Having not performed for more than two months, speculations were rife concerning Elaine Thompson-Herah’s general fitness level and readiness or whether she would even show-up for the JAAA National Senior Trials. In some track and field circles, many were of the view that Thompson-Herah would have abandoned the 2023 season altogether. In a post-race interview, the double-double Olympic Champion revealed her battles with multiple and persistent injuries that have impacted her general preparations, which almost resulted in her quitting track and field. When Elaine Thompson-Herah finally showed-up on June 24, 2023, and opened her 2023 season in the 100m, there was a big sigh of relief and joy from her adoring and loyal fans.
Pedestrian time of 11.23
Thompson-Herah posted a pedestrian 11.23 in the 100m for her season opener to win the event. Clearly, there was little or no real competition in that four-athlete race. On the surface, 11.23 does suggest that Thompson-Herah was either short on training, testing her body with a blow-out or playing possum. And if she was in fact short on training, how would this impact her performance at the JAAA National Senior Trials that is less than a week away, and against the backdrop of so many improving young and talented athletes who are gunning for individual spots in both the 100m and 200m?
Will Thompson-Herah be ready?
Presumably, had Elaine been sharp in training, more than likely, her opening-time in the 100m would have been quicker, unless of course, she was playing “mind-games” with others, something that she has perfected the art of doing. But, let's assume that she wasn’t playing possum, what does this mean for her, considering that the small window to the JAAA National Senior Trials? Can Thompson-Herah return to her vintage form or is the double-double Olympic Champion running out of time, and facing serious doubt for the 2023 Budapest World Championship? Is the time just too short for her to perform at her accustomed high levels or will she do the unthinkable, and stun all her critics and detractors, in her World Championship quest? Will Thompson-Herah even make it to the World Championship in either or both sprint events or will she leave others in the wake?
The Competition
With Fraser-Pryce already securing a “bye” to the 2023 World Championship in the 100m, and with Shericka Jackson doing same in the 200m, will Thompson-Herah be able to secure one of the other two automatic spots in the 100m and/or 200m? Will she be able to repel the fierce challenges of the likes of Natasha Morrison, Kemba Nelson, Alana Reid, Kevona Davis, Briana Williams, Tina Clayton, Sashalee Forbes and Kiara Grant, who are seemingly hungry for an individual spot? And more importantly, could Thompson-Herah spring a surprise, to defeat all and sundry in either or both events? For sure, Thompson-Herah is pedigree with a gargantuan talent that she has demonstrated, repeatedly. And, she can be unpredictable at times, defying all odds and predictions, to conquer all. Indeed, we have seen this before!
Diamond League Absence
It is only a matter of common-sense that Elaine Thompson-Herah was injured in the earlier part of the season. Clearly, no one gives up money on the Diamond League Circuit like that. Afterall, athletes look forward to the Diamond League to earn and to remain competitive and visible. Therefore, it is rather distasteful and lack of empathy that Thompson-Herah’s critics and detractors have always conveniently looked past her obvious and real challenges, to downplay her performances, and to refute her valid claims. It would appear that the hate is real for specified and unspecified reasons. I have said it before on numerous occasions that had Thompson-Herah not been injury-prone; she would have won every World title from 2017 to 2022. And, she would have owned both World Records in the 100m and 200m.
Thompson-Herah is quality
In my humble view, others only win, when Thompson-Herah is below par for the reasons cited earlier. Even with minimal efforts, her detractors believe that the 11.23 that Thompson-Herah posted at the Ashenheim Stadium, is a true reflection of her fitness level at this point; they have either completely ignored or have failed to grasp, and to correlate outcome with effort in her very first 100m of the season. They seem to be unhinged from reality in not recognizing that such an ordinary and undersubscribed field could neither motivate nor push the Olympic 100m Record Holder. It was really about form-technique and execution for Thompson-Herah. Time was not a primary objective of that first race!
Unleashes at the Jamaica Trials
What is mind-boggling is, many of these critics and detractors, some of whom do vlogs on Youtube channels, don’t seem to recall that Elaine Thompson-Herah is the reigning female double-double Olympic Champion, the Olympic 100m Record Holder, the National 100m Record Holder and the Diamond League 100m Record Holder. Currently, there is no country in the world, except Jamaica, that can boast such a living individual. It does seem that Thompson-Herah’s severing ties with MVP Track Club, like so many others have done, is a major factor for such hate and contempt many feel towards her. Unlike others, who have done the very same thing, they single-out Thompson-Herah, and see her as ungrateful. And, it does appear that she has inherited some of the vitriol they feel towards her coach/husband. Nevertheless, in less than one week, we shall see the unfolding of events, and a testing of the character of mettle of Elaine Sandra-Lee Thompson-Herah.
Henley E. Taylor
Freelance Sports Writer
Picture of spike courtesy of Nick Reid from Source Athletics
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