Dina Asher-Smith praised for breaking a ‘massive taboo’ around periods in sports | European Championships

Dina Asher-Smith’s team-mates have praised her for breaking the “massive taboo” around periods in sport – and urged the government and sports governing bodies to invest much more in research to address the problem.

After the British women’s 4x100m qualified as the fastest for Saturday’s final, Imani-Lara Lansiquot bravely admitted she was currently on her period in Munich – to the surprise of her teammates.

The sprinter then questioned why more money isn’t being spent on research to combat the effects of the menstrual cycle.

“There should be 100 percent more funding,” Lansiquot said. “I still find it quite shocking that it’s taboo. I’m going through with it. I’m sure we’ve all been through this before, but we haven’t even said anything to each other because it feels like a massive taboo that isn’t talked about.”

Lansiquot also pointed out that it’s not as easy as taking the pill. “The side effects of all the drugs that you can take are still really unknown,” she said. “I would love if in five or 10 years this isn’t a confidential conversation and that it’s something you can talk about and embrace rather than have to shy away from.”

Ashleigh Nelson, also a member of the relay team and part of the British squad since the Beijing Olympics, also spoke up. “If this were a male issue, we would take care of it,” she said.

“It’s very difficult that once a month you have to plan your workout, your diet, your life around your period. There are things you can take to delay your period, but they also have side effects, so you’re in a catch-22. You can’t win But it’s part of being a woman and a lot of us deal with it very well.”

The women are strong favorites on Saturday, with Asha Philip praising the team’s unity. “This summer we’ve seen each other more than anyone else and we’ve formed such a fantastic bond,” she said. “No matter what team you field, no matter who plays on what stage, we will excel.”

The men’s 4 x 100m team believe they will also win gold despite the absence of Reece Prescod, who has opted to go home. And squad veteran Harry Aikines-Aryeetey praised the seamless integration of youngsters like Jeremiah Azu, Tommy Ramdhan and Jona Efoloko.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (second from left) and the men’s 4x100m team in Munich. Photo: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

“That says a lot about our philosophy,” he said. “We’ve worked hard on how we approach our business. If you look at some of the top football clubs – Ajax and old Manchester United – they talk about the philosophy of developing young players and that when you’re good enough you’re old enough.

“I was one of them in the early days. I’ve seen different kinds of things. My first senior relay was in 2006, 2009 medalist.

“The toxicity is gone. We have many progressive mindsets. We have a lot of nice souls in the group who all want to do well.” When told that he was the team’s Sir Alex Ferguson character in the squad, Aikines-Aryeetey laughed and pointed to his teammates. “Yes, but you have to ask her,” to which Efoloko replied, “Yes, but he’s also our player-coach.”

Meanwhile, Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson, who won Olympic, World and Commonwealth silver medals last year, won her run to underscore her status as favorite for Saturday’s 800m final. Afterwards, she made it clear that she was determined to win gold.

“I was just told I didn’t smile enough today, but I’m tired, that’s why,” Hodgkinson said. “I’m definitely on the home stretch now. I’m tired, but I’m tired of training reps, so I’ll be fine. I believe in my abilities and what I can do.”

“Winning gold is a big deal,” added Hodgkinson, who will meet Britain’s Jemma Reekie and Alexandra Bell in the final. “I just want to be on the top step of the podium this year. I wrote down my goals and went into all the champions to win. Unfortunately that didn’t happen, but overall I’m very happy with my season.”