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A proud mother reflects on her son's remarkable journey from small-town athlete to national champion and global sprint sensation.
On a warm Friday night, June 28, Grace Allen could hardly contain her emotions as her son Kishane Thompson stormed to victory at the Jamaica National Championships at National Stadium, Kingston.
The 23-year-old sprinter ran a blistering 9.77 seconds the fastest time recorded in 2024 and one of the top three ever inside the iconic stadium. With Oblique Seville finishing second in 9.82 and Ackeem Blake third in 9.92, Thompson cemented his place as Jamaica’s latest sprint sensation.
As the excitement of the race settled Thompson made his way to the warm-up area to embrace his mother who had been a constant source of support throughout his journey.
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Grace Allen, beaming with pride, shared her thoughts on her son’s rise from a small-town athlete to national champion.
"Oh, I am so elated. I am so proud of my son. He deserves it," she said, still smiling from ear to ear as per Jamaica Observer.
“I was always looking forward to this because I know he is someone who really concentrates on what he is doing; he puts his all into it.”
Thompson’s remarkable time of 9.77 seconds not only made him the fastest man in the world this year but also tied him as the ninth fastest man in history.
The only faster times inside Kingston’s National Stadium belong to sprint legends Yohan Blake and Usain Bol making Thompson’s achievement all the more extraordinary. For his mother, the moment was the realization of a dream long in the making.
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Raised in Mitchell Town, Clarendon, Thompson’s talent was evident from a young age. His mother fondly recalls his early years, remembering him as a child who always had a passion for running.
“He always loved to run, he always came first on sports day,” Allen said with a laugh.
“I used to do high jump at school at Mitchell Town Primary. I think he got the genes from me.”
Thompson’s journey to national stardom was not without its challenges.
From his time at Bustamante High School to his recruitment by Garvey Maceo High School, where he trained under respected coaches like Kirk Beckford and Neville Myton, Thompson’s rise has been a story of hard work and perseverance.
His high school career was marked by notable performances, including a 100m victory at Central Champs in 2019 and anchoring his school’s 4x100m team at the prestigious Penn Relays.
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Allen credits much of her son’s success to the strong support system he’s had, both from his family and the Mitchell Town community.
“All of Mitchell Town would be proud. I am sure they are,” she said.
The pride of the community was palpable as Thompson’s victory sent waves of excitement through the town.
For them, Thompson’s triumph on the national stage represents more than just personal glory—it’s a beacon of hope for young athletes across Jamaica who dream of following in his footsteps.
Now, as a national champion and one of the fastest men in history, Thompson’s next goal is clear: the LA 2028 Olympics.
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Having narrowly missed out on gold in Paris, finishing second to Noah Lyles in a dramatic photo finish at 9.79 seconds, his sights are set on greater glory.
For his mother, the thought of her son bringing home an Olympic gold is almost too much to fathom. “
If he came back home with an Olympic gold medal? Oh my God! I would be so proud of him. I would be so elated,” she said, eyes glistening with hope.
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