In under a week, the world will witness yet another Summer Games commence in the French capital, with Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson partaking in their respective races. When it comes to the rich history of track and field, two nations are at the center of it: America and Jamaica. America’s dominance was prevalent in the 100m event for years, but the first time the nation clinched a gold in both men’s and women’s was at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Carl Lewis had originally clinched a silver by clocking in 9.92 seconds. But after the disqualification of Canada’s Ben Johnson, he was awarded the gold, and his time was recognized as a world record.

Florence Griffith Joyner blazed through to the finish line in 10.54 seconds, claiming a shiny Olympic gold at the 1988 Summer Games. Dubbed the fastest woman ever, her time set a new world record that still stands today. But this was the only season where America had won two golds in the men’s and women’s events. It’s been 36 years since then, but fans are now hopeful of history repeating itself with Lyles and Richardson heading over to Paris. Will the two elite sprinters replicate the monumental feat from 1988?

Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson are the new frontrunners for an Olympic gold

On the July 17th episode of A Fast Break, Zoe and Kitley discuss the possibility of America winning a 100m gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Kitley explained how the 100m dash is a cut above the rest for him, and this is the event he is most looking forward to. He clarified that,  based on statistics, “Noah Lyles is now second in the odds of winning gold.” What statistics is Kitley referring to, you ask? At the U.S. Olympic Trials, the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist clinched an effortless win with 9.83 seconds. This also happened to be his new personal best. But at the Jamaican Trials, Kishane Thompson surpassed that by clocking in 9.77 seconds in the 100m finals.

Kitley also believes Sha’Carri Richardson could turn things around. “She’s a heavy favorite to win the women [100m dash].” The 2023 World Champion missed out on the 2020 Olympics due to a suspension for violating the anti-d*ping rule. But this time around, she came back stronger than ever. At the U.S. Olympic Trials, Richardson made it past the finish line with the fastest 100m time of 10.71 seconds. However, she will be facing off against Tokyo bronze medalist Shericka Jackson and 8-time Olympic medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in the French capital. At the Jamaican Olympic Trials, Jackson effortlessly ran to victory in 10.24 seconds. Fraser-Pryce came in third with 10.84 seconds. But this hasn’t swayed Kitley’s opinion.

The host believes that they can turn things around for America at the Stade de France. He then asks, “Do you know the last time that America won the men and women’s 100m dash in the same Olympics?” Zoe eventually mentions the 2004 Athens Summer Games. Justin Gatlin had won the coveted gold at the Summer Games, but Lauryn Williams had to settle for a second-place finish. His time of 9.85 seconds led to an effortless victory. Francis Obikwelu clinched and finished second with 9.86 seconds. Gatlin’s teammate Maurice Green completed the podium with 9.87 seconds amidst a roaring cheer from the stands. Meanwhile, Yolanda Gail Devers-Roberts won at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games with 10.94 seconds. In a thrilling turn of events, Jamaica’s Merlene Ottey-Page claimed second place despite clocking in at the same time as Devers-Roberts. However, the narrative of the 100-meter dash is about to take a dramatic turn with the rise of a new sprinting sensation.

Jamaica has left an indelible mark on the sport

Flo-Jo’s 1988 record has continued to stay strong, but Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson are looking to claim it as their own in Paris. With Jackson’s time at the Jamaican Trials, she might be able to shatter it. The women have continued to dominate the track with their previous Summer Games performances. Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson pulled off an all-Jamaica podium at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Isn’t that impressive? Thompson-Herah enjoyed an easy lead, securing first place in 10.61 seconds. Eight-time Olympic medalist Fraser-Pryce crossed the finish line right after with a stellar time of 10.74 seconds. Hot on her heels, Jackson clocked in at 10.76 seconds, claiming the final spot. But that wasn’t the first time they achieved that feat.

The Jamaican sprinters had previously claimed Olympic medals for the nation at the 2016 Rio Games as well. Thompson-Herah clinched gold, while Fraser-Pryce had to settle for bronze. Usain Bolt continued to set the pace for Jamaican dominance up until the Rio Summer Games. But no one has been able to match up ever since in the men’s 100m event.

Lyles and Richardson are preparing to put their best foot forward in the French capital. However, with Kishane Thompson and Shericka Jackson hot on their trail, we’re definitely in for a scorching battle. The stage has been set, and in 12 days we will soon find out who sprinted their way to Olympic gold. Will we watch Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson recreate a monumental feat 36 years later? We will just have to wait and watch.