Kishane Thompson isn’t just winning races; he’s captivating minds too in track & field. The 22-year-old Jamaican star hadn’t raced since November 2023 and started this season with a DNF at the JAAA Olympic French Foray 1. But that stumble was just a setup for a major comeback to prove he’s a real threat to join his countryman Usain Bolt as an Olympic champion at the Paris Olympics. At the Jamaican trials, he put everyone on notice with a blazing 9.77 seconds, the fastest time not only in 2024 but also in 2023. Talk about making a statement to American favorite Noah Lyles and the previous world leader, Oblique Seville!

Noah Lyles, the reigning World Champion, is gunning to end the USA’s 20-year Olympic gold drought and break Usain Bolt’s world record in the 100-meter. But to do that, he’s going to have to run the race of his life against Jamaica’s 100-meter sensation, Kishane Thompson. In fact, Lyles even skipped the Monaco Diamond League to prepare himself for this showdown. Meanwhile, Kishane isn’t just racking up wins on the track; he’s also capturing the hearts of the track & field community with a noble act.

Kishane Thompson takes a wholesome loss before the Paris Olympics

Kishane Thompson was spotted racing at the 35th edition of the International Meeting ‘Sport Solidarietà’ at the ‘G. Teghil’ Stadium in Lignano Sabbiadoro on July 14, 2024. Taking part in the Special Olympics 50-meter race, he competed against specially abled runners to inspire the participants and spread some serious motivation. After his world-leading win at the Jamaican Trials on June 28th, Thompson ran at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial, clocking 9.91 seconds for the win.

But it wasn’t just the time that caught everyone’s attention—it was the way he ran. He jogged the last part of the race like it was a casual run, not a high-stakes competition. At the Special Olympics race in Lignano, Thompson jogged again, this time letting the specially abled runners overtake him. Denis Pertoldi in lane one blazed to the finish line, and Thompson casually came in third.

The official results were commendable: Denis Pertoldi (Bib 107), competing in the M50 category, secured first place with a time of 9.57 seconds. Mauro Michelin (Bib 105), from the M55 category, came in second, with a time of 10.04 seconds. Luca Clocchiatti (Bib 102), competing in the M45 category, took third place with a time of 10.99 seconds. Fans of track and field quickly responded online in awe of Thompson’s gesture and the athleticism of the runners. It was a moment that showed just how much heart the sport can have.

Track & field fans brace for Jamaica’s 100-meter reign, with Kishane as the favorite

On X, countless track and field fans shared their thoughts about the Special Olympics 50-meter race featuring Kishane Thompson, shining a spotlight on the specially abled track and field stars. One fan shared, “Future Olympic Champion right there,” noting how Kishane stands out not just for his speed but for his character.

Another fan applauded the 22-year-old Jamaican phenom, saying, “This is how you lend your celebrity in the sport” praising him for using his platform to highlight other disciplines of track and field, especially for specially abled athletes.

A track and field enthusiast commented, “He can and possibly will become the FACE of the sport by just simply being him, he may not even have to open his mouth to become a favorite or try hard like others,” acknowledging Kishane’s humble nature alongside his speed.

“Hey, Lane one RUN enuh. Him blaze the track” said one fan praising Denis Pertoldi for his quick sprint to the finish line.

Another fan teased, “There is no briefcase or jingbang in sight. Love to see it” referring to Noah Lyles, who had carried a silver briefcase around at the 2024 US Olympic trials and unveiled his red Nike uniform alongside Snoop Dogg.

Lastly, one fan boldly stated, “Jamaica, dare I say we’re creating another Bolt? #1Hurricane,” comparing the 22-year-old to Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, whose 100m and 200m world records still stand undefeated, and the last Jamaican to win gold in the 100m at the Olympics since 2016.

Reflecting on the fan love for Kishane Thompson’s gesture and all the praise coming his way, it’s clear that he’s made a huge impact both on and off the track. Fans are already calling him the next Usain Bolt—pretty big shoes to fill! Do you think he has what it takes to defeat Noah Lyles and other 100-meter stars to clinch gold at the Paris Olympics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!