Team GB's Dina Asher-Smith has re-entered the Tokyo Olympics with an injury to help her teammates in the 4x100m relay final. Despite a lack of practice, and one runner injured, the team set a world-record during the semi-finals.
The 25-year-old failed to qualify for the 100m and had to withdraw from the 200m due to an injury.
But after resting up, she's now helped Team GB set a new record during the 4x100m relay semi-final, which has placed them firmly in the final on 6th August.
What is Dina Asher-Smith's injury?
The gold-medalist sustained a hamstring injury from competing. The injury prevented her from qualifying for the Women's 100m and she had to withdraw entirely from the 200m.
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The athlete was in tears as she announced the decision to bow out of the 200m. She admitted that problems with her hamstring led to her pulling out of the Gateshead Grand Prix and Stockholm events prior to Tokyo.
"I pulled out of both Stockholm and Gateshead because in the trials final, I actually pulled my hamstring at 60m. I tore it pretty bad and I was initially told in Manchester that it was a rupture and that I would require surgery and it would take three to four months to get back," she told the BBC.
"It's been a lot to deal with because quite frankly, with that diagnosis, I just can't go to Tokyo," she explained.
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"So we had this whole statement ready to go but then I thankfully went and got a second opinion and it was a slight misdiagnosis - even though there was still a tear, it wasn't a rupture, my hamstring was still attached, so we turned over every single stone to make sure I can stand on the line."
Asher-Smith, who is Britain's fastest woman, took the decision to rest up in hope that she can compete alongside her teammates, Asha Phillip, Imani-Lara Lansiquot and Daryll Neita in the relay events.
In another interview following Team GB's record-setting win in the relay semi-finals, the sprinter told the BBC: "There was never any doubt in my mind that I'd be lining up here today because the relay's really important.
"We got a bronze medal in Rio. These ladies are in great shape, they're incredibly talented, so I knew I had to rest up and get ready for the team event. I've been training hard to get ready."
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Teammate Daryll Neita added: "I really wanted to bring it to the finish for these girls. We've worked so hard.
"We haven't had that much practice and neither has the rest of the world in the pandemic.
"To come out here today in the heat and set a British record, to have amazing changes - we've got confidence."
What time is the Women's 4x100m relay final?
The Women's 4x100m final takes place on Friday 6th August at 10:30pm local time (2:30pm BST).
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The Brits will be competing for gold against the Netherlands, France, Germany, USA, Switzerland, Jamaica and China.
Featured Image Credit: PA
