Dina Asher-Smiths short sprint from an ice-cream bribe to a gold medal – The Guardian
Posted: October 4, 2019 at 9:44 am
Moments after shrugging off all that suffocating pressure by obliterating her rivals to win her first 200m world championships gold medal on Wednesday, an exhausted Dina Asher-Smith took a deep breath and her mind wandered back to where everything began. It was something I dreamed about as a pipe dream when I was younger, when I started running, when I was eight years old, she said.
All those years ago, the 23yearold never imagined her dreams would come true in Doha. Even her arrival into the world of athletics seems a fluke only a bribe in the form of an ice-cream convinced the Perry Hall Primary School pupil to attend a running club where they ran cross country, a discipline she detested. It was her future coach John Blackie who saw her and put her on the right path, recruiting her to the Bees Academy in Bromley at the age of eight.
By the time Asher-Smith left primary school and arrived at Newstead Wood School in Orpington, she was beginning to break records. However, for Vikki Eason, her PE teacher and athletics coach, it was Asher-Smiths overall athleticism that was striking.
She was always a really able sportswoman in many different sports, not just athletics; good at school games, she swam I taught her as a PE teacher but also as athletics coach and she still used to come and compete for the athletics team.
The records continued. At 13, Asher-Smith recorded the 300m agebest in a time of 39.16sec. Even as her athletics career took off and she began her long journey of juggling sport and academics, she continued to be an integral part of her school.
There was never any question [that she was committed to school], said Eason. She took part in sports days and she represented the school at local athletics meets. She managed. She even went to primary school events and she did talks.
For all her lofty dreams, AsherSmith kept them to herself. Eason did not know that her pupil harboured Olympic goals until she watched Asher-Smith appear at the 2012 Olympic games as a kit carrier.
Asher-Smith returned to school emboldened and inspired, finally ready to embrace her potential.
Thats when she told me that she wanted to be an Olympian, says Eason. She was so keen and so enthusiastic to be so close to the athletics stars. She was keen to take part in all aspects of athletics; she wasnt just one of the ones to perform and not do anything else.
Bubbly is the word constantly used to describe Asher-Smith, and that is also how Eason remembered her. But that does not quite explain how Asher-Smith has been so ruthless in the face of pressure in a sport that relies so heavily on mental fortitude. Early last year, AsherSmith gave a Tedx talk where she spoke only of her career, her mindset and goals. Her opening line revealed plenty:
Im Dina Asher-Smith and I am motivated by a fear of failure, she said. OK, motivated isnt a strong enough word to express how I feel. Its more like an allergy to me an itching, nagging feeling deep inside of me that gives me the inability to be complacent about anything.
Most sporting champions are forged in the smothering heat of adversity and no season prepared Asher-Smith for this week more than the nightmare of 2017, when she fractured her foot in training five months before the 2017 world championships in London.
Ever since her Olympic experience, Asher-Smith had dreamed of London, so when doctors told her it was over, she refused to hear it. She worked tirelessly on her comeback and won a 4x100m relay silver after a fourth-place finish in the 200m. As wellmeaning people congratulated her simply on returning to the track, she realised that her attitude could not have diverged more.
The focus from then on was not just being healthy, not just running painlessly but it was being world class, she said. It was being as close to my best as possible. So many people have told me: Oh my god, its so good that youre running. Youve been so positive. Its great. But I wasnt in the business of just being positive. I dont just go into the championships being positive. If Im there, I want to be the best I can be and London was no different.
In 2013, as a 17-year-old, she received a surprise call from British Athletics to run in the 4x100m team. She was shocked at that and even more so when the British quartet secured a bronze medal. Those days are no more. Now, she calls herself a championship performer, and after she won the 100m and 200m double at the European Championships last year, she returned home to pandemonium. She is learning how to be famous.
Lots of people have been referring to me as a role model, which I still find very odd, she said. But at the same time I am rolling with it, because I do have a social responsibility to make sure young people have a positive person to look up to.
With a world title forever wed to her name and the Olympics on the horizon, there will only be more attention, more fame and more people looking up to her success as an example to emulate. But for all the fans she gains, it is telling that those who knew her first still back her all the way.
Its absolutely amazing, Eason said. Its just a real privilege to have taught her at school. For her to have worked with me and to now see her come through in the way she has? Shes just worked so hard and shes so enthusiastic. Its really lovely.
