Tokyo Olympics: Who are Team GB’s athletics medal hopefuls after Dina Asher-Smith injury?
Asher-Smith was expected to challenge for medals in the 100m and 200m.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dina Asher-Smith’s injury nightmare has left Team GB without their biggest individual medal hope at the Tokyo Olympics.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the athletes who could boost Team GB in track and field.
Jemma Reekie – 800m
The 23-year old has been bullish about her chances and refused to roll back after an impressive semi final.
She was one of two athletes to go under two minutes in the heats – along with Jamaica’s Natoya Goule – and went sub-two minutes again in the semis.
Trained by Laura Muir’s coach Andy Young she is a major contender for a first senior medal and even victory.
Keely Hodgkinson – 800m
The 19-year-old’s rapid rise has left her on the brink of Olympic stardom.
Hodgkinson beat Muir and Reekie to become British 800m champion in June to underline her potential.
She has taken the spotlight in her stride and it would be no surprise to see her on the podium.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson – heptathlon
Johnson-Thompson’s injury battles are public now after she ruptured her Achilles in December and needed surgery.
The world champion has been successful just to make it to Tokyo after her recovery and lack of serious competitions this year.
She may not be in peak condition – and it will not be the titanic battle with defending champion Nafi Thiam which was expected last year – but she cannot be written off just yet.
Holly Bradshaw – pole vault
Her clearance of 4.90m at the British trials would have been enough to win a silver medal at the World Championship in 2019.
Bradshaw finished sixth at London 2012, fifth in Rio and fourth at the Worlds in Doha two years ago.
She has largely gone under the radar in terms of GB medal contenders but her experience could be key this year.
Josh Kerr
The 23-year-old came sixth at the World Championships in Doha and has the potential to win in Japan.
He is making his Olympic debut and knocked a second off his personal best in June to post three minutes 31.55 seconds.
Team-mate Jake Wightman could also be in contention but needs to be in the sprint at the end to have a chance.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments