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Dina Asher-Smith
Boobs. Cramps. Periods. Taboo topics? Not for Dina Asher-Smith. See how she’s changing the conversation for the next generation of female athletes.
Early on in her career, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith learned to stop chasing the unattainable. Now, this World Champion Sprinter is breaking more than records: She’s dismantling age-old perceptions of what it’s like to be a woman in sport by talking about the stuff women used to only whisper about. We sat down with Dina to discuss her desire to become a new kind of role model—one she wishes she had as a young girl.
How did sport inspire a shift in how you view your body?
DINA ASHER-SMITH: Sport has always defined the way that I view my body. Whether I've pushed my own expectations or whether I've broken a record, that's where my sense of pride comes from. But when I step out of the sporting world and speak to young girls, I realize, Oh, no, their sense of pride comes from other places. They compare their bodies, and that can bring anxieties.
“Sport has always defined the way that I view my body.”
– Dina Asher-Smith
There’s the perception that to be an athlete, you need to be this perfect version of yourself. What kind of advice can you give to women who believe that perception?
DINA: I'd always encourage people to just stop chasing perfection. I would chase excellence. I would chase trying to be brilliant. Don't be down on yourself if you don't fit a model of perfection. You can be great without being perfect.
“Don't be down on yourself if you don't fit a model of perfection. You can be great without being perfect.”
– Dina Asher-Smith
Why is it important for you to talk about things such as boobs, cramps and periods—especially to younger women?
DINA: When I came into elite sport, it was one of those things that was very hush-hush. When I talk to younger girls about my experiences, one of the biggest questions I tend to get is around sport bras, going through puberty and participating in a sporting lifestyle. It’s important that we’re honest about these things.
“It’s important that we’re honest about these things.”
– Dina Asher-Smith
If you could share a couple of things with young girls about what it really means to be a female athlete, what would it be?
DINA: I would say it is so much fun. It's given me so much confidence. I've pushed myself to places I didn't even think were possible. You can be brilliant at whatever you set your mind to. But I think sport is a fantastic way that you can experience that in real time. You can redefine yourself every single day.
“You can be brilliant at whatever you set your mind to.”
– Dina Asher-Smith
Director: Ruth Ossai @ruthossaistudio
Photographer: Sophie Jones @sophographylondon
Join Dina and Nike on a journey to Play New. Together.
Find Your Perfect Bra
“One of the biggest questions I get from young girls is about finding the right sports bra,” Dina told us. We feel that. That’s why we created a comprehensive guide to finding the right sports bra for your chest size and activity level. Because the last thing you need to worry about is your sports bra.
Find Your Perfect Bra
“One of the biggest questions I get from young girls is about finding the right sports bra,” Dina told us. We feel that. That’s why we created a comprehensive guide to finding the right sports bra for your chest size and activity level. Because the last thing you need to worry about is your sports bra.