In any other year, Dina Asher-Smith’s tears after finishing sixth in the British 100m trials would have reflected a lingering numbness and despair. This time, however, they were of a condemned woman handed an unexpected reprieve.
When Asher-Smith broke the navicular bone in her right foot in February, the obituaries for her season were written in triplicate. Not only was Britain’s 100m and 200m record holder unable to walk for weeks and weeks, but when she did start running in early June, her foot hurt far more than the lactic burn.
Yet here she was in Birmingham, looking more ragged as the 100m final went on, certainly, but giving her all for a place in the world championships in London next month. Her time of 11.56sec was her slowest for three years and a long way behind Asha Philip, who won in 11.21 – with Daryll Neita second, 0.04sec further back – but it hinted at opportunities that hardly seemed possible this time last month.
“Everyone said you have broken your foot, you are not going to be able to run at all in 2017,” said Asher-Smith, who has had to balance her recovery with finishing her degree in history from King’s College, London. “I was so scared, as you can imagine. I know my time was not good and I was rusty, but I really don’t mind. My London dream is definitely back alive.”
Asher-Smith’s performance will have certainly earned her a place in Britain’s 4x100m relay squad for the world championships. In addition, as the reigning European 200m champion, she will be considered by selectors for the third wildcard place in the 200m, if she can show greater fitness and form by the deadline of 25 July. A place in the 100m is also up for grabs if she can run the qualifying time of 11.27 by that date.
“I was back on my feet at the start of June on grass,” said Asher-Smith. “I came off grass just two weeks ago last Monday. Then I did some sprint sessions, but I couldn’t finish them all because my foot hurt. Honestly, I can go so much faster with some training in me.”
There was a huge surprise in the men’s 100m when Reece Prescod booked his place in London by storming home in 10.09, ahead of James Dasaolu in 10.11. But the final was weakened by the withdrawal of CJ Ujah, who looked hugely impressive in winning his semi-final in a wind-assisted 9.98 but then called it a day because of a tight calf.
The 21-year-old Prescod was the European under-20 champion in 2013 but his career was hampered by two years of injuries. Now, though, that youthful potential is starting to burn through. “To come here and get a medal was always the aim,” he said. “Now I hope I can get even faster.”
Prescod’s performance was one of the few highlights of a day marred by sparse crowds and a distinct lack of star names, with Mo Farah, Greg Rutherford, Laura Muir, Jo Pavey and Katarina Johnson‑Thompson all missing because of training or injury.
However, Christine Ohuruogu did turn up – and then the former Olympic and double world champion hinted that she may have run her last race after failing to qualify for Sunday’s 400m final.
Ohuruogu, 33, was only third in her heat in a time of 54.41 – exactly five seconds slower than her personal best – and afterwards gave every indication that she was thinking of packing it up. “I can’t be bothered any more,” she said. “I have got the most I can out of my body, it has done me proud, but I think it is just a bit tired now. I am just tired all the time.”
Ohuruogu may still be selected for the 4x400m relay because of her experience but she admitted that on current form she is up against it. “Everything was about seeing how this weekend was and planning from there,” she added. “But I want to have a good time now. I am missing barbecues, missing things, and it is hard work. I have got plans to go into law. I hope to be a barrister.
“I don’t know about the relays. If they think they need me I will turn up. If not, I won’t complain. I’d like to go, but we have new girls we have to blood through the system.”
■ In Paris Britain’s Andrew Pozzi set a personal best of 13.14sec to claim second place in the 110m hurdles in the Diamond League meeting. Pozzi was beaten to the win by Ronald Levy, but took 0.05 secs off his previous quickest time.
