Dina Asher-Smith has urged doubters not to judge her by her mixed start to the seasoninsisting that she will peak when it matters at these World Championships.
The 200m world champion suffered a surprise defeat to longtime rival Daryll Neita at last month’s British Championships – the first time she’d lost to an entire British field since 2017 – and has yet to come close to her national records at the 100 meters or 200 meters this year.
That loss left Asher-Smith “smoking”but she is adamant that she will get to the occasion in the coming days.
“If the championships were pre-decided on performance, there’s no point in us being here,” said Asher-Smith, who will start her 100m campaign alongside Neita early on Saturday.
“It’s all about the moment, and it’s all about just performing when it matters. Fortunately, that’s something I really enjoy doing.
“To perform well on the track is great. Performing well early in the season and performing well all year round is great. But I’ve been very clear that we peak for these three championships [worlds, Commonwealth Games and Europeans]. You have to worry at the last minute. I’m in shape, 100 percent.”
Neita’s win at the British Championships suggested she may be ready to challenge for major medals after spending her entire career in the shadow of Asher-Smith, making it to the Olympic finals last summer.