Jamaican sprinting legend Elaine Thompson-Herah has announced she will not defend her 200m title at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The five-time Olympic champion opted out of the national trials for the 200m, focusing solely on the 100m event.
Historical Achievements
Thompson-Herah made history by winning gold in both the 100m and 200m at two consecutive Olympics, first in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and then in Tokyo in 2021. Additionally, she was part of the victorious 4x100m relay team in Tokyo. Her decision to step back from the 200m comes as a surprise, considering her remarkable track record.
Current Season’s Struggles
This season, Thompson-Herah has faced challenges with her form. She has competed only twice in the 100m, clocking in at 11.30 and 11.48 seconds, far from her best performances. She hasn’t competed in the 200m since April of the previous year, further influencing her decision to focus on the shorter distance.
Record-Setting Sprinter
Thompson-Herah holds the second-fastest 100m time in history. In 2021, at the Diamond League meeting in Eugene, she recorded a time of 10.54 seconds, just 0.05 seconds shy of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s long-standing world record set in 1988.
Looking Towards Paris
With the deadline for entries to the Jamaican Championships now past, Thompson-Herah’s focus will be on securing her place in the 100m for the Paris Olympics. The championships, scheduled from June 27-30, will determine Jamaica’s Olympic team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the sprint queen can regain her form and add to her illustrious legacy in Paris.
