Dina Asher-Smith Breaks Record to Secure Paris 2024 Spot

Dina Asher-Smith secured her spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the British 200m title at the UK Athletics Championships, setting a championship record of 22.18 seconds. She defeated Daryll Neita, who had already secured her place in Team GB by winning the 100m gold. On the final day in Manchester, young athletes like Phoebe Gill, Amber Anning and Charlie Dobson impressed.

Gill, 17, won the 800m in 1:58.66, joining Keely Hodgkinson and Jemma Reekie for the Olympics. Anning, 23, triumphed in the 400m, with Laviai Nielsen, who qualified alongside her twin Lina, finishing second. Dobson dominated the men’s 400m. In the men’s 800m final, Ben Pattison won after world 1500m champion Josh Kerr fell in the closing stages.

Pattison, 22, secured his Olympic debut, as did Max Burgin, who finished second. Matthew Hudson-Smith claimed the men’s 200m title with a personal best of 20.34 seconds, gearing up for Paris. Georgia Bell, 30, stunned Laura Muir in the women’s 1500m to earn her first Olympic appearance, with Neil Gourley and George Mills also qualifying in the men’s event. Katarina Johnson-Thompson participated in the 200m but opted out of the final.

Dina Asher-Smith, 28, expressed satisfaction with her performance, marking her first major international title since winning world 200m gold five years ago. She switched coaches this year, moving to train with Edrick Floreal, a change that seems to be paying off.

Other notable performances included Charles Broom facing Stan Wawrinka in his Wimbledon debut, and Team GB wildcards Heather Watson, Liam Broady, Arthur Fery, Lily Miyazaki and Sonay Kartal securing their spots. Overall, Wimbledon’s opening day showcased a blend of experienced champions and emerging talents.