On-field, there has been a fierce rivalry between Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce. Shockingly, it has been revealed that the Jamaican sprinters might not have a good relationship off-field either.
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Notably, Elaine and Shelly-Ann are the world’s second and third fastest women in track and field, respectively. Hence, there has always been a neck-to-neck competition between the two Olympic champions.
Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah’s relationship
Jamaican sprinting stars, Shelly-Ann and Elaine Thompson were once part of the same club. Founded in 1999, MVP Track Club is one of the elite Jamaican clubs, which has produced some of the world’s best athletes over time.
Hailing from the same country, practicing in the same clubs, fans would expect the two women to get along. However, MVP Track Club Coach Stephen Francis has hinted at the sour relationship the two Jamaican women share.
Shelly-Ann had left the club during the 2020 season. In an interview, coach Francis revealed the real reason for her departure. Shockingly, it had nothing to do with the club or training, but because of her relationship with Elaine Thompson-Herah.
Francis said, “Shelly-Ann did not leave right after the World Championship, she left in May during the pandemic. And I think the catalyst for that was, I suspect, her relationship with Elaine. It amuses me why people think that a sports person or athlete is going to be the one team forever. “
After a rewarding 2021 season, Elaine has also said goodbye to the MVP club and has been training individually. While the world had their focus on Sha’Carri Richardson vs Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann, this is might be a shocker for some fans.
A look back at the 2021 season
Undeniably, Elaine and Shelly-Ann are each other’s biggest rivals on the field. In 2021, the Jamaican women dominated the Olympic podium. While Elaine clinched the gold medal, Shelly grabbed the silver medal in the 100m race.
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During the Diamond League season, they bettered their performance. Elaine clocked the world’s second-fastest time of 10.54 seconds. Whereas Shelly-Ann recorded the third-fastest time of 10.60 seconds.
The close competition between the two makes their relationship complicated. However, with Shelly-Ann possibly retiring next year, how do you think this rivalry will fare in 2022?
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