Dina Asher-Smith tore out of the blocks into the new indoor season running a hugely impressive 7.12 world lead time, both in the heat and the final of the event in winning the 60m in Karlsruhe, Germany. Her only disappointment from the event was to have been robbed of the opportunity to race against world class athlete and European sprint queen Schippers who was disqualified for a fault start in the final. In such red-hot form there is no doubt she would’ve had a chance of taking the huge scalp of the champion athlete even had she been able to compete.
If this performance is to be measured as an illustration of her successful winter training, it seems Asher-Smith may start to realise her potential earlier than many would have ever dreamed. She is such a raw talent, compact and explosive; if she can avoid injury in the future looks incredibly bright for the young athlete.
For Asher Smith this was a continuation of her rapid progress illustrated in her remarkable first year as a senior athlete. Still only 19 years old she is already World youth champion from Oregon last summer and a European championship finalist, while also achieving a world bronze medal from the sprint relay in 2013. Had it not been for a hamstring injury suffered in the 200m final it is extremely likely that she would have also added an individual medal and sprint relay gold at the European championships.
She is a key contributor to an upcoming contingent of young female British sprinters putting British sprinting back on the map at world level. The group also containing Jodie Williams, Bianca Williams, Ashleigh Nelson, and Asa Philip among others are pushing each other to outstanding performances regularly. Such healthy competition can only be positive for the futures of these young athletes who will be hoping to spur each other to success at world level.
While there are other British athletes who have run quicker, Asher-Smith definitely will be the one thought to have the most potential given her young age and proven pedigree in world event finals. At such a tender age this performance has put the rest of the world on notice that this young lady has no plans on slowing down her momentum any time soon.
Sport According to Nolan 