anything was wrong or broken but sometimes you need change. If you’re physically in great shape but things aren’t clicking, then you’ve got to look inwards and think of trying a new environment.

“Edrick is an amazing coach, an amazing technician. I’m having a lot of fun, just learning new things and trying new things.

“I’ve just found when I’m smiling and just having a great day, I run really fast. I definitely do believe in what I can do.”

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AFP

(NAMPA / AFP)