E15 - Dina Asher Smith: Believe in your own sauce! Focus on your strengths

This week’s guest is Dina Asher-Smith, the reigning 200 metres World Champion and the fastest women in British history.

Dina took gold at the World Athletics Championships in Doha having already taken silver in the 100 metres.

She was also seriously impressive at the European Athletics Championships in Berlin in 2018, winning three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.

Dina is one of Britain's best prospects for gold at the Olympic Games in Japan next year.

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#Dina Asher-Smith: The High-Performance Mindset of a World Champion Sprinter

## Introduction

Dina Asher-Smith is a British track and field athlete who specializes in sprinting. She is the reigning 200 meters World Champion and the fastest woman in British history. Asher-Smith has also won three gold medals at the European Athletics Championships and is one of Britain's best prospects for gold at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year.

In this podcast episode, Dina Asher-Smith, the reigning 200 meters World Champion and the fastest woman in British history, shares her insights on taking responsibility, building a strong relationship with her coach, John Blackie, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of challenges. She also discusses the importance of focusing on personal improvement rather than chasing after medals and positions, and how she deals with the pressures of being a high-profile athlete in the spotlight.

## Key Insights

* **High performance is about operating at the highest possible level and making sure that everything you do is geared towards success.** It's about being efficient, effective, and working together as a team.
* **The journey to becoming a high-performance athlete is a process, not a day.** It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to constantly learn and improve.
* **Mental strength is just as important as physical strength in sprinting.** Sprinters need to be able to handle the pressure of competition and stay focused on their goals, even when things are not going their way.
* **Accountability is essential for high-performance athletes.** Athletes need to take responsibility for their actions and hold themselves to a high standard.
* **It's important to have a strong support system in place.** Asher-Smith credits her parents and coach for helping her achieve her goals.

## Memorable Quotes

* "The thought of not trying my hardest doesn't cross my mind. Like I'm not looking forward to the pain, but I only know that there's going to be pain because I know I'm going to try my hardest." - Dina Asher-Smith
* "I don't have any issue getting out of bed on those days because I know it's just part of what I want to be. It's what I, I always want to be the best version of myself and I get there through hard work and pushing my body." - Dina Asher-Smith
* "If you can say right every little element of my life I am going to take 100% responsibility for rather than looking at coaches to blame or looking at things that happen on the track or the wind direction or little injuries I picked up, right? If you can avoid all of those excuses and just take 100% responsibility, it's a really powerful mindset to get into, I think." - Jake Humphrey



### Key Points

- **Taking Responsibility**: Dina emphasizes the importance of taking 100% responsibility for one's actions and decisions, particularly in a sport like track and field where excuses can easily be made. She believes that financial freedom and access to resources, while helpful, are not prerequisites for taking responsibility.
- **Relationship with Coach**: Dina describes her relationship with her coach, John Blackie, as being like that of a second father. John has played a crucial role in her development, providing patient guidance, avoiding pushing her too hard, and instilling confidence in her abilities.
- **Positive Mindset**: Dina stresses the significance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of setbacks and challenges. She believes in focusing on what she can control and not making excuses for poor performances.
- **Focusing on Personal Improvement**: Dina explains that she has never been a "chaser" in her career, preferring to focus on breaking time barriers and improving her technique rather than chasing after medals and positions. She believes that by focusing on herself, she can gradually move up the podium.
- **Dealing with Pressure**: Dina acknowledges the pressure of competing in a sport where rumors of athletes pushing the boundaries of legality exist. However, she emphasizes the importance of focusing on her own performance and controlling what she can control. She also highlights the adrenaline rush and satisfaction of competing in packed stadiums and knowing that she has worked to her maximum capacity.
- **Challenges of Being a High-Profile Athlete**: Dina admits that being in the spotlight and dealing with social media scrutiny can be challenging, especially for someone who is naturally shy. She explains that she tries to normalize the situation by limiting her social media usage and focusing on maintaining a balance between her athletic and personal life.

Dina Asher-Smith's journey as a world-class sprinter is characterized by her strong sense of responsibility, her positive mindset, and her focus on personal improvement. She acknowledges the challenges of being a high-profile athlete but emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective and surrounding herself with supportive individuals. Dina's insights offer valuable lessons for athletes and individuals seeking success in any field.


## Key Insights

- **Positivity and Energy:** Dina emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and high energy levels, both on and off the track. She believes that creating a positive environment and surrounding herself with supportive individuals is crucial for success.


- **Patience and Hard Work:** Dina stresses the significance of patience and consistent hard work in achieving long-term goals. She advises against seeking shortcuts and encourages listeners to remain focused on the process, understanding that progress may not be immediate but will eventually manifest with dedication.


- **Happiness and Fulfillment:** Dina expresses her contentment with her current life, acknowledging that her family and friends are healthy and that she is in excellent physical condition. She emphasizes that pursuing happiness and fulfillment is essential, alongside achieving success in one's chosen field.


- **Legacy and Impact:** While Dina is currently focused on winning and achieving her goals, she acknowledges that legacy and impact are important considerations. She hopes to inspire others and leave a positive mark on the world through her accomplishments.


- **Golden Rule for High-Performance Life:** Dina's golden rule for living a high-performance life is to be happy, positive, and smart. She emphasizes the importance of avoiding shortcuts, doing things properly and cleverly, and enjoying the journey.

## Additional Highlights:

- Dina's remarkable ability to maintain a positive mindset, even under immense pressure, is highlighted as an exceptional competitive advantage.


- The concept of "energy givers" and "energy takers" is discussed, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who uplift and support one's goals.


- Dina's emphasis on complete accountability for making the most of opportunities is identified as a special mindset that contributes to her success.


- The idea of staying in one's lane and avoiding comparisons with others is presented as a valuable lesson for achieving success and maintaining focus.


- The importance of balance between work and personal life is addressed, acknowledging the need for rest and downtime to support overall well-being and performance.


- The question of whether a high-performing sports manager can become a successful CEO is raised, highlighting the potential transferability of leadership and management skills across different domains.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the mindset, strategies, and experiences of Dina Asher-Smith, offering lessons and inspiration for individuals seeking to achieve high performance in their personal and professional lives.