More here:
Dina Asher-Smiths short sprint from an ice-cream bribe to a gold medal - The Guardian
- Shaw never considered Man Utd exit after being publicly criticised by Mourinho - Goal.com - February 13th, 2021
- Work addiction can be harmful to mental health - The Conversation UK - February 13th, 2021
- A minute with Mike Papapavlou Guitar World Magazine's Guitar Teacher of The Year - Cyprus Mail - February 13th, 2021
- Feeling stressed? | Health-and-fitness | taosnews.com - taosnews - February 13th, 2021
- Here's how you can build up immunity and stay healthy - India Today - February 13th, 2021
- Does Prior Exposure to Coronaviruses Protect You? | In the Pipeline - Science Magazine - February 13th, 2021
- Students rely on hobbies to maintain mental health during pandemic - GW Hatchet - February 13th, 2021
- Switzerland County to crown this years Winter Homecoming royalty - Vevay Newspapers - February 13th, 2021
- Exclusive: Bhabiji's Shubhangi Atre gets a love note from husband for Valentines day; also reveals how ' - Times of India - February 13th, 2021
- Homophobia: Definition, effects on health, seeking help, and more - Medical News Today - February 13th, 2021
- Remembering Indra Bir Singh, a Consummate Geologist and Bold Thinker - The Wire Science - February 13th, 2021
- Givers and takers of charity - The Sunday Guardian Live - The Sunday Guardian - February 13th, 2021
- Semple: Our future is on trial, but no need to worry the jury - Aspen Daily News - February 13th, 2021
- Pregnancy: Understanding the role of relationships, and mental health for healthy conception - Times Now - February 13th, 2021
- Djokovic against the rest of the world - The Press Stories - February 13th, 2021
- Analysis: What format should the 2021 Leaving Cert take? - Irish Examiner - February 13th, 2021
- Ten-year-old spreads positivity with weekly 'paudcast' - RTE.ie - February 3rd, 2021
- The unknown impact of living a virtual life - MU The Parthenon - February 3rd, 2021
- What were Lancaster students' New Year's resolutions and have they kept them? - The Tab - February 3rd, 2021
- 12-Second Tactic: How to Train Your Brain To Be More Positive - Science Times - February 3rd, 2021
- Horoscopes The Simpsonian - The Simpsonian - February 3rd, 2021
- Mental Health Access Is Lacking for Oregon's Growing Latinx Community, Study Shows - Willamette Week - February 3rd, 2021
- Trapped at home during the coronavirus pandemic? Heres how parents can get through challenging moments - The Conversation CA - February 3rd, 2021
- Leeds United 1-2 Everton - GrandOldTeam - February 3rd, 2021
- Castleford Tigers Women aiming to develop more mental toughness for 2021 season - Pontefract and Castleford Express - February 3rd, 2021
- Jalen Hurts doing what he needs to do to take off in 2021 - NBC Sports - February 3rd, 2021
- The gentle act of pottering can give the mental break we crave - Sydney Morning Herald - February 3rd, 2021
- Activist seeks seat on Gloversville council - The Daily Gazette - February 3rd, 2021
- Mental health: I was drowning and it was the scariest time of my life - The Irish Times - February 3rd, 2021
- How to Improve Your Mental Health with Nature? - Love Belfast - February 3rd, 2021
- Letters to the editor, Feb. 2, 2021 | | kelownadailycourier.ca - The Daily Courier - February 3rd, 2021
- Budget 2021: Where Are the Smart Cities and Urban Employment Guarantee, FM and PM? - NewsClick - February 3rd, 2021
- Banbury Early Years students tackle world problems through project-based learning projects - Banbury Guardian - February 3rd, 2021
- Psychology and Jesus: Coping in changing times, the dangers of isolation - Standard-Times - October 19th, 2020
- The Meaning of Resilience - Shepherd Express - October 19th, 2020
- China Metallurgical : Guo Wenqing Visits the National Bobsleigh and Tobogganing Center Project for 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics - Marketscreener.com - October 19th, 2020
- How can I deal with online bullying and trolls? Daniel Howell and LGBTQ YouTubers share tips and advice - attitude.co.uk - October 19th, 2020
- AROUND HASTINGS: Think positive to reduce anxiety - St. Augustine Record - October 19th, 2020
- Glasgow teenager scores top 10 Billboard chart hit in USA from his bedroom - Glasgow Live - October 19th, 2020
- The Klarna Clothes Love All campaign will make you rethink your wardrobe - British GQ - October 19th, 2020
- Dealing with mental health is a collective responsibility - Free Malaysia Today - October 19th, 2020
- How Is Facial Aging Affected by The Jaw? - Longevity LIVE - Longevity LIVE - October 19th, 2020
