World-leading sprinter Jacious Sears, the fastest woman in the 100 meters this year, will not compete in the Paris Olympics. The American athlete, who stunned the athletics world with a time of 10.77 seconds in April, has withdrawn from the U.S. Olympic trials due to injury, ending her hopes for an Olympic debut.
Unprecedented Performance and Setback
Sears achieved her remarkable time at the U.S. collegiate championships, making it the second-fastest in NCAA history and the top global time for 2023. Her performance positioned her as a favorite for the Olympic team. However, since May, Sears has struggled with health issues that have now forced her to withdraw from both the 100 and 200 meters at the trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Impact on Competitors
Sears’ absence from the trials clears a path for her competitors, both within the U.S. and internationally, including Poland’s Ewa Swoboda. While it’s unusual for the world’s fastest sprinter not to compete in the Olympics, Sears’ situation underscores the unpredictability and challenges athletes face on their path to the Games.
