British sprint sensation Dina Asher-Smith has confirmed her withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games.
Asher-Smith, 26, was one of England's biggest medal hopes for a home Games in Birmingham but has been forced to pull out due to injury. The speedster suffered the blow during the 4x100-metre relay at the World Athletics Championships this past weekend, and the blow was bad enough to force her out of Birmingham 2022.
"So I promised an update and here it is! Thankfully I’ve only got a light hamstring strain after pulling up in the 4x1 a few days ago! No major issues and nothing to worry about," wrote Asher-Smith on Instagram.
"I feel good but I’m in need of a few days off. But due to the short turn around between the end of Worlds and the start of the Commonwealth Games in a few days time I’m going to have to withdraw.
"I was so excited to race in front of a home crowd and all the British fans. It’s going to be such an amazing competition and I know that Team England will do you all proud. I’m looking forward to representing you all throughout the rest of the summer and wishing the best of luck to all of my teammates xxx."
Asher-Smith could be heard screaming out in pain after she pulled up during the third leg of the women's relay in Eugene, Oregon. Sadly, the poster girl for the upcoming Commonwealth Games will no longer take centre stage in a competition where she was expected to thrive.
Fellow English sprinter Ashleigh Nelson responded to Asher-Smith's Instagram post with a pair of hearts as a show of support for her team-mate. German adversary Gina Luckenkemper put any rivalries to one side as she added: "Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hope we get to see you in Munich [where the European Championships begin on August 11]."
Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Asher-Smith was part of the women's 100-metre relay quartet that took gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. It was there that she also claimed bronze for England in the 200 metres, though she was the fastest European in that event.
She was due to swap her place in the 200 metres for a 100-metre berth this time around. However, the responsibility will now fall to the likes of Daryll Neita and Imani-Lara Lansiquot as England look to impress in the sprint events.
