The diamonds of the 2023 Eugene Diamond League have emerged. The high-stakes finals of the 14-meet athletics mega event at Hayward Field Stadium delivered completely unpredictable results and upsets. American fan favorite Sha’Carri Richardson faced her first defeat in her 2023 Diamond League season after 3 promising runs in Zurich, Silesia, and Doha. One of the other diamonds of the meet, Elaine Thompson-Herah could not end her season on a high note, settling for bronze. But she dazzled like a queen in her post-event statement.

The fastest woman alive, Elaine Thompson-Herah had a rough start to this season. The 31-year-old sprinter phased through multiple injuries that pushed her athletic career to the backseat. Undeterred by the bumpy ride and a bronze finish, the Jamaican Queen signed off the 2023 outdoor season by running past her American rival Sha’Carri Richardson on the tracks, while leaving an ardent message off the track.

Elaine Thompson-Herah believed in herself

Elaine Thompson-Herah holds the position of the second fastest woman of all time. In fact, her best time of 10.54 seconds stands just 0.05 seconds away from FloJo?s immortal 1988 world record. Despite being so close to becoming the fastest woman of all time, Herah hasn?t been able to crack the FloJo code. However, the athlete clocked in 10.79 seconds in Eugene to win the bronze once again, edging out Sha’Carri Richardson to a disappointing 4th place.

Although Herah could not make it big, she undoubtedly made the most of her 2023 season. The Jamaican sprinter expressed her gratification for the season’s best achievement in a post-match interview. The bronze medalist’s passionate words touched the fans’ hearts. Herah said,?

?So close out the season due to you know injuries. And I think I’ll overcome that time to come out here on the track to become a tough cookie. I got four times another second 10.92, 10.84, 10.79, today to close up. I think God is amazing. I’m grateful to get those times to put me in a position for next year so I’m really happy for that.?

The sprinter’s determination is marvelous. Earlier this season, Herah failed to qualify for the 100m dash at the Budapest WAC and was also switched out of the 4×100 relay team. Despite her hardships, Herah continued her struggle and managed to land a bronze medal in Zurich. In retrospect, the five-time Olympic gold medalist was asked what goal she had come out to accomplish. Herah playfully added, ?Honestly, I don’t think you guys want to know that,??and laughed heartily before spilling the beans.

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?The goal was to try to break my PB [10.54 seconds in 100m]. But, nevertheless, to get a season best. I wrote on two times not especially numbers, but I want to close up with a 10.8 or 10.7. I know 10.6 would be very hard, and 10.5 because I haven’t had that much work in my body, but I’m grateful.??Herah’s 2023 Diamond League season best in 100m was her stint at the finals, clocking 10.79 seconds, just 0.09 seconds short of the gold medalist and her Jamaican compatriot, Shericka Jackson.

?Even though I have injuries, but still I was confident in myself. I know who I am, I know what I’m capable of. So I think my confidence is always there and never leaves,? said Herah. The reigning Olympic gold medalist will enter 2024 with this high spirit. The Paris Olympics are just nine months away. Will Elain Thompson-Herah power through her injuries and her opponents to defend her Olympic title in France? Let us know what you think in the comments.?

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