Dina Asher-Smith was last night dethroned as Britain’s sprint queen - just 20 days before the World Championships.
The Kent rocket was beaten into second place by long-time pal Daryll Neita, who scorched to a wind-assisted 10.80 seconds to win her first 100 metres national title.
“I’m annoyed because I’d rather win. Fuming because I don’t like losing,” said Asher-Smith, who defends her 200m world title in Oregon.
“But the most important thing is to be in one piece - I’m happy to be injury-free heading on the plane to Eugene. It doesn’t impact on my expectations."
Asher-Smith was back at the scene of the hamstring injury which wrecked her Olympics 12 months ago.
She clocked 10.87secs in a +3.8m/s tailwind and did nothing wrong, but on the day could not live with relay team mate Neita.
The Londoner capped a shock evening in the sprints with Jeremiah Azu running 9.90secs to win the men’s 100m and beat the more fancied Reece Prescod and Zharnel Hughes into the minor medals.
“I had it on my lockscreen on my phone since last year: 2022 British champion," said the pocket rocket. "To stand here and say it I’m so grateful. It’s just the beginning, I’m 21 and I’m looking to change sprinting in Britain forever.”
If few had seen that coming from the European Under-23 champion, then Neita had dropped a series of heavy hints she was about to strike.
In Tokyo, where injury de-powered Asher-Smith, she was the only Briton to reach the final. And here in Manchester she looked a million dollars through the rounds.
“I really believe there is no limit to me,” said the 25-year-old. “To finally get the gold just means so much.”
Neita has long lived in Asher-Smith’s shadow but reckons she is now ready to explode on the global stage.
“We’re both going out there wanting to be No.1 in the world,” she added. "It’s great that Dina and I can both challenge each other in these settings.
“I’ve watched Dina do amazing things on the world stage and it’s been very inspiring. But I’ve always known I can do it too. This gives me a lot of confidence and I really believe there is no limit to me.
“I really believe everybody has their own path. Our paths have been very different but I’ve always known I’ve got a lot of potential and capability, it never deterred me.”
Neita’s jubilant mood was in contrast to British Athletics’ team leader Paula Dunn who woke to learn her house had been broken into and her two cars stolen.
“We are okay, just annoyed and frustrated,” she said. “It’s a little scary knowing so one has been in your house uninvited!”
Elliot Thompson was yesterday crowned British decathlon champion - 46 years after Olympic legend dad Daley first won the same title.
On a blustery day in Manchester the 29-year-old followed the toughest act in athletics by jumping from third to first with a storming final 1500m.
“Dad will be happy - though he probably will have expected more,” laughed Elliot, who only took up decathlon at the age of 23.
“Isn’t that what most sons and dads think of each other. I’m sure he’ll give me a hug.”
Thompson’s total of 7,197 points clinched gold on a notable day of family fortunes - with Victoria Ohuruogu taking the 400m title 18 years after big sister Christine bagged her first title on the same Manchester track.
Laura Muir completed a hat-trick of British titles at 1500m - and was so dominant her coach had her run a 400m time trial mid-race.
The Olympic silver medallist romped to victory with almost five seconds to spare, in 4:12.91, then said: “With three championships this summer I cannot afford to ease up. I am trying to get something out of every time I run."
