Double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah will not be defending her titles in Paris as she has announced her withdrawal from the Jamaican trials.
In perhaps the most heartbreaking news for track and field fans heading to the Paris Olympics, reigning women's sprints champion Elaine Thompson-Herah has officially withdrawn from the Jamaican trials and non-participation at the Games.
Thompson-Herah penned an emotional letter on her Instagram page announcing her inability to heal on time for the Jamaican trials, after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury at the NYC Grand Prix last month.
"It’s never fun sharing news like this," started the five-time Olympic champion.
"But at the New York Grand Prix, I felt something in the race and still insist to push, couple steps to the line I realize something is really wrong. I sat on the ground because I couldn’t apply any pressure to the leg whatsoever as I was carried off the track.
20:13 - 09.06.2024
Worrying scenes as Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah is carried off injured at NYC Grand Prix
Double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah suffered a reported Achilles injury and needed to be carried off the track after her 100m race at the NYC Grand Prix.
"I went quickly to get some medical check up and to found out that I have a small tear on my Achilles tendon. Funny enough I got back home with a strong mindset to keep pushing and prepare for my national trails another shot of my third Olympics but the leg wouldn’t allow me to.
"It’s a long road but I am willing to start over and keep working and to make full recovery and resume my track career. I am hurt and devastated to be missing the Olympic this year but at the end of the day it’s sports and my health comes first.
11:45 - 19.06.2024
Elaine Thompson-Herah: Examining double Olympic champion's chances of making Paris amid injury woes
Following her withdrawal from the 200m event at the Jamaica Olympic Trials, this article examines Elaine Thompson-Herah's chances of still making Paris to defend her Olympic 100m title.
"Not the birthday gift I was hoping for but God whatever you have in store for me I will wait and I will still continue to work towards my goals that I haven’t achieved yet. I will be definitely watching hopefully from the stands and cheer my country Jamaica 🇯🇲 on.
I WILL BE BACK 🫶🏾.
FASTELAINE 💨," she concluded.
How Elaine Thompson-Herah got injured in New York
The fastest woman alive got injured last month at the NYC Grand Prix, where she struggled to finish her race and settled for eighth position in 11.48s (-2.1).
Immediately after crossing the finish line, the legendary sprinter needed assistance to be carried off the track and released a statement on her Instagram page afterward.
"I felt something uncomfortable as I began to push I still tried to go but it got worse” so I am awaiting professional advice moving forward” thanks for your continuous support 🙏🏾."
20:19 - 10.06.2024
All for women? Gabby Thomas and other female athletes accused of poor sportsmanship to Thompson-Herah
A new video captured Gabby Thomas and other athletes show poor sportsmanship to Elaine Thompson-Herah following her injury in New York.
Pulse Sports Nigeria later reported that she had flown to Germany seeking help from renowned sports medicine specialist, Dr. Hans Wilhelm Müller Wohlfahrt - the doctor treated Usain Bolt, enabling him to race within three days before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
With a glimmer of hope for the renowned sprinter, she seemed to be on track to still make the Jamaican team after announcing her withdrawal from the 200m event to enable her to focus on the 100m and reduce the possibility of further aggravating her injury.
15:55 - 17.06.2024
Paris 2024: Elaine Thompson-Herah to lose her Olympic title in the 200m race
Elaine Thompson-Herah is set to lose her 200m Olympic title in France due to her recent Achilles injury.
Sadly, with the latest development, Thompson-Herah's quest of making history in Paris by becoming the first woman ever to complete winning double sprint titles at three consecutive Olympics has come to an end, thus can only aim for greater history-making performances in the future.