)
Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson faces high expectations at the Paris Olympics aiming to capture gold in his major debut.
Since 2017 when Usain Bolt retired, the quest for a gold medal in the men’s 100 metres at major championships has been a daunting challenge for Jamaican sprinters.
The Tokyo Olympics and three subsequent World Championships saw Jamaican women excelling on the track while their male counterparts struggled to make an impact.
)
13:28 - 27.07.2024
Why Keely Hodgkinson's coach is wary of Mary Moraa as Olympic Games 800m clash looms
Keely Hodgkinson's coach has explained why he is worried about Mary Moraa as the women's 800m clash at the Olympic Games fast approaches.
However, as the Paris Olympics 100m heats loom a new hope has ignited for Jamaica in the form of 22-year-old Kishane Thompson.
Thompson, heralded as the fastest man of the year has posted staggering times of 9.82, 9.84, and 9.77 seconds in his lead-up to the Olympics drawing comparisons to the legendary Bolt.
Despite his impressive performances, skepticism surrounds his potential to clinch gold in his first major outing.
)
05:41 - 01.08.2024
Paris 2024: Marileidy Paulino dares Nickisha Pryce & Natalia Kaczmarek in 400m quest for world record
Marileidy Paulino has been performing well this season ranking first globally in the 400m.
Jamaica's sprint coach, Stephen Francis, however, is confident in Thompson's capabilities and dismisses the circulating doubts.
“I don’t understand; he ran 9.82, 9.84, and 9.77; not even Usain Bolt has ever had that in a series in a championship. I don’t see what everybody is worried about," Francis explained.
"I haven’t checked everybody, but I’ve checked a lot, so I don’t see what everybody is worried about. Based on his June shape, there is not much to worry about."
Thompson’s debut on the grand stage will indeed be a trial by fire, with his first competitive heats, semifinals, and potentially the final all scheduled for this Friday at the Stade de France.
)
21:04 - 31.07.2024
Paris 2024: Kishane Thompson maintains mystique ahead of 100m heats
The Jamaican sprinter has maintained a low profile at the Paris Games focusing on training ahead of the crucial 100m event.
While Thompson has dominated the season the Olympics presents a unique set of challenges, especially with the world watching.
His main rivals include American sprinter Noah Lyles, who has also clocked a time of 9.81 seconds this year, and fellow Jamaican Oblique Seville, who shares the fourth fastest time of 2024 at 9.81 seconds.
Adding to the mix is the Kenyan phenom Ferdinand Omanlaya, whose recent time of 9.79 seconds has made him a wildcard contender.
)
09:09 - 22.07.2024
Did Yohan Blake not listen to Usain Bolt’s advice? Video resurfaces explaining how Jamaican sprinter lost direction
Yohan Blake slammed Jamaica fans for not showing him respect on Sunday but it is now turning out that Usain Bolt warned him of trouble ahead five years ago.
Coach Francis acknowledges the pressure but remains unfazed about Thompson's mental readiness.
“Kishane will have to watch out for butterflies in his stomach, sure. It’s his first time at the Olympics, running heats, semis, and the final at a major competition. But he’s prepared, and we’re focusing on what he can control."
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)