Team GB's Dina Asher-Smith garners positivity from American mindset: 'They're just very relentlessly optimistic'
By Leon Imber
Published 02/08/2024 at 10:28 GMT+1
Team GB 100m medal hope Dina Asher-Smith has spent the past eight months in Houston, Texas, and has enjoyed the "relentlessly optimistic" mindset of those around her in the United States. The 28-year-old said she has "flourished" amongst the enthusiam of Americans - adding that she will be in a "really good position" to shoot for a medal in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Thomas admits he would be 'very shocked' if Hodgkinson doesn't take Olympic Gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
Team GB star Dina Asher-Smith has lauded the "relentlessly optimistic" enthusiasm she has experienced since moving to the United States last year, adding that the shift in mindset sets her in a "really good position" to shoot for glory at the Paris Olympic Games.
After former coach John Blackie had to be relieved of his role due to mobility issues, Asher-Smith linked up with sprint coach Edrick "Flo" Floreal in Houston, Texas, last year.
And the Team GB sprinter said she has "flourished" under the positive American mindset.
"I was having this conversation the other day," Asher-Smith said. "I think that they're just very relentlessly optimistic, and I think that's a great thing.
"Obviously I'm very British, so that was a change. But if you were to say 'I want to go to the moon', they would be like, 'how can I help you do that?' It is mind blowing to me. But I think I've really flourished in that environment because I am like, 'you know what? I'm not talking about the moon, but it's like, let's chase this goal, let's go.'
"Even if we don't quite make it, if we are shooting for the moon, we will be in a really good position."
- Murray's career ends with doubles defeat at Paris 2024
- ‘I've had the time of my life’ - No regrets for Evans after skipping Washington title defence
- Biles wins sixth gold after glittering all-around display
Asher-Smith, who has two Olympic 4x100 metre relay bronze medals to her name, kicks off her Olympic campaign in the 100m heats on Friday, looking to medal in three consecutive Games.
In the build-up to the crunch event in Paris, Asher-Smith spoke about the importance of finding a passion outside of sport - pottery.
"When I've come back [to the UK], all my friends are saying I'm obsessed with pottery, blah, blah, blah. I'm like, 'Guys, I just needed a new hobby.' I moved halfway across the world. I didn't know anyone," she said.
"I had to do something that was going to keep me centred. I've had fun learning a new skill. I'm quite arty and quite creative.
"It has been fun to just do something that is a world away from track and also where I can just meet different types of people.
"I love training, but sometimes when you actually want to get the best out of yourself as a human being and therefore an athlete, you need to be surrounded with people that just don't know what you do for a job where you can just go have a laugh, moan about a day of work like everybody else and nobody needs to know that you're not in the office. I've had lots of fun, though."
Asher-Smith's 200m campaign gets underway on Sunday, while she will also feature in the 4x100m on Thursday, August 8.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement