“Sad and Depressed”: Sha’Carri Richardson’s Jamaican Rival Elaine Thompson-Herah Reveals Track and Field Struggles

Many thought Elaine Thompson-Herah would break Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 34-year-old women’s 100m world record (10.5). After all, she came as close as 10.54 seconds, the second-fastest in history, at the 2021 Prefontaine Classic. Her American rival Sha’Carri Richardson had then settled for a disappointing #9 position. But for now, the five-time Olympic gold medalist will be happy to claim her first Diamond League win of a difficult season in the 100m.

Thompson-Herah delivered her season’s best in Brussels, finishing the race in 10.84 seconds. Moreover, she did not have the best 2023 season so far, owing to injuries she sustained, which ultimately led her to miss out on the events. In an interview, this legendary Jamaican has revealed some disheartening secrets about her personal life and what she’s been through lately.

Elaine Thomson-Herah talks about her recent hardships

In an interview published by Real Talk with Tee, on the question, “What’s been going on with you?” Herah replies, “I would say I’m good so far.” Talking about her heartbreaking shin splint injury, she said, “I think that I took a hard pill to swallow, doing 100 out of 200. Outside, it’s sad and depressing, but I think I have bounced back from that.” 

She further extended her gratitude towards her husband, who motivated her and helped her reestablish her belief in herself. Her husband emphasized and pushed Thompson to finish the season regardless of the results. She also added that she is running this remaining 2023 season as a part of her preparation for next year’s events.

She also added that she was happy with the result in Brussels and that she still has a couple of races left in the season as the Diamond League final approaches.

She mentioned that after she is done with these recesses, she’ll go back to her home to rest and will come back again. Thompson-Herah also says that she wants to inspire people in different ways and reiterates the fact that winning is not everything.

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She climbed her way through the 2023 season

The  Jamaican star has already inspired generations with her athletic prowess, but she aims to inspire people by emphasizing that winning isn’t the only thing that matters. Regardless, the stakes were high as Brussels was the last chance for the stars of track and field athletics to qualify for next weekend’s Diamond League Finals in Eugene, Oregon.

Her fellow Jamaican Natasha Morrison was second in 10.95 with Dina Asher-Smith clocking 10.97 in third. However, Thompson-Herah had a long journey this season. She initially ran 11 seconds flat in the women’s 100m at the Diamond League Zürich Weltkasse 2023. Then, she went on to win the women’s 100m in 10.82s at the Continental Tour Silver Meet in Switzerland.

Elaine Thompson-Herah, the iconic sprinter, isn’t just a champion on the track; she’s also a resilient soul who’s overcome injuries and personal hardships. As per the Diamond League standings, Thompson-Herah currently sits on the 9th rank with only two events in her name, her recent gold win and a bronze win earlier, summing her score up to 14 points.

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