Dina Asher-Smith blasts back to form with 60m UK Indoor Championships record
Guardian Sport
by Ben Bloom at Utilita Arena BirminghamFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Dina Asher-Smith made a strong comeback at the UK Indoor Championships, setting a new national record with her 7.05 seconds in the 60m dash—a time that ranks as her third-quickest ever. Meanwhile, Keely Hodgkinson broke the national indoor 800m record, further showcasing British sprinting's rising talent. These performances highlight a shift in dynamics within British female sprinting, with younger athletes beginning to challenge established stars.
Asher-Smith, once the dominant figure in British sprinting for much of her career, faced unexpected competition last summer from Amy Hunt, who claimed a world championship silver medal in the 200m while Asher-Smith finished fifth. This marked a turning point, as questions arose about Asher-Smith's form and whether external factors, such as her challenging training experiences in America, played a role in her decline.
Hodgkinson's record-breaking run, however, signals a bright future for British sprinting. Her performance not only solidifies her position as a rising star but also sets the stage for potential international achievements.
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/14/2026