- Editorial: 'No' on Prop 20, but some of its criminal justice law tweaks should be adopted - Desert Sun - October 19th, 2020
- Virgin Media reveal their daily chat show Elaine will be taking a break this week - The Irish Sun - October 19th, 2020
- Expert tips to keep you motivated with fitness - Doncaster Free Press - October 19th, 2020
- Hunt's experience shines through as Kaizer Chiefs get the start they so badly needed - Goal.com - October 19th, 2020
- Digital literacy is hindering the adoption of digital interventions to support children's mental health amid pandemic. - PharmiWeb.com - October 19th, 2020
- MENTAL HEALTH SPECIAL SECTION: The elephant in the room: stigma surrounding mental illness - Therogersvillereview - October 19th, 2020
- t is good to give thanks to the Lord, part 2 - Bryan County News - October 19th, 2020
- Coronavirus pushes classroom online leaving teachers to find new ways to connect with students - Fox News - October 19th, 2020
- Anti-bullying attitude important every day NZ education expert - India Education Diary - October 19th, 2020
- Andrey Rublev's stunning turnaround: Is the Russian punching above his weight, or is he the real deal? - Sportskeeda - October 19th, 2020
- Be positive to keep good mental health amid Covid - Daily Pioneer - September 24th, 2020
- Diamond Vogel Announces 2021 Color Of The Year, Annual 2021 Color Trend Report - Coatings World Magazine - September 24th, 2020
- Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference - Myjoyonline.com - September 24th, 2020
- Netball prodigy Ainsley Puleiata rebounds from injury and targets Silver Ferns - Stuff.co.nz - September 24th, 2020
- Finding Their Way / Senior girls crack starting lineup for Hauser soccer team - The Republic - September 15th, 2020
- The male menopause and mental health | Health - Jamaica Gleaner - September 15th, 2020
- Movember & Fox Sports Join Forces On Mental Health - B&T - September 15th, 2020
- The Ten Movies You Need To Watch In Order To Be More Successful - KLUV - September 15th, 2020
- Your horoscope for the week ahead: The New Moon in Virgo activates a healing energy - CBC.ca - September 15th, 2020
- Heart attack patients with hostile attitudes have poorer health outcomes, study finds - ConsumerAffairs - September 15th, 2020
- Staying ready amid COVID-19 - Galion Inquirer - September 15th, 2020
- Tia Blanco the Champion Surfer is Launching her Vegan Beauty Line - The Beet - September 15th, 2020
- Maisie Williams talks Success and her role in this Empowered Generation - Prestige Online - September 15th, 2020
- TV star Aidy Smith wrote to Santa asking to be 'normal' as he battled Tourette symdrome - Mirror Online - September 15th, 2020
- The UK has experienced an explosion in anxiety since 2008 and this study says it affects women more - woman&home - September 15th, 2020
- Dave McCabe and Stolen City steal the show on Late Late - RTE.ie - September 15th, 2020
- Celebrity Therapist Jeff Rocker On Black Men Dealing With Anxiety And Depression Amid COVID-19 - Black Enterprise - September 15th, 2020
- How I Manage my Money: pensioner's advice on how she manages her money inspired lockdown Brits - iNews - September 15th, 2020
- Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood and Harry Maguire have embarrassed England and Gareth Southgate has a huge job on his hands - Euro Fantasy League - September 15th, 2020
- Resilience is the key: A clinical psychotherapist talks about mental health on World Suicide Prevention Day - YourStory - September 15th, 2020
- 45 Inspirational Growth Mindset Quotes That Unveil The Power Of Positive Thinking - YourTango - September 15th, 2020
- Recognizing Suicide Prevention Month Using Technology to Decrease Suicide Ideations and Attempts in Correctional Facilities - Yahoo Finance - September 15th, 2020
- 'As We Think Ahead to the Fall, It's Very Scary': Local Businesses Prepare for Uncertain Months Ahead - hobokengirl.com - September 15th, 2020
- First-year soccer player takes on challenge of ROTC program - Marquette Wire - September 15th, 2020
- Peter: the Human Cyborg, review: the only problem with this inspiring film was that it ended too soon - Telegraph.co.uk - September 2nd, 2020
- Dictionary.com adds Black, as it refers to a person, in massive update around definitions that reflect culture, identity, and race - WDJT - September 2nd, 2020
- Coronavirus Scotland: Mental health hubs saved lives during lockdown and we cannot afford to lose them - The Scottish Sun - September 2nd, 2020
- Were All Being Tested in 2020 But We Are Americans - Rush Limbaugh - September 2nd, 2020