Asher-Smith calls for more research into how periods affect performance

Dina Asher-Smith has called for more funding for studies on how a woman's period can affect athletic performance after the British sprinter pulled up with cramp during her 100 metres title defence at the European Championships in Munich.

Asher-Smith pulled up midway through Tuesday's race with cramp in her calf and finished last. The 26-year-old returned to action later in the week to qualify for Friday's 200m final.

"Yeah, girl stuff, issues," Asher-Smith told British media. "It's something more people need to research from a sports science perspective, because it's absolutely huge.

"Women don't talk about it either. We see girls that have been consistent have a random dip. Behind the scenes they are really struggling, while everyone is thinking, 'What's that? That's random'. We just need more funding.

"I feel like if it was a men's issue there would be a million different ways to combat things. But with women there just needs to be more funding in that area."

Tennis world No 1 Iga Swiatek had also addressed the issue at this year's French Open, saying advances in medicine and technology can provide solutions to women athletes.

New Zealand's world No 4 women's golfer Lydia Ko was praised online during the Palos Verdes Championship earlier this year after she openly discussed suffering back problems during the tournament due to her period.