Strength
Elaine Thompson-Herah is a rare and gifted sprinter in the 100m and 200m. She has remarkable speed and speed endurance. And she is very experienced at global Championships, having gone to two Olympics and three World Championships. Indeed, Elaine Thompson-Herah is the second fastest woman in history in both sprint events, and posting the most sub 10.70 seconds in any one season, four in total, 10.61, 10.54, 10.64 and 10.65. Thompson-Herah has also won the Diamond League trophy on three occasions, dating back to 2015. The most recent being in 2021.
Weaknesses
Thompson-Herah's doesn't have many glaring weaknesses; she is technically sound as a sprinter. However, her start needs improvement. Also, at this time, there needs to be some settling down with what will be her agreed final training environment. Personally, I do hope that notwithstanding some of the contentious and difficult issues at MVP, she will ride them out, and remains at the place that made her great.
Opportunities
Indeed, there are many opportunities for improvement in performances, and even to maximize earnings. The sheer level of competitiveness should keep Thompson-Herah on her toes, and not take anything for granted. Fixing her start could be the linchpin for even more phenomenal times and achievements. Improving public perception could go a long way in growing her followership, market appeal and income. The World Records are in clear view, just small fractions of a second away.
Threats
Even with Thompson-Herah's already greatness, the rise of the eighteen-year-old controversial Namibian, Christine Mboma in the 200m, is a potential threat to Thompson-Herah supremacy and legacy. Nothing must be taken for granted by Thompson-Herah and her handlers. Quite conceivably, Christine Mboma could improve tremendously if her start and form get better.
Equally, Gabby Thomas at home, and in the second cycle of preparation, cannot be overlooked either. The tall American is a genuine talent, who seems focused, grounded and humble.
The 2019 200 World Champion, Dina Asher Smith is also, a major threat once fully fit. All things equal, she will definitely go much faster than 21.88, next year.
In the 100m, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce remains an ever-present threat. And Shericka Jackson could also improve tremendously in both the 100m and 200m, given the fact, that, she has only been in her first season in these events.
The twenty-one-year-old, Sha'Carri Richardson, the sixth fastest woman in history, cannot be discounted either. With better focus, she will improve, and lower the 10.72 set in April of the current year, to become a genuine contender. And, Christine Mboma will be trying the 100m too. She is awesome! And this could make things even more interesting.
Elaine has huge and untapped potential, to defeat all contenders and pretenders. She has done so before, and can do so again. But she must maintain her "A" game, improve even, to ensure victory at the next year's World Championship. The World Records are definitely strategic and attainable objectives that she will be pursuing. There can be no slipping up nor undue distraction at this time for the double-double Olympic Champion. She is on a mission to build her legacy. And, absolutely nothing must get in her way.
Henley Taylor
Freelance Sports Writer
Edited by Raymond Byfield
Elaine Thompson photo courtesy of her facebook page
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