KINGSTON, JAMAICA – June 28, 2024 – In a spectacular display of speed and precision, Kishane Thompson has solidified his status as one of the fastest sprinters in the world by winning the men’s 100m final at the 2024 Jamaican Olympic Trials. Thompson clocked an impressive 9.77 seconds, the fastest time recorded globally since 2022, earning him a place among the top sprinters heading into the Paris Olympics.
Thompson, representing the MVP Track Club, showcased his remarkable talent and determination, surging ahead of his competitors at the halfway mark. This victory not only secured him the Jamaican national title but also positioned him as the fourth-fastest Jamaican in history and the ninth-fastest man ever in the 100m event.
The race, held at the National Stadium in Kingston, saw Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake finish in second and third place, respectively. Seville clocked a personal best of 9.82 seconds, matching his previous best set earlier this month, while Blake finished with a commendable 9.92 seconds.
Thompson’s journey to this triumph has been one of resilience and hard work. After an injury-plagued 2023, his performance at the trials marks a significant comeback. His 9.77-second finish not only set a new stadium record but also surpassed the previous world-leading time of 9.79 seconds held by Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala.
As the athletics world turns its eyes towards the upcoming Paris Olympics, Thompson’s recent performance has made him a strong contender for the gold medal. The only sprinter in the expected Olympic field with a faster personal best is American Fred Kerley, who ran 9.76 seconds in 2022.
The Jamaican Olympic Trials also highlighted other standout performances. In the women’s 100m final, Shericka Jackson claimed victory with a season-best of 10.84 seconds, while the legendary Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce finished third, securing her place in her fifth Olympic Games.
The trials were not just a showcase of sprinting talent. Malik James-King won the men’s 400m hurdles with a personal best of 47.42 seconds, and Rushell Clayton captured the women’s 400m hurdles title with a personal best of 52.51 seconds.
Up next, Gyulai István Memorial 2024.
