Dina Asher-Smith expressed her shock and disappointment after finishing fifth in her semi-final, which dashed her hopes of winning her first individual Olympic medal. Meanwhile, Jamaican sprinting legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, competing in what is said to be her final Olympics, did not even take her place on the start line for her semi-final due to an injury sustained during her warm-up.
Asher-Smith showed no effort to conceal her frustration after crossing the finish line in 11.10 seconds during the first of Saturday evening’s semi-finals at the Stade de France and seemed at a complete loss to explain her performance.
“I feel like I’m in excellent shape, yet I’m incredibly disappointed,” stated the 28-year-old. “It’s just frustrating, no matter if I could have run a stunning time or not. I know I am capable of better and should have performed well. I’m simply shocked and disappointed.
“I’ve been running well, having great races and training sessions. I was completely prepared to reach the final, which makes this disappointment even more pronounced.”
Asher-Smith dismissed the idea that participating in the upcoming 200m event—arguably her stronger race—provided a silver lining. “There’s nothing to be grateful for,” she remarked. “The Olympics happen once every four years, so I’m deeply disappointed.
“I enjoy the 200m, but I love both events. Mentally, I was fully focused on this one. I can’t say I was thinking about the 200m because my mind was set on excelling in the 100m first before moving on to the 200m.”
The absence of Fraser-Pryce, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, raised questions regarding her situation. Earlier video footage indicated that the Jamaican had trouble passing security to enter the Stade de France. The reasons behind her not competing were not immediately announced, further fueling speculations. The 37-year-old had been seen speaking with Olympic officials in the warm-up area shortly before she was meant to head to the track where she was scheduled to race in the same semi-final as Sha’Carri Richardson.
Jamaica’s team manager, Ludlow Watts, later addressed the media about Fraser-Pryce’s condition. “When we received the news that she was warming up, it came as a surprise to me,” said Watts. “We were only informed that she has an injury, but Dr. Warren Blake is handling the situation, and we will have more information later.
“This is unexpected and disappointing, as the entire world wanted to see Shelly at the Olympics. Beyond being Jamaican, I believe track and field fans globally are disappointed, too.”
