“Didn’t Have a Choice”: Elaine Thompson-Herah Forced To Limit Paris Olympics Dream Doesn’t Sit Well With Track & Field Community

On June 9th Elaine Thompson-Herah suffered an Achilles injury during the USATF New York City Grand Prix a few weeks ago. Despite holding the record for the 100m at 10.54 seconds and the 200m world record at 21.53 seconds, the two-time defending Olympic champion faces a setback. Due to this injury, she will be competing in the 100m event only at the Jamaican Olympic trials. This means that there will be a new Olympic champion for the 200m race in Paris. The trials are crucial for athletes as they are the key to qualifying for the Paris Olympics.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding her injury, Elaine Thompson-Herah has sought help from Dr. Müller-Wohlfahrt who is known for assisting top athletes like Usain Bolt. Despite not racing much this season, Thompson-Herah was still considered a strong contender for the 100m and 200m events at the Paris Olympics this summer.

In her first race of the season, at the Prefontaine Classic last month, she finished in 11.30 seconds, her first competitive appearance since September. However, Sha’Carri Richardson won the race. Despite initially trailing behind Julien Alfred of St Lucia, Richardson’s impressive speed allowed her to take the lead at the 30-meter mark and coast to victory with a time of 10.83 seconds. However, as soon as news of her limited participation in the Paris 100m event spread, fans began expressing their concern and disappointment.

Fans divided over Thompson-Herah’s move

Amidst Elaine Thompson-Herah’s injury setback and her decision to focus solely on the 100m event at the Jamaican Olympic trials, fans expressed a mix of disappointment, concern, and hope for her recovery and future performances.

One fan, expressing disappointment, lamented, “Sigh, that hurt 😞. I wish she would have contested the double.” This fan shows that he/she desires to see Thompson-Herah compete in both the 100m and 200m races, given her talent in both disciplines.

Another fan, acknowledging the practicality of Thompson-Herah’s decision, commented, “Not surprising – she doesn’t have the qualifying time for the 200m at Trials, so she really didn’t have a choice. We just gotta pray for her in the 100m.” This supporter notes that Thompson Herah has not taken part in the 200m race this year suggesting that she may not qualify for the trials, in that category. As a result it is expected that she will not be present at the 200m trials highlighting the need to concentrate on her performance, in the 100m race.

Another fan queried, “She can make it through? Seems risky. Wish her the best.” This sentiment shows the uncertainty surrounding Thompson-Herah’s injury recovery process and the challenges she may face in returning to top form for the Olympics.

One fan expressed confidence in Shericka Jackson’s abilities, stating, “Jacko will be that girl!!!”. This comment shows excitement surrounding Jacksons ability to shine in the 200m race. Jacksons, 100m best of 10.65 seconds and a 200m best of 21.41 seconds have established her as a contender in the 200m event where her times surpass Thompson Herahs top time of 21.53 seconds in 200m.

Lastly, a fan simply exclaimed, “Oh my God,” expressing the collective shock and concern felt by many fans upon learning about Thompson-Herah’s injury and its implications for her Olympic aspirations. These comments implies that fans are disappointed and saddened by the situation.