Gutted: Dina Asher-Smith has been forced to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games
(Picture: PA)Dina Asher-Smith has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games after failing to recover from an injury picked up at the World Athletics Championships.
Asher-Smith, who won bronze in the 200metres in Eugene having previously finished fourth in the 100m, pulled up in her leg of the 4x100m relay with an unspecified injury she had hoped was minor.
But a scan on her return to the UK this week diagnosed a left hamstring strain, putting an end to her participation in Birmingham.
Announcing her withdrawal, Asher-Smith said: “Unfortunately, I’ve got a slight hamstring strain and won’t be ready to race next week at the Commonwealth Games.
“I love racing in front of a British crowd and was so excited to return to Birmingham, so I’m sad that I won’t be there, but I know that the athletes will put on a great show. Wishing the best of luck to all my team-mates.”
Meanwhile, Kelly Sotherton, Team England’s athletics chief, said: “It’s obviously really sad to lose Dina through injury, given her stature and standing as one of the best female athletes in the world.
“We know just how much she was looking forward to being part of Team England at a home Games in Birmingham. We wish Dina well with her recovery and hope to see her back on the track very soon, doing what she does best.”
