“Champions keep playing until they get it right,” said Billie Jean King, and Elaine Thompson-Herah embodies this spirit. The double Olympic sprint champion faces a race against time to be fit for the upcoming Jamaican trials. Despite a recent injury, hope remains. If Usain Bolt’s renowned doctor can work his magic right in the nick of time, Thompson-Herah could still give stiff competition to American rival Sha’Carri Richardson.

At the USATF New York City Grand Prix, Thompson-Herah began with high hopes but was suddenly struck by an injury, forcing her off the track. This setback raises questions about her return and potentially clears the path to gold for Richardson. But a resurgence is possible and such is Herah, a phoenix in her own right. As the trials approach, could the tide turn in Herah’s favor and quite possibly reclaim her place on the throne yet again?

Jamaican sprinting legend’s messiah to come in clutch?

In an article by ESPN, they detailed how Usain Bolt sought help from a Bayern Munich doctor to recover before the Rio 2016 Games. Recently, Elaine Thompson-Herah had injured her Achilles tendon during the USATF NYC Grand Prix earlier this month. Thompson removed her right shoe and sat down on the track during the Grand Prix and seemed to be in great discomfort. She finished eighth in that race with a time of 11.48s and has been rushed to Germany to seek medical help. She wrote on Instagram, “I felt something uncomfortable as I began to push I still tried to go but it got worse” so I am awaiting professional advice moving forward “thanks for your continuous support 🙏🏾.”

It’s concerning, as the injury occurred just before the venerated Olympic trials. She is seeking help from renowned sports medicine specialist,Dr. Hans Wilhelm Müller Wohlfahrt. The doctor treated Usain Bolt, enabling him to race within 3 days. During the 2016 Olympics, Bolt raced the 100m final only after his help. According to Bolt, it was because Dr. Hans-Wilhelm could find the exact vein to treat that he was able to get up and running.

Thompson-Herah is seeking a similar miracle. If her conditions improve and Elaine is able to return to the elite stage trials, alls well that ends well. Sha’Carri Richardson is the favorite to win the 100m dash. Though she has had the likes of Jacious Sears giving her a run for her money, she might be USA’s best hope. Since winning at the Budapest Worlds and being crowned the fastest woman for 2023, she’s been on an uphill journey.

She currently holds the 4th rank in the world among all female track and field athletes, a remarkable feat. However, Elaine Thompson-Herah is no small fry, either. She became the first woman in the Tokyo and Rio Games since 1988 to win both the 100m and 200m races. However, it is important to note that during the 2020 Games, Richardson withdrew due to a failed drug test. So this year she is doubling down on winning the Olympic gold. Hopefully Thompson-Herah should be able to return in time to leave Richardson in the wake.

How will the Jamaican track and field trials play out? 

The Jamaican track and field trials at the end of June will feature a bunch of categories, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, and relays. Among the finishers in each race, the top three will get a chance to represent the country in the Olympics. The JAAA then holds the power to select upto 5 additional “quota athletes.” These are based on world rankings and prior performances. All athletes in the individual races must also participate in the relays, as relays are mandatory. This year, in the women’s categories, some of the top female athletes are Elaine Thompson-Herah, who is the defending 100m and 200m champion.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is 10x World Champion as well, to take center stage. Shericka Jackson, the 2x Olympic gold medallist in the 400m individual dash and relay, is a sight for sore eyes too. Two other prominent names are Stephenie Ann McPherson and Janieve Russell. The predicted winners for the 100m events are Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. For 200m, it’s Shericka Jackson and Herah. In 400m dash, the predicted winners are Stephenie Ann NcPherson and Roneisha McGregor. For 100m/110m hurdles, Danielle Williams and Britany Anderson are the most likely to come out on top. The ladies who will qualify to the Olympics in August will most likely face off American powerhouse Sha’Carri Richardson.