by Stuart WeirDina Asher-Smith is the champion again.
If the men’s 200m at the Novuna UK Athletics Championships was a procession with Zharnel Hughes winning in 19.90, the women’s was anything but. Dina Asher-Smith seemed a clear winner with five meters to go, but Amy Hunt was finishing faster. It took an age for the officials to clock both at 22.14, but they awarded the win to Asher-Smith. The official result sheet did not show how close the gap was. For Hunt, it was a significant improvement in her PR and a brilliant championship, in which she won the 100m and came so close to winning the 200 m. Darryl Neita was third.
Asher-Smith said afterwards: “It was an excellent race, we needed a photo-finish because neither of us knew who had won. But I am happy to come here and run a low 22; it is a fantastic time. It bodes well for us as we enter the relay. I am in great shape, and there are a few things in there that I can still tweak, so I am happy”.
Hunt commented: “The 200m is so much fun because we bring the speed and the tactics. We all finished that race and said how much fun we had because we love racing against each other. We are three very different runners. That was a very hot race, three hot times, and that was a PB for me. I couldn’t quite get the dip on the line, but it is fun to have that tactical game; it makes it more of a race. 22.1 is a serious time, you know. I moved up to third on the UK all-time list, nearly overtaking Kathy Cook, who many say I resemble, so it is exciting to be taking the next step. Getting to Tokyo and being a dark horse is super exciting”.
Dina also revealed that she had left her US-based coaching set-up under coach Edrick Floreal and will be making her preparations for next month’s world championships from her home city of London. Dina had been coached by John Blackie since she was a little girl and had left Him only when he told her that he would be unable to accompany her to Paris for the Olympics and that she needed a coach who could be there.
Dina moved to Texas in 2023 and had previously spoken very positively about the move and the anonymity she was able to enjoy in Austin, for example, attending a ladies’ pottery class with none of the others having any clue about who she was.
Earlier this year, I spoke with Julien Alfred, who is also coached by Edrick Floreal, and asked her what training with Dina was like. Initially, she gave me a one-word answer, “competitive,” before explaining, “Because Dina and I are doing the same events, we push each other in training.
You know, like the Bible says, ‘iron sharpens iron’. And I think we’re great for each other as training partners. Where she is strong in one area, and I’m working on another, we help sharpen each other. I think she’s just brought a lot to the group as she is very competitive and we are helping each other to get better”.
Dina is a very private person, always answering questions with great circumspection. It is understood that after coming sixth in Eugene in 11.14, she decided a change was required and that it needed to take place immediately. She declined to elaborate on precisely what was not working. She said: “I am back in London and so grateful to have an incredible support system.
Everybody is different, and different set-ups in different locations mean different things for everybody. I think that, for me, and considering my personality type, I need to be happy, free, and my fullest, most vibrant self. I need to be in an environment where I can engage in discussions and work diligently every week. I think it’s essential to be in an environment that recognises that and fosters it. I’m thrilled because I’m based in London. I’m just having fun and I’m excited. I’ve been working on some things to improve my race phasing and race preparation, and as you can see, it’s paid dividends. I’m in such a confident and capable place. I’m such a London girl. I tried my hardest, but I’m back.”
She did not talk about the specifics, reasons for the move, or the details of her current coaching set-up, saying only that she would talk about it after Tokyo, adding: “I just want to stay focused because I am in great shape and know I can go there and perform well. I’ve been pleased with these last two races [London Meeting and Trials] because I’ve been able to be me and run fast.”
Changing coaches – assuming that she has – and changing locations just over a month before the World Championships is unusual, but Dina has always done it her way.
