Asher-Smith vows to put everything to one side for Rio bid
DINA ASHER-SMITH was just 16 when the circus of London 2012 rolled into town, a bundle of enthusiasm and raw talent that had yet to explode onto a wider stage.
She was a kit carrier then. Four years on, she has her own uniform to pack. From one Olympics to another, the Londoner has matured into a sprint force to be reckoned with as she prepares to stuff her suitcase to fly off to the Rio Games.
She had not dared ponder such incredulous fantasies that day. “I was just thinking about being really privileged to be there,” she confirms. “There were no expectations.”
Newly-crowned as the European 200 metres champion, she no longer has the comfort blanket of youthful innocence. In Brazil, whether as an individual or in the relay, she is among those who might emerge into the centre of the spotlight.
Under the eye of her coach John Blackie, final preparations are well under way. The pair took the decision to remove the 100m from Asher-Smith’s schedule, all eggs gently placed in one solitary basket.
One more warm-up, one rehearsal, looms at the Muller Anniversary Games this coming weekend. If a return to Stratford might turn her sentimental, then in Rio she will bring her poker face to resolutely chase a winning hand.
“I’m excited for the Olympics,” she affirms. “It’s going to be my first Games which everyone tells me is going to be one of the most mind-blowing experiences I’m ever going to have. In terms of getting a medal, I take things step by step.
“I’ve firstly got to get on the plane safely, I’ve still got a race to do in London, I’ve got to get through the heats and the semi to get to the final, which would be such a big feat in itself.
“I’ve got so many things to think about before there’s the prospect of winning a medal. There are so many ladies running quick right now, so all I can do is look at my performances.”
Now in her second year as a history student at King’s College, her education process is unfinished but graduation is not so far out of reach. Other past Olympians have whispered advice and she has listened. Normalise it, they said. Treat it like any other race. Block out the noise.
“When it comes down to racing, when you’re on the line, everything that could put you off has to be pushed aside.
“When you cross the line, and people outside are watching you, they don’t know what’s been happening – that you just broke up with your boyfriend, that you and your friends had a fight, that you didn’t sleep well last night.
“All they see is the time and how you ran and they make a judgment.”
The practice never stops, she laughs. “I’m quite good at tuning out. My mum and dad get a bit annoyed at me sometimes because I do that at home as well.” Tickets for the Müller Anniversary Games are available from £20. More finish line tickets have now been released. Visit www. britishathletics.org.uk.