Dina Asher-Smith, bronze medal winner in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games of 2016 in the 4 x 100 metres relay, recently visited London Biggin Hill Airport to sample another style of high speed venture – the London Helishuttle which transfers business customers between Biggin Hill and the London Heliport in just six minutes. 

Dina is best known as Britain’s fastest woman sprinter as she holds national records over 100 metres in 10.99 seconds set at the London Anniversary Games in 2015 and over 200 metres in a time of 22.07 seconds in Beijing last year in the World Championships.   

Born and raised in Orpington, Dina attended local schools before winning a place at Kings College London to read History.  

Her athletic career began with the Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, with whom she continues to train.  She was setting junior records from the age of 13.  Biggin Hill Airport has taken an active interest as sponsors of the club for many years.

20-year old Dina’s visit culminated in a demonstration flight by Biggin-based Castle Air, the operators of the London Helishuttle. Dina’s reaction to her helicopter flight over the Olympic Stadium in East London was ecstatic.

“Flying in the helicopter was just an amazing experience.  We had perfect views all along the route and the arrival over the Thames and the approach to the heliport was awesome.   Also, it was thrilling to see London’s Olympic Stadium from the air and seemingly so close.  What a wonderful way to travel,” she said.