Dina Asher-Smith calls for more research into effects of periods on performance

To optimise for archiving, the original image and related documents associated with this article have been removed.

Dina Asher-Smith has called for there to be more research into the effects of periods on sporting performance after her cycle caused her to pull up with cramp at the European Championships.

Asher-Smith was the defending champion but pulled up with cramp during Tuesday’s 100m final and had originally believed the issue was caused by lack of hydration or a poor recovery. However, after qualifying for today’s 200m final she said “girls’ stuff” had caused the cramp in her leg.

Asher-Smith told BBC Sport “It is a huge topic for women in sport. It is something I think more people need to research from a sports science perspective. Sometimes you see girls who have been so consistent have a random dip, and behind the scenes they have been really struggling. It could do with more funding because if it was a men's issue we would have a million different ways to combat things.”

Asher-Smith pulled up with a hamstring injury in this year’s World Championships which resulted in her missing the Commonwealth Games so she will be hoping to retain her European 200m title. 

You may also like

View All

Pinned Article

Sport Resolutions Annual Conference 2026: Early Bird Tickets Now on Sale

Early Bird tickets for the Sport Resolutions 11th Annual Conference are now available. Join leading sport and legal professionals in London on 7 May 2026 for a full day of discussion, insight, and networking

Read More

WADA considering ban on slimming drugs

The World Anti-Doping Agency may ban well-known slimming drugs ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Read More

UK Athletics pleads guilty to corporate manslaughter following death of Paralympian

UK Athletics has pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter following the death of Abdullah Hayayei, an Emirati Paralympian who was fatally hit on the head by a metal pole during preparation for the London World Paralympic Athletics Championships in 2017

Read More