Elaine Thompson-Herah, the fastest woman alive in the 100 meters and the second fastest in the 200 meters, has announced that she will not be competing in the Paris Olympics in 2024. This decision means she will not be defending her 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay Olympic titles. The 31-year-old track and field titan last competed in the 200m back in April 2023. In her season opener in the 100m at the NYC Grand Prix on June 9, she appeared to suffer an injury and was seen being carried off the track in significant pain after finishing last.

She later opened up, sharing that she felt “something uncomfortable” and was awaiting professional help. Thompson-Herah was then set to make a grand return for the Jamaican trials from June 27 to 30. The six-time Olympic medalist had initially opted to focus on the 100 meters in the upcoming Jamaican trials, which serve as the national selection event for the Olympics. However, Elaine Thompson-Herah has now withdrawn from representing Jamaica in Paris, altogether breaking her silence on her injury.

In a heartfelt Instagram post shared two days before her birthday on June 28, Thompson-Herah revealed her difficult decision, breaking her silence on the injury. The post featured a four-image carousel with a hopeful message. The first image read, “I will be back.” The second image depicted a message from God saying, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” The third image showed the phenom running, followed by a final image that proclaimed, “God is not done with you.”

Elaine Thompson-Herah shared that it was difficult for her to announce her withdrawal from the Paris Olympics. During the New York Grand Prix, she felt something was wrong during the race but still pushed through. Just a few steps before the finish line, she realized she couldn’t apply any pressure to her leg and had to be carried off the track. She said, “I went quickly to get some medical check up and to found out that I have a small tear on my Achilles tendon.” Despite this, she returned home determined to prepare for the national trials and aim for her third Olympics. However, her injured leg didn’t allow her to continue.

Elaine Thompson-Herah mentioned that, despite the diagnosis, she returned home with a strong mindset, determined to continue pushing herself and prepare for the Jamaican national trials for another shot at her third Olympics. But she shared, ” but the leg wouldn’t allow me to.” She expressed her willingness to start over, work hard, and make a full recovery to resume her track career. Elaine shared, “I am hurt and devastated to be missing the Olympic this year but at the end of the day it’s sports and my health comes first.”

Despite not receiving the birthday gift she hoped for, she shared that she trusts in God’s plan for her and is committed to achieving her remaining goals. The fastest woman alive ended her note sharing, ” I will be definitely watching hopefully from the stands and cheer my country Jamaica 🇯🇲 on. I WILL BE BACK 🫶🏾. FASTELAINE 💨” As we reflect on this heartbreaking turn of events, let’s consider how Elaine Thompson-Herah could have matched Usain Bolt’s legacy in Paris.

A blazing streak by Elaine Thompson-Herah comes to an end that could have tied her to Usain Bolt

As a five-time Olympic champion, Jamaican track queen Elaine Thompson-Herah has etched her name in history by clinching gold in both the 100m and 200m events at consecutive Olympics. She nailed it first at the 2016 Rio Games and then defended both titles at Tokyo 2020, matching Usain Bolt’s feat as the only sprinter to pull off the “sprint double” twice. Usain Bolt even secured the “sprint triple” by claiming gold in the 100m and 200m events at the Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016 Olympics.

Looking ahead to 2024, Elaine Thompson-Herah had a shot at achieving a rare “sprint triple” in Paris, something only Bolt has done before. Sadly, her withdrawal from the Paris Olympics has put a stop to this incredible streak. The track and field community is gutted by her absence, and fans everywhere are hoping she makes a speedy recovery and gets back on track to continue her amazing legacy. What are your thoughts on this update? Share in the comments below!