“Dark Horse” Elaine Thompson-Herah Eyeing Usain Bolt’s Legacy at Paris Olympics: Elates Track and Field World

In the world of track and field, the name Elaine Thompson-Herah stands tall as the fastest woman alive in the 100m and the second fastest alive in the 200m. As a five-time Olympic champion, the Jamaican track queen has made history by winning gold in both the 100m and 200m events at the Olympics, becoming the first woman to do so since Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988.

Now, as she prepares for her fourth Olympic cycle and sets her sights on the Paris Olympics, Thompson-Herah aims to extend her remarkable track record. Fans are now awaiting a historic moment as she is eyeing the fastest man’s, aka Usain Bolt‘s, legacy at the Paris Olympics.

Elaine Thompson-Herah aims for a Usain Bolt record

Track and field pundit Owen M posted on X to highlight that Elaine Thompson-Herah has begun training for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Owen M shared two videos of the six-time Olympic medalist: one showing her practicing a banded piston start and another demonstrating the 31-year-old track phenom blazing through a lap to the tune of “They Just Don’t Know” by Gyft.

Along with these videos, an important piece of information was shared: “This summer in Paris, she’ll be looking to do something only Usain Bolt has done” as she aims to achieve a “sprint triple”. Usain Bolt achieved the “sprint triple” by winning gold medals in the 100m and 200m events at the Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016 Olympics.

After Thompson-Herah captured 100m and 200m gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and defended both titles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she became the first-ever female sprinter and the second sprinter after Usain Bolt to win the “sprint double” at consecutive Olympics. In 2024, if she were to win gold in the 100m and 200m events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she would achieve the “sprint triple,” a feat only Usain Bolt has accomplished before.

The track star herself shared, “Training is going good so far; the work is never easy, it’s always hard. It’s an Olympic year so you have to put in that work.” This news, shared by Owen M., was the cherry on top for excited fans, who soon began sharing their excitement regarding this development.

Track and field fans’ reaction to the Jamaican speed phenom’s return

Below Owen M’s post, countless fans expressed their elation about the return of Elaine Thompson-Herah to her fourth Olympic cycle. One fan expressed confidence in her chances of winning the 100-meter Olympic title in Paris. They believed that if she is back to full fitness, Thompson-Herah could be a strong contender, given her dominant performance before her injury and her remarkable comeback at the Tokyo Olympics, where she won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.

Another track and field fan expressed concern that Elaine Thompson-Herah’s dream might be threatened by Shericka Jackson in the 200-meter event, as Shericka is the fastest woman alive in history in that event.

One fan appreciated Thompson-Herah’s performance, noting that despite her seniority in the sport, her form is still exceptional.

Lastly, one enthusiast expressed excitement for a highly competitive and thrilling showdown in the 100m and 200m events at the Olympics, and they also hoped to see Elaine Thompson-Herah’s participation in the 4x100m relay, considering her gold medal in the event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and her silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

As the Olympic year unfolds, fans eagerly await Elaine Thompson-Herah’s debut, hoping to see her continue to write her name in the history books of track and field. Will she achieve the “sprint triple”? Share your thoughts in the comments below!