Dina Asher-Smith declared herself “shocked and disappointed” after a fifth place semi-final finish ended her opportunity of claiming a first individual Olympic medal. Jamaican sprinting icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, competing in her final Olympics, did not even make the start line for her semi-final after reporting an injury during her warm-up.
Asher-Smith did nothing to mask her upset after crossing the line in 11.10sec in the first of Saturday evening’s semi-finals at the Stade de France and appeared at a total loss to explain her performance.
“I feel like I am in a great place, great shape, I am very, very disappointed,” said the 28-year-old. “It’s frustrating, full stop. Whether it’s a mind blowing [winning] time or it’s not. I fully know that I am capable and fully know that I should have been able to produce. I am shocked and disappointed.
“I have been running great, I have been running great races, I have been running great in training. I was fully prepared to make that final so I am very disappointed.”
The Team GB athlete shrugged off the notion that being able to compete in the upcoming 200m – arguably her stronger individual event - gave her cause to be upbeat. “Nothing is a blessing,” she added. “The Olympics is once every four years so I am very disappointed.
“I love the 200m but I love both of them. Mentally I was very much in this one. I can’t say I was thinking about that [the 200m] because I was fully fixed on doing well in the 100m and then moving on to the 200m.”
The lane of Fraser-Pryce, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, lay empty to trigger speculation about the reason for her absence. Video footage had earlier emerged of the Jamaican apparently having issues getting past security to enter the Stade de France. No immediate reason was given for Fraser-Pryce not starting, which fuelled the rumours. The 37-year-old had been seen in conversation with Olympic officials in the warm-up area shortly before she was due to make her way to the track where she had been placed in the same semi-final as Sha’Carri Richardson.
Jamaica’s team manager, Ludlow Watts, later addressed Fraser-Pryce’s situation with his country’s media. “When we got the news she was warming up, and so it came as a surprise to me,” said Watts. “We only got the information that she is injured, but doctor Warren Blake is addressing the matter and we will speak further on the matter.
“This was a surprise and disappointment because the whole world would love to see Shelly in the Olympics. Apart from being a Jamaican, I am sure that people who love track and field would be very disappointed globally.”
Jamaica’s chef de mission, Ian Kelly, later confirmed Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal was because of an injury sustained during her warm-up, and posting on Instagram, the athlete herself wrote: “I know that my supporters share and shoulder this disappointment with me. The support of my fans, my country and the larger community has rooted me in immense gratitude that has sustained me throughout my career.
“With every step and win, you all have been there for me. My faith has always affirmed my trust in the journey.”
Fraser-Pryce, who has won eight Olympic medals, is scheduled to run as part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team.
