Share

Superb Asher-Smith crowned world 200 metres champion

Doha - Dina Asher-Smith became the first British woman to win a short sprint world title on Wednesday with a dominant performance in the 200 metres.

The 23-year-old -- silver medallist in the 100m -- led from the start to time a national record 21.88 seconds at the Khalifa Stadium.

Asher-Smith -- winning only Britain's second medal over 100/200m in the championships with Kathy Smallwood-Cook taking a bronze in the 200m in 1983 -- said she was still in shock.

"I don't know what to say, I don't think it's properly sunk in," an emotional Asher-Smith told the BBC.

"Jon (Blackie) and I knew I could do it, it means so much.

"I woke up today thinking 'this is it. This is the moment you did all your work for'. The tiredness disappeared.

"All the support means so much. For my mum, my dad and his wife to be here, it means so much.

"I'm lost for words. I dreamt of this and now it's real."

Brittany Brown of the United States took silver in 22.22sec and Mujinga Kambundji of Switzerland was third in 22.51sec.

Asher-Smith showed no signs of nerves at being title favourite bursting from the blocks to round the bend in control of the race.

Brown gave chase down the straight but the Briton never faltered crossing the line clear of the field and put her hands to her face when she realised she had also set a new British record and added the world title to the European one she won last year.

Asher-Smith had been propelled into favouritism when a whole swathe of major contenders dropped out.

The 100m world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was advised by her coach not to attempt the double.

Two-time defending champion Dafne Schippers was injured and Olympic gold medallist Elaine Thompson failed to show for her semi-final.

Asher-Smith -- who carried the athletes kit at the Olympics in London in 2012 and was inspired by Jessica Ennis-Hill's title in the heptathlon -- said it wasa relief to have justified her favourite's tag.

"Normally I am so chatty and full of energy but I am just lost for words," she said.

"It's one thing people saying you're the favourite but you're only the favourite if you perform how everyone expected

"It means a lot. I am happy, I am going to enjoy this and use it as motivation going into the big one (the Tokyo Olympics) next year."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE