DINA ASHER-SMITH BIDS TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AGAINST WORLD-CLASS SCHIPPERS

• Comeback queen of 2017, Asher-Smith to begin bumper 2018 at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Glasgow
• Competition over 60m to be led by seven-time global medallist and London 2017 world champion Dafne Schippers

Dina Asher-Smith (coach: John Blackie, club: Blackheath & Bromley) will bid to hit the ground running in 2018 when she appears at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Glasgow on Sunday 25 February.

Ranked as the number one indoor athletics meeting in the world, opposition to Asher-Smith in Glasgow will be led by Dutch star Dafne Schippers.

The fastest British woman ever over 100m and 200m, Asher-Smith finished fourth in the 200m and played a pivotal role in the British women’s world 4x100m silver last summer, while Schippers retained her world title over 200m as well as winning bronze over 100m.

With a combined 19 senior international medals between the pair, the 60m is sure to be one of the hottest events at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, where two qualifying heats will decide which eight athletes will then do battle for victory in the day’s final. 

On competing at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Glasgow and her opposition, Dina Asher-Smith said:

“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.

“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 4^th and 5^th places into podium finishes. The races in Glasgow are sure to be great.”

Two-time 200m world champion, Dafne Schippers shared her thoughts on returning to Glasgow:

“I competed the first time the Grand Prix was in Glasgow back in 2016 and both the stadium and atmosphere were incredible. 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.

Chief Executive of UK Athletics, Niels de Vos said:

“The Emirates Arena is an outstanding venue for athletics and the field for the women’s 60m will be one of the best sprint races anywhere in the world this winter.

“Dina Asher-Smith and Dafne Schippers are phenomenal athletes and their race in Glasgow is one not to miss.”

Supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the Müller Grand Prix Glasgow is the final of the prestigious IAAF World Indoor Tour, with wildcards for the IAAF World Indoor Championships available to athletes who have not already qualified to compete for their nation.