British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith had praised the natural enthusiasm of Americans as she prepares for her third atttemt at an individual Olympic medal at Paris 2024.
Former 100m world champion Asher-Smith relocated to Houston, texas last year to train under sprint coach Edrick “Flo” Floreal after her long-time former coach John Blackie had to stop due to mobility issues.
The 28-year-old, who has won two bronze medals in the 4x100m relays from Rio and Tokyo, says she has changed her outlook on life since moving across the pond.
“I was having this conversation the other day,” Asher-Smith said. “I think that they’re just very relentlessly optimistic, and I think that’s a great thing.
“Obviously I’m very British, so that was a change. But if you were to say ‘I want to go to the moon’, they would be like, ‘how can I help you do that?’
It is mind blowing to me. But I think I’ve really flourished in that environment because I am like, ‘you know what? I’m not talking about the moon, but it’s like, let’s chase this goal, let’s go.’
“Even if we don’t quite make it, if we are shooting for the moon, we will be in a really good position.”
Asher-Smith begins her Olympic campaign in the women’s 100m heats on Friday, with the semi-final and final set for Saturday evening.
She will also compete in the women’s 200m and women’s 4x100m relay.
