Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson Lead Jamaica’s Women’s Track Line-Up for Tokyo Olympics 2021

Thaw two powerhouses in Athletics, USA, and Jamaica have announced their blockbuster track contingent heading for Tokyo Olympics 2021. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson lead the 20 member female track contingent.

Jamaica’s strong arsenal of sprints at Tokyo Olympics 2021

Jamaica arguably has the strongest 100m and 200m line-up. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson will be participating in both 100m and 200m. Elaine Thompson is the reigning Olympic champion in both 100m and 200m. However, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has appeared a strong suitor for the gold in both the events at Tokyo Olympics 2021.

The third sprinter representing Jamaica in 100m and 200m is Shericka Jackson. She was a 400m sprinter in Rio 2016, but now is has the third-fastest time in Road to Olympics after Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension. She is also a medal prospect for Jamaica in both events. Along with the above three sprinters, Jamaica has selected Remona Burchell, Natasha Morrison, Briana Williams for the 4x100m relay.

Next in 400m, Jamaica will have, Stephenie-Ann McPherson, Roneisha McGregor, and Candice McLeod. McPherson is a strong medal prospect for Jamaica in a category where the nation hasn’t done well in recent years. Along with the above three sprinters, Junelle Bromfield, Tovea Jenkins, Stacey Ann Williams are in the 4x400m relay pool.

As the distance increases, the Jamaican firepower seems to be a bit underpowered. They only have one entrant for 800m and that is Natoya Goule. She has the eighth highest time in the Road to Tokyo Olympics 2021. Aisha Praught-Leer will represent Jamaica in 1500m. Jamaica has no runners for 5000m and 10,000m.

Lack of quality hurdlers

Next is 100m hurdles where the USA dominates and Jamaica has played catch up in recent years. Jamaica had to deal with a big blow when Danielle Williams didn’t qualify for the Olympics in the latest trials. She won the bronze in 2019 World Championships and was closer to the Americans. Instead of her, Britany Anderson, Megan Tapper, Yanique Thompson will run in Tokyo.

In 400m hurdles, here again, America will dominate as their hurdlers, Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad recently exchanged the World Record. The Jamaican challengers going to Tokyo are Leah Nugent, Janieve Russell, Ronda Whyte.

What do you think of this line-up?

Read more: Allyson Felix, Sydney McLaughlin and Gabby Thomas Lead USA Women’s Track Line Up for Tokyo Olympics 2021