Dina Asher-Smith (History, 2017) is the fastest British woman in recorded history. She holds the British records in the 100 and 200 metres. Dina has competed at Olympic, world and European athletics championships and is the current 200m world champion. Here, Dina shares how she balanced her sporting career with her time at King’s and why giving back is not optional for her.
How did you balance your studies at King’s with your sporting career?
I balanced my training and study through lots of organisation. I didn’t miss a lecture unless I was competing and did all of my work on time. If you have a busy schedule, the worst thing is having to catch up, because you don’t have time. I was focused, and I gained those skills from my sporting career. Whether it was a lecture or sport, I was fully contributing.
How important do you think it is for institutions like King’s to support young athletes?
It is so important. Institutions like King’s and other Russell Group universities are very aspirational. If King’s is seen to support young athletes, it shows that you can do a prestigious degree and compete at the highest level at the same time. For King’s to make time for, and prioritise, sport has far-reaching consequences.
If King’s is seen to support young athletes, it shows that you can do a prestigious degree and compete at the highest level at the same time.
DINA ASHER-SMITH
Dina Asher-Smith visiting her window at the Strand Camp Campus
What’s your favourite memory from King’s?
I have so many favourite memories. One that really stayed with me was when I was doing a varsity athletics session at Battersea Park. There were so many other King’s athletes who I hadn’t met before. I remember looking around and feeling like I was part of something really special.
What does giving back to your local community mean to you?
I think it’s so important. Personally, I am really big on grassroots athletics and being a visible role model. I know where I come from. I am the result of many people and institutions’ hard work. The idea that I can enjoy success and not give back seems really foreign to me. I want to make a positive difference.
Personally, I am really big on grassroots athletics and being a visible role model. I know where I come from. I am the result of many people and institutions’ hard work.
DINA ASHER-SMITH
Well done Dina. Your successes speak for themselves, but more importantly the balance you achieved between study and sporting success reflects your character. That is where you become a role model.
I proceeded you at King’s, joining as an undergraduate in 1954, and leaving with a Doctorate in 1960 without achieving your heights. Nonetheless I captained the college track & field team in 1955 and the London University team in 1956, also representing British Universities in the World Student Games. Like you I benefitted greatly from my involvement in sports
Are we allowed to ask questions or are only comments permitted?
Hi Daphne, yes -please do feel free to ask questions and we will do our best to answer them!
having studied philosophy at King’s what I’m to give back is
PLAYS FOR A JUST WORLD as I think it’s so important to
keep the United Nations and it’s charter in the climate change
discussion
FRANCES JESSUP author