Dina Asher-Smith withdraws from British Grand Prix to protect tight hamstring ahead of Tokyo Olympics
Dina Asher-Smith, who won the world 200m title in Doha in 2019, was due to run the 200m in the Diamond League meeting at Gateshead on Tuesday before flying to Japan to fine-tune her preparations
Last Updated: 12/07/21 4:14pm
Dina Asher-Smith has pulled out of next week's British Grand Prix as a precaution after complaining of a tight hamstring.
The 25-year-old sprinter, who won the world 200m title in Doha in 2019, was due to run the 200m in the Diamond League meeting at Gateshead on Tuesday before flying to Japan to fine-tune her preparations.
"Unfortunately Dina Asher-Smith will be unable to compete at the Muller British Grand Prix in Gateshead on Tuesday due to a tight hamstring," said a statement from the organisers.
"With the Olympic Games so close she does not want to risk anything."
The Tokyo Games begin on July 23.
Asher-Smith added in a statement via her Twitter account: "As you all know, I love running in front of a home crowd but I have to make smart decisions for myself and my body ahead of Tokyo!
"I'm sorry to those who were hoping to see me run this week but I'm looking forward to making you all proud in a few weeks time."
World 1500m and 10,000m champion Sifan Hassan has also withdrawn from the meeting.
The Dutch athlete, who was due to compete over one mile in Gateshead as part of her preparations for Tokyo, has pulled out with a minor hamstring problem.
A spokesman for the British Grand Prix said: "Unfortunately Sifan Hassan has withdrawn from the Muller British Grand Prix at Gateshead on Tuesday after feeling a slight strain in her hamstring and not wishing to take any risks before Tokyo."
