Why Michael Johnson envisions a great season for Great Britain's sprinting ace Dina Asher-Smith

ATHLETICS Why Michael Johnson envisions a great season for Great Britain's sprinting ace Dina Asher-Smith

Abigael Wafula 20:15 - 01.04.2024

American sprint legend Michael Johnson has predicted how Dina Asher-Smith's season will turn out following her season opener and changing coaches last season.

American sprint legend Michael Johnson has predicted a great Olympic season for Great Britain’s sprinter Dina Asher-Smith following her move to change coaches late last year.

Asher-Smith announced her parting ways with her coach, John Blackie who has worked with her since she was eight. She is now under the tutelage of coach Edrick Floreal and had to relocate to Austin, Texas.

Her decision to make the difficult move came after her poor run at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary where she exited the global showpiece with no medal. She finished eighth in the 100m final and seventh in the 200m.

The two-time Olympic bronze medallist opened her season with the 4x200m relay and the 4x400m relay races at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays presented by Truist where she propelled the teams to victory in both races.

According to Johnson’s observation, Asher-Smith looks transformed and is destined for a great season if she maintains consistency.

“Dina’s move to train with Coach Flo and a great group of training partners in Texas looking like a smart move! Strong 4x4 leg indicates improved speed endurance will help that 200 and could land her on the 4x4 relay in Paris,” he said in a post on his X (Twitter) handle.

Meanwhile, the Briton is also not playing down her chances of going for a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games where she intends to double in the 100m and 200m.

She also explained that changing coaches was one of the best decisions she made since she wanted to have a great Olympic year and Floreal was best suited to propel her to victory.

“I want to win the Olympics…that’s me. That’s the only thing that I’m thinking about and that’s what I’m committed to. I love it here in Texas and the weather is perfect and I’m living a good life. Austin as the city is really chilled and nice,” the former World champion said.

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