Olympic track star Elaine Thompson-Herah, 31, will not be competing at the 2024 Olympics due to Injury. She suffered a setback during the USATF New York City Grand Prix on June 9, 2024, when she sustained an Achilles tendon injury. The Jamaican sprinter took to Instagram on June 26, 2024, to share her heartbreaking message. The injury initially occurred while competing in the 100-meter race at Icahn Stadium when she began to lose her lead and ultimately finished last with a time of 11.48 seconds. After crossing the finish line, Thompson-Herah removed her right shoe and was seen limping before being carried off the track.
Thompson-Herah later provided an update on Instagram, stating,
“It’s never fun sharing news like this
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. 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…”
Said Elaine Thompson-Herah on her Instagram post on June 26, 2024.
She mentioned that she was awaiting professional advice and expressed her determination to recover and continue her track career.
This injury comes at a critical time as it is less than 50 days before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Thompson-Herah is the defending champion in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter events and was aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic double. Additionally, Jamaica’s track and field Olympic trials are scheduled to begin on June 27, 2024, making the timing of this injury particularly challenging for the sprint star.
Thompson-Herah’s achievements include five Olympic gold medals, with victories in the 100-meter and 200-meter events at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She also contributed to Jamaica’s gold medal in the women’s 4×100-meter relay in Tokyo.
Fans and the athletics community have expressed their support and concern for Thompson-Herah, hoping for her swift recovery and return to the track.
“And you will be back , you’ve stamped your name in the history books and the journey continues. All will be well . Wishing you a speedy recovery champ ❤️”
millerpowell_alyshia, Asafa Powell‘s Wife commented
The incident underscores the physical and emotional challenges athletes face in their pursuit of excellence. We are all wishing Elaine Thompson-Herah a speedy recovery for the coming season.
