Team GB star Dina Asher-Smith crashes out of women’s 100m at Paris Olympics after finishing fifth in semi-final

Dina Asher-Smith has admitted she was “incredibly shocked” after once again failing to reach the Olympic 100 metres final.

Three years ago in Tokyo, the British record holder broke down in tears after being knocked out in the semi-finals, revealing she had torn her hamstring in the run-up to the Games.

But on Saturday night Asher-Smith offered no excuses after finishing fifth in her semi-final in 11.10 seconds, well off her personal best of 10.83 seconds, which she set when she won a world silver medal in 2019.

“I’m incredibly shocked,” the 28-year-old said. “The Olympics are held every four years, so I’m very disappointed.”

“I really expected to reach this final. I ran well in training. I feel in great shape and I’m in a great frame of mind. But that’s sport, you have to give it your all.”

Dina Asher-Smith left ‘incredibly shocked’ after failing to qualify for women’s 100m

Asher-Smith was not at her best as she finished fifth in the semi-finals in France

Asher-Smith’s semi-final was by far the slowest of Saturday night’s three, with American Melissa Jefferson winning in just 10.99 seconds.

Her disappointing run is all the more disappointing given that she had shown promise earlier this season, winning the European Championships in Rome in June, after moving to train in America at the end of last year.

Asher-Smith admitted she should have been able to perform better on Saturday

“The race wasn’t even fast, it was a doable time,” Asher-Smith said. “But whether it’s a mind-blowing time or not, it’s frustrating, period. I know I should have been able to produce by now.”

Asher-Smith will return to the track this morning for the first round of the 200m, before a possible final on Tuesday evening.

Asked if Saturday night’s setback had made her more determined to perform in the event where she won the world title five years ago, she added: “100 per cent. I’m now ready to take on the 200m and I’m looking forward to it.”