The Women's 100m: The changing landscape, and the great anticipation

The Women's 100m final at the World Championship that will be held in Qatar, between late September and early October, is shaping up to be a cracker, something to salivate on. With the emergence of the 19-year-old new sensation, Sha'Carri Richardson to the track and field landscape, things are getting really interesting. No one saw her on the radar. Well, I did not. I first took note of her when she posted 10.99 over the 100m, a few days ago. But when she ran that amazing 10.75 in Texas, yesterday, a new Collegiate and World Junior Record, my eyes popped out, as she sounded a warning to all concerned. And that 10.75 was done in a positive 1.6 m/s wind reading, and is the fastest time recorded over the 100m this year, for women. 

What does this mean for Jamaica? 

Jamaica's two elite and ace sprinters in Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson, have posted times of 10.88 and 10.89, respectively, over the distance, for the current year. And when we consider not just Richardson, but Kayla White, Torrie Bowie, English Gardener, Aleia Hobb, Muriel Ahourie and Marie Jose Talou, Jamaica is going to need the fire power of both Fraser-Pryce and Thompson, to respond to these ladies, not just Fraser-Pryce or Elaine Thompson. The presence of these two Jamaicans will encourage, empower and spur each other, even as they drive fear into the hearts of their challengers.  

The re-emergence of Sprinting in the US

Male and Female sprinting in the US are on the rise once again, and Jamaica does not have the luxury to be sidelining any of its ace sprinters if it seriously wants to challenge for, and win the gold medal, in the women 100m? In the female category, Jamaica needs the awesome presence of Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to line up in the 100m final of the World Championship, in Qatar, later this year. This is what the entire world is anticipating and will be paying their monies to see; intense rivalry and keen competition that include all the world's best, not just some.  

I have often said, strike the rod while it is hot, not when it is not, because, procrastination is the thief of time. Therefore, seize the moment, and all the attendant opportunities presented. Nothing is guaranteed in life. Tomorrow may never come for many. And if it does come, it might find many lacking and wanting or outclassed and outshone, by a new star. In short, we must always make haste or hay while the Sun shines.  

One thing I know, even with many options, the US will not be constraining its best athlete to one event, when that athlete has the proven ability, and a realistic chance of winning two gold medals. Towards this end, Jamaica must do likewise. We do not simply send our athletes to compete. Indeed, irrespective of the outcome, we send our athletes to win gold as a major objective. They must be in it, to win it. And I repeat the clarion call for Elaine Thompson to double in the 100m and 200m, this year. No time like the present. She must make use of today. Tomorrow is only a promise! It is guaranteed to no man nor woman.

Henley Taylor (Sensenya Ben Nyah)