The track and field world was left in shock when the news broke. The unexpected split between star sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah and her coach Shanikie Osbourne left everyone in awe. With just seven months to go until the 2024 Olympics, the timing of this separation has raised many questions. It left fans and experts speculating about the reasons behind this decision.

The intricacies of the athlete-coach relationship are often hidden from the public eye. But several factors could contribute to such a significant parting of ways. The speculation of the split was already there since Osbourne was reportedly absent in practice for past few days. Now the official confirmation has come.

A major split right before the Olympics

Andi Sports Management, the agency that manages the communications of the five-time Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson-Herah, informed in an Instagram post that the sprinter has parted ways with her coach. The Jamaican sprint queen, known for her remarkable speed and agility, is now looking for a new coach as she routes for the Olympics. According to the release, the reason for the split is “a breakdown in negotiations on a compensation package.”

The release elaborated, “The package proposed by the former coach— by any measure of what is the norm for such services— was extremely excessive and without any flexibility to negotiate by the other party. Collectively, we had no choice but to seek the services of another coach” However, it assures the fans that a coach who has a matching caliber like that of Thompson-Herah, will be selected and it will be communicated shortly. The confirmation was much awaited as only a day back, Jamaican sports journalist Kayon Raynor had tweeted about the possible split. Alongside, he also speculated about the prospective coach.

Thompson-Herah to turn to husband?

Elaine entered into a temporary coaching agreement with MVP coach Shanikie Osbourne this August. Confirming this, Osbourne had said to Radio Jamaica, “I have been working with her since we have been at MVP, so it’s similar stuff; so, I’m just working with her for now. Not sure if it is going to be permanent, but just working with her for now.”

However, prior to this association, Thompson-Herah was taking coaching guidance from her husband, Derron Herah. Derron is a former professional Jamaican athlete and now coach. He has been a versatile player featuring exceptional runs in the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles. He married Thompson-Herah in 2019. 

Read more: “Scares Me”: Elaine Thompson Herath’s Split From Coach Sparks Comparison With Former Jamaican Athlete

Hinting at the possibility of turning to Derron once again for coaching, Kayon Raynor tweeted, “It appears FastElaine will again be taking coaching instructions from her husband Derron, in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics as she seeks to become the 1st female to win the sprint double 3 times. Her team remains silent on the split from coach Shanikie Osbourne.” Now that the speculation has become a reality, it remains to be seen whether Elaine will go back to her trusted partner or settle for someone from the professional sphere. Whatever the call, it has to come with the utmost care, keeping in mind the big games in the coming year.

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