“I Cried for 2 Weeks”: Sha’Carri Richardson’s Jamaican Rival Elaine Thompson-Herah Opens Up on Mental Horrors After Not Making National Team

Elaine Thompson-Herah was on the radar since the schedule of Diamond League was put up. After Sha’Carri Richardson’s phenomenal win against Shelly-Ann and Shericka in the US Championship, everyone awaited a showdown. Both of them must have tactfully planned a payback, sending the world’s fastest woman against Richardson in Zurich.

Concluding their head-on in 100m, Sha’Carri outshone Elaine, clenching her second gold in this category after Budapest. Though, the latter hasn’t felt saddened after facing the hard blow. She shed some light on her prep-ups, motivational factors and upcoming plans. 

Elaine Thompson-Herah sheds light on some mental horrors

At the World Athletics Championships a few days ago, netizens saw their preferred sprinter on a setback. The double Olympic Champion’s name was only enlisted in the 4 x100m relay, after finishing fifth in 100m trials. With the 200m being a no-show to her, Elaine accelerated the relay team to victory running on the second leg. However, she was replaced by Natasha even after running a blistering speed of 9.90s. 

With the Zurich Diamond League, Elaine’s most awaited showdown with the nation’s favorite Sha’Carri sprung back. Starting off good, she lost her grip in 60m, before which it was literally anybody’s game. She finished third with Natasha Morisson, both clocking 11.00 seconds, another season’s best. In a post-game interview, Elaine was seen to be as unfiltered as possible. When asked about building her race plans, she didn’t flinch to accept her inability to perform well.

Elaine shed light on some tough nights she had to pass. “I cried for 2 weeks, I didn’t want to finish. But, my husband pushed me to continue”. She acknowledged changing her mindset immediately after, as a warrior never backs off. Hoping on being reliant on patience and time, Elaine decides to put forth her A-game in the upcoming Championships. 

Elaine’s Olympic History

After MVP Track Club founder Stephen Francis spotted her, Elaine’s sprinting journey began. Derron Herah, former sprinter and coach, leveraged her journey to the summit, never leaving her side. Elaine bagged the Olympic women’s 100m and 200m in Rio 2016, outshining Flo-Jo’s record. She was always on the lookout to keep the gold in Jamaican hands. Later, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Elaine blew the victory bugle to retain her 100m title with a record of 10.61s. Tokyo had Elaine in her best form, as she grabbed the 4 x 100m gold as well. 

READ MORE: Sha’Carri Richardson Destroys Jamaican Rival Elaine Thompson-Herah With a Perfect 10.88 Finish at Zurich Diamond League 2023

Keeping in mind her biggest motivational mantra she said, “I am a warrior, this is not about crying, so achieving a season best today is great.” With this in mind and Derron alongside, Elaine wishes to continue stimulating herself from time to time.

Watch this story: Sticking with Sha’Carri Richardson During Her Dark Times in 2021, Nike’s Swoosh Carries American Athlete Across Finishing Line in Budapest