'I just wanted to run faster'- Dina Asher-Smith on her journey to an MBE

Fastest woman in British history - Dina Asher-Smith

'I just wanted to run faster'- Dina Asher-Smith on her journey to an MBE

Stephen Awino 15:59 - 28.03.2025

Britain's fastest woman Dina Asher-Smith has opened up on her journey towards balancing athletics excellence and securing her MBE.

Britain's fastest woman Dina Asher-Smith has recently received one of the highest honors in her country, an MBE for services to athletics.

The 2019 200m World Champion was presented with the accolade by King Charles at Windsor Castle, marking another milestone in her illustrious career.

The six-time European champion, who also played a key role in securing Great Britain's Olympic silver in the women's 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Games, celebrated the occasion with a dinner in London on March 25 before preparing to return to competition.

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Speaking about the recognition, Asher-Smith reflected on the broader impact of her achievements, both on and off the track.

“For me, it is a very powerful emblem of what you do on the track, being inspiring to other people and also having repercussions and a positive influence far beyond the world of sport,” she said as quoted by Athletics Weekly.

The British sprinter also shared her conversation with King Charles, who was surprised that she traveled from Texas specifically for the event. However, she saw it as an opportunity she could not miss.

“He was very much amazed that I flew over from Texas to get this, but I said, ‘Of course, you invited me, so I wasn’t going to miss this. This is such an honor.’”

Reflecting on her journey, Asher-Smith admitted that when she first started running, she simply wanted to get faster.

She never envisioned that it would lead to Olympic Games appearances, records, and ultimately, national recognition.

“It means a lot to be recognized by your country in this way. It is a great setting, a stunning castle, and the King is really funny and really charming, so it has been a great day,” she added.

With her MBE now secured, Asher-Smith is shifting focus back to her 2025 season.

She will return to Texas to open her outdoor campaign with a 4x400m relay in Austin on March 30. Shortly after, she is set to compete at the inaugural Grand Slam Track meet in Kingston, Jamaica, from April 4-6.