British sprint star Dina Asher-Smith has been awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), just two weeks before she travels to Jamaica for the highly anticipated opening meet of Grand Slam Track, set for Kingston’s National Stadium from April 4-6.
Asher-Smith, whose father Winston was born in Jamaica before migrating to England as a child, proudly represents her Caribbean roots through both heritage and heart. With family ties to both Jamaica and Trinidad, the 29-year-old has long been seen as one of track and field’s most eloquent and accomplished ambassadors—and her return to the island next month will mark a meaningful full-circle moment in a career that continues to soar.
Currently based in Texas, Asher-Smith made a special trip to the UK to receive the royal honour from King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
Speaking after the ceremony, she said: “For me, it is a very powerful emblem of what you do on the track—being inspiring to other people and having a positive influence far beyond the world of sport. When I started running, I just wanted to run faster. I didn’t imagine it would take me to the Olympic Games or earn me national records, much less this.”
She added: “It means a lot to be recognized by your country in this way. It’s a great setting, a stunning castle, and the King is really funny and really charming. He was amazed I flew over from Texas for this, but I said, ‘Of course—I wouldn’t miss it!’”
Asher-Smith’s appearance at Grand Slam Track in Kingston will mark her first outing on Jamaican soil as a senior athlete. The meet, which promises to bring together some of the sport’s biggest global stars and local legends, will kick off her outdoor season as she builds toward the World Athletics Championships later this year.
Before heading to Jamaica, Asher-Smith is expected to open her season in Austin, Texas, this weekend with a 4x400m relay outing as part of her fitness buildup. She plans to contest the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the World Championships in September and believes her current training block has her in “a great place” physically and mentally.
A former world champion over 200m (Doha 2019) and British record-holder in the 100m (10.83), Asher-Smith rebounded from disappointment at the Paris Olympics—where she missed the 100m final—to close 2024 with strong Diamond League performances, including a blistering 10.88 in Switzerland.
The former London 2012 kit-bag carrier has since become one of Britain’s most decorated female sprinters, boasting Olympic, World, and European medals. Among her accolades are Olympic bronze (2016, 2020) and silver (2024) in the 4x100m, a world title in the 200m, and six European golds across three events.
With her blend of elite performance, academic excellence (she holds a history degree from King’s College London), and a fierce sense of purpose, Asher-Smith continues to inspire a new generation of athletes across the globe—including many in the Caribbean.
Her appearance at Grand Slam Track will be eagerly anticipated by Jamaican fans, not only because of her elite pedigree but also because of the deep cultural and familial ties that make her return feel like something of a homecoming.
Main photo - Dina Asher-Smith Instagram