Dina Asher-Smith is adamant she can improve on her 200m semi-final time in the event’s final.

The Orpington sprinter finished fourth in her semi-final race in 22.49 to rank eighth fastest overall and progress to the final, which takes place tonight (August 17) at 10.30pm.

Asher-Smith, 20, said: “That was a hard one. It was definitely hard. When you’ve got the world gold and silver medallists, it’s always going to be a fast race.

“I was a bit disappointed in the way that I ran because I know I’m in better shape that that so it’s frustrating to have messed up in such an important race and such a crucial one but at the same time, it’s something that happens.

“We’re in elite sport and not everything goes your way on the day. When I was on the straight I got into the wrong position and then you end up running back side and you end up slowing down which is what happened.

“It is disappointing, especially because I know my coach and I have worked hard to make sure that I can run better than that and I know that I can.”

Asher-Smith, who runs for Blackheath and Bromley Harriers, insists she attempted to downplay the significance of the race and view the event as another European final.

She added: “I was so focused on trying to execute my race that I wasn’t really taking it in.

“I went in to it as if it was another world final or another European final and not necessarily focusing on the Olympic part.”