Asha Philip of Great Britain in action in the 100m (© Getty Images)
Ostrava, Czech RepublicGreat Britain has had its fair share of sprint success over the years and boasts nine individual global 100m titles. But all of them had been won by men – until now, that is.
In taking the Girls’ World Youth title, 16-year-old Asha Philip became the first British female to win a global 100m gold medal in an ‘open’ championship (which excluded the World Student Games). And she did so in style.
Pre-event favourite
Philip entered the championships as the favourite, having sped to an 11.37 PB and World Youth leading time at the National Junior Championships last month. She also led through all of the qualifying rounds, running 11.61, 11.53 and 11.56 in the heats, quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
But the final did not come so easy to Philip as Brazil’s Rosângela Santos mounted a strong challenge and they seemingly crossed the line together. After a long wait, Philip was declared the winner as her team-mate, Ashlee Nelson, took bronze.
Learning to cope with pressure
“It was hard to deal with the pressure,” admitted Philip who, because of her favourite tag had been requested for duties such as attending the pre-event press conference. “I had a few ups and downs on my way here, but I’m happy to finally get here and to perform to my best.”
Nelson and Philip for the past two years have been close friends and even closer rivals. Nelson, sister of 2005 World Youth 100m silver medallist Alex Nelson, was the first to enjoy a big breakthrough. Two years ago, at the age of 14, she set a UK under-15 record of 11.58 to beat Philip at the English Schools Championships.
But Philip’s breakthrough came just twelve months later when she finished fourth at the World Junior Championships, setting a UK under-17 record of 11.45 along the way.
Following in Merry’s footsteps
The pair have broken myriad other records along the way, most of which previously belonged to Sydney Olympic 400m bronze medallist Katharine Merry. She was on hand here in Ostrava, under the guise of team mentor, and was delighted with the performances of both Philip and Nelson.
“This is just awesome,” said Merry. “Asha came here as the No.1, but she dealt with the pressure and stamped her authority on the competition throughout the rounds. Ashlee has also been amazing – earlier in the week it was touch-and-go about whether she’d be able to compete because she was getting pains in her back.”
Merry is one of a small handful of British female sprinters who has transformed precocious talent as a youngster into success on the senior international stage. She says that Philip and Nelson both have the potential to do the same.
Mental edge is the key
“The difference with these girls compared to the others who have fallen by the wayside is that they have what it takes not just physically but mentally too,” said Merry. “They know how to keep things in perspective and they are very driven. And they have one another to help spur each other on over the coming years.”
So while Philip has made history by becoming the first British female global 100m champion, it looks as though it could be the first of many for Great Britain as Philip and Nelson look ahead to an exciting – and competitive – future.
Jon Mulkeen for the IAAF
