Texas Relays: Track Legend Michael Johnson Applauds 2x Olympics Medalist Dina Asher-Smith’s Exceptional Move After Setting Probable World Record

In Mike A. Myers Stadium, Dina Asher-Smith had many things to prove. Previously, she had to cancel her participation in the New Mexico Collegiate Classic because of her niggling injury. That day, Julien Alfred won the concerned 200m short track race. Coincidentally, yesterday, in Texas Relays, the former British world champion had to pair with Julien to take part in both the 4x200m and 4x400m relay races. The result was astounding. 

While the track and field community took a thorough look at those performances, Michael Johnson found some silver linings in Dina’s glittering. Later, the veteran penned down his comments on X. 

Michael Johnson hails the comeback 

On Saturday in Austin, Dina Asher-Smith uncapped the 4x200m relay run with blistering speed. Eventually, the concerted effort from her and Julien Alfred, the Glasgow World Indoor champion, earned their international quartet a phenomenal timing of 1:27.05 to win the race. The timing was top-notch, toppling the existing world record made by the USA (1:27.46) in 2000. However, the fact that the quartet consisted of members from different countries prevented it from being recognized as a world record. However, that didn’t deter Michael Johnson from praising the British world champion’s movements on the track. 

After inspecting her performances in both 4x200m and 4x400m there, the former Olympic champion spoke valuing her possibility in upcoming days. “Dina’s move to train with Coach Flo and a great group of training partners in Texas looking like a smart move! Strong 4×4 leg indicates improved speed endurance will help that 200 and could land her on the 4×4 relay in Paris,” Johnson claimed on X. 

Incidentally, Dina Asher-Smith didn’t participate in major relay bouts in 2023. Moreover, both the 4x200m and 4x400m relays are quite new to her as her relay mastery has revolved around the 4x100m events in the past. On that estimate, the 4x Olympic champion’s analysis of Dina Asher-Smith’s sprinting technicality could come out as a lesson. However, Michael Johnson’s prowess in analyzing track and field topics has proven unmatched several times. 

The rare situation when American and Jamaican legends kept the same thinking 

Just a few days ago, former world champion Asafa Powell posted his view on breaking the 100m and 200m records in the men’s category. According to him, Usain Bolt’s 100m world record would be hard to break. “In the 100m, that’s it. 9.58 is going to be there for a very, very, very long time,” he said at that time. However, a few moments later, Michael Johnson posted his support for Asafa Powell’s statement through his X-handle. 

In his disbursal, the American legend claimed, “100% agree. 200 could be broken in the next few years. 100 gonna be a really long time!” Moreover, Johnson displayed his firm support for the need for individual characters in track and field sports for its betterment. Now, once again, the legend has proved his sporting game’s vitality by showing fans a lot of insights from Dina Asher-Smith’s record-breaking performance. 

Read more: Michael Johnson Recalls the Track Being a ‘Big Part of My Life’ as He Switches Careers at 37