Elaine Thompson-Herah follows Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in shocking departure
Elaine Thompson-Herah has made a surprising career move, following in the footsteps of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, whose recent departure from the Elite Performance Track and Field Club has sent shockwaves through the Jamaican athletics community.
Fraser-Pryce, a five-time 100m world champion, made headlines with her announcement, and now Thompson-Herah, the double Olympic sprint champion from the 2016 and 2020 Games, has reportedly parted ways with both the club and her coach, Reynaldo Walcott.
This news arrives mere hours after Fraser-Pryce’s announcement, raising the stakes regarding major changes within Jamaica’s elite sprinting scene, as noted by the Jamaica Observer.
Thompson-Herah’s exit signifies a major shift for the Tokyo Olympics star, and she is reportedly in advanced discussions with the MVP Track Club. If confirmed, this move would see her return to her former team, where she trained under the renowned coach Stephen Francis.
Having left MVP Track Club in 2021, Thompson-Herah appears ready to rejoin the University of Technology-based group that helped develop her into a world-class athlete. The relationship between Thompson-Herah and Fraser-Pryce has long been perceived as distant, with rumors suggesting a strained dynamic.
Despite their individual achievements, their paths have rarely aligned smoothly, and with both now leaving Elite Performance, the future of Jamaica’s sprinting elite remains uncertain.
Fraser-Pryce’s departure after four years with the camp has yet to be fully explained, while Thompson-Herah’s exit, following a year plagued by injury, raises further questions. Andi Sports Management, her agency, has not released a formal statement regarding these developments.
Thompson-Herah’s struggles were apparent early in the season when she opened her 2024 campaign at the Prefontaine Classic, finishing last. Her difficulties continued at the USATF NYC Grand Prix, where she clocked 11.48 seconds, visibly struggling and limping off the track.
Subsequently, she made the painful decision to withdraw from the Jamaican Olympic trials, dashing her hopes of defending her 100m and 200m titles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In an emotional Instagram post reflecting on her withdrawal, Thompson-Herah shared, “It’s never fun sharing news like this. But at the New York Grand Prix, I felt something in the race and still insisted on pushing. A couple of steps to the line, I realized something was really wrong.” She added, “I sat on the ground because I couldn’t apply any pressure to the leg whatsoever as I was carried off the track.”
After a medical examination, she discovered a small tear in her Achilles tendon. “Funny enough, I got back home with a strong mindset to keep pushing and prepare for my national trials, another shot at my third Olympics, but the leg wouldn’t allow me to,” she revealed.
Thompson-Herah’s decision to separate from her coach and training camp may signal a desire for a fresh start, both mentally and physically, as she seeks to recover from her injuries and regroup for the future.
With six Olympic medals and numerous accolades to her name, her resilience and fighting spirit remain undeniable, even as this moment represents a significant turning point in her illustrious career.
