Asher-Smith desperate for podium honours after year of near-misses

An Olympic bronze medallist from Rio 2016, Asher-Smith watched her 2017 be plagued with close-run races, finishing fifth in the Diamond League in Birmingham and sixth in the British Championships across 100m.

That elusive podium was to get closer still for the 22-year-old when crossing the line fourth in the World Championships in August, this time over 200m.

With the nearly moments mounting up, the sprinter is determined to make sure more podiums come her way as the years progress, eyeing up next month's Indoor Grand Prix in Glasgow as a good place to start.

That meet will see her take on London 2017 200m world champion Dafne Schippers, with a 60m contest set to be among the highlights of the start if 2018.

"The last two years have been crazy but 2018 really is no different, so to have the opportunity to compete in front of a British crowd at the best indoor meeting in the world next month is really exciting," said Asher-Smith.

"We have some very strong female sprinters in the world at the moment and Dafne is certainly one of them.

"My aim over the next few years is to keep improving and turn my fourth and fifth places into podium finishes. The races in Glasgow are sure to be great."

Asher-Smith has certainly shown her potential over the years, becoming European champion in 2016 to add to her multiple titles at junior level.

She is also the fastest female Brit over both 100m and 200m, but in Schippers – Olympic silver and five-time world medallist – she will certainly have a lot to contend with.

But despite boasting a plethora of medals at all levels at sprinting, the Dutch star knows a tough and exciting challenge awaits in Scotland.

"I competed the first time the Grand Prix was in Glasgow back in 2016 and both the stadium and atmosphere were incredible," she said.

"I always really look forward to meetings in the UK, so to be in the field for the 60m in Glasgow is really exciting.

"I know I'll be up against some seriously quick girls, Dina included, but I got the win last time and I'll be going for the same result this time around."

Sportsbeat 2018