Voice of London

Three years after receiving the junior award, Dina Asher-Smith has been named Sportswoman of the Year 

The Orpington born sprinter was hailed for her successes in what has been called her break-out season for the 22-year-old.

Her three gold medals at the European Championships were the standouts of her season; becoming the first British female to win the European 100 metres crown since Dorothy Hyman in 1962.

Her 10.85 and 21.89 seconds sprints, in the 100 metres and 200 metres respectively, are currently the British records, with her 200 metre time the first sub 22 second time ever recorded by a British women.

Her idol Jessica Ennis-Hill, who won the award at the same time Asher-Smith was junior winner, presented the award to the British record holder.

Asher-Smith said after the awards: “I didn’t expect to win this award, especially as you’ve seen Lizzy (Lizzy Yarnold) doing fantastically at the Winter Olympics.”

Talking about her years success she said it was down to being comfortable with herself “I was grappling getting to know my body, obviously grow and grow into myself both physically and mentally as a world class athlete.

I still can’t believe have a personal best of 10.8. It is such a good time for a sprinter. To have broken 22 seconds… it blows my mind.”

Other winners included Georgia Hall, as the Young Sportswoman of the Year, after her British Open win at the age of 20. Menna Fitzpatrick and her guide Jen Kehoe won the Disability award.

With Trish Deykin, Alex Paske and Jennie Price CBE winning the Hellen Rollason, Grassroots and Lifetime Achievemnet Awards respectively.