SINGLE-MINDED DINA EYES GOLD
DINA ASHER-SMITH insists her split from sprinter boyfriend Zharnel Hughes will not derail her Commonwealth Games medal challenge.
Britain’s European champion is among the favourites for 200 metres gold when the Games get under way here next week.
The 22-year-old took fourth in last summer’s World Championships — and won a relay silver — despite breaking her foot only six months before.
Having regained full fitness and missed last month’s World Indoors in Birmingham to focus on Gold Coast glory, AsherSmith says she is in a “happy” place — despite breaking up with Hughes, a training partner of Usain Bolt until the world record holder’s retirement.
“We are fine, we are still friends,” Asher-Smith said. “I won’t go into the details because that is personal life but we are cool, absolutely fine.
“I am not a celebrity so I didn’t think it was that much of a big deal to be in the papers. It is hilarious that people care if I have a boyfriend. I can’t wait to tell him.”
Asher-Smith is part of a team of 600 athletes and staff — the largest ever to represent England in an overseas sporting event.
In Glasgow four years ago the Poms topped the medal table for the first time since 1986, so not surprisingly host nation Australia want revenge.
Olympic champions Adam Peaty (swimming), Max Whitlock (gymnastics), Alistair Brownlee (triathlon) and Philip Hindes (cycling) head a team competing in 18 sports, including 38 para medal events.
Commonwealth Games runs from this Wednesday until April 15 on the Gold Coast in Australia.