This American track and field star rose to prominence after hitting a personal best and setting a record in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics. A 2x World Championship medalist, she aimed to repeat her success at the Paris Olympics but narrowly missed the title, losing to Masai Russell and Cyréna Samba-Mayela in a close race. And now, hours before the Silesia Diamond League, she was forced to withdraw under dramatic circumstances, mirroring the recent challenges faced by Dina Asher-Smith.

This sudden absence shocked fans and competitors, disrupting the anticipated lineup. She was ready for the Silesia meet after achieving a season-best first place at the Lausanne Diamond League shortly after her engagement. Her last-minute withdrawal, like Asher-Smith’s, left fans deeply disappointed.

The Puerto Rican athlete’s decision to withdraw mirrors Dina Asher-Smith’s recent Diamond League exit

On Instagram, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, the queen of the 100m hurdles, shared a heartbreaking update in her story. She revealed, “Unfortunately, I had to pull out during warm-ups due to issues with my calf, foot, and Achilles.” She continued, “I couldn’t give my all and didn’t want to risk anything. The season is NOT finished, but taking care of this issue is more important right now. I must listen to my body.” She ended with a hopeful note and a love emoji: “See y’all in Zurich.” Despite the severe injury, she reassured her fans that she plans to return for the Zurich Diamond League starting September 5th.

As she sought to give her all after her flop at the Paris Olympics, she came to the Diamond League stronger. However, this unexpected setback has made it difficult for this Puerto Rican hurdler to continue her game and clinch more success. The same happened with Dina Asher-Smith, who withdrew her name from the Silesia Diamond League after her massive win at the Lausanne Diamond League in the 100m dash. However, Paris’s disappointment did not snatch her confidence from the British sprinter. She returned stronger and outpaced the USA’s Tamari Davis and Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji. 

The 28-year-old Brit then, after a few days, took to her Instagram and wrote, “Thank you for all the love after Lausanne! Had so much fun and it felt great to run a SB in the 100 and take the win with the relay girls,” indicating her body needs some rest. However, she now sets her eyes on the next Zurich and Brussels Diamond League, as she wants to finish off the season at a good point. The desire to become one of the top sprinters in the world is still on her mind, making it even more necessary for her to take a solid break from sports to prepare for the big rounds. Her decision clarified that she is now trying to secure long-term goals. So, maybe, just like Dina Asher-Smith, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn is following the same road, hoping for the best to serve at the upcoming events. 

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn’s historic impact and future goals

Camacho-Quinn, the pride of Puerto Rico, has been making significant marks in track and field. Her 2022 Diamond League win at the Brussels meet was a major milestone, cementing her status as a global competitor in the 100m hurdles. The Paris Olympics were expected to be a turning point, but Camacho-Quinn finished third in a tight race. She clocked 12.36 seconds, behind the 2nd-place grabber, Samba-Mayela, who finished the race in 12.34 seconds, and the winner, Masai Russell, who finished in 12.33 seconds. Despite this narrow miss, she aimed to shine at the Diamond League.

At the Lausanne Diamond League, she delivered an extraordinary performance. Camacho-Quinn achieved a personal best of 12.35 seconds, defeating American Grace Stark and Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent, who took silver and bronze. “Even though I didn’t feel like I was running all out, I’m still winning and running great so I’ll take it,” she said. Though she won’t compete in the Silesia Diamond League, Camacho-Quinn’s achievements have brought global attention to Puerto Rico and set new sports standards. She hinted at a possible return for upcoming Diamond League events, so fans might see her back in action next month if all goes well.