Olympic Champion Elaine Thompson-Herah withdraws from Jamaican Olympic Trials, ends bid for third Olympic title defence

In a heartbreaking update, it has been announced that Elaine Thompson-Herah will not compete in any event at the upcoming Jamaican Olympic Trials, ending her bid to compete at the Paris Games. With the 31-year-old out of contention, fans will get to see a new Olympic champion in the 100 and 200m sprints later this summer.

Thompson-Herah would have headed into Paris as a four-time 100 and 200m champion, having won both races at the Rio and Tokyo Games. However, her title defense looked to be in doubt from the beginning of the year.

The sprinter’s 2024 began on a dismal note, with her season debut coming at the Prefontaine Classic. Running in Eugene, the Jamaican clocked an 11.30 to finish dead last, leaving fans worried about her form.

Things only got worse with the Olympic Champion's next appearance, which was at the USATF New York City Grand Prix. There, Thompson-Herah finished last once again. She immediately removed her shoe after the race and limped off the track before being carried out of the stadium. This sight further raised concern for the sprinter, with many worried that her Achilles injury was causing her issues once again.

After the race, Elaine Thompson-Herah shared an update with fans on Instagram, writing,

"I felt something uncomfortable as I began to push. I still tried to go but it got worse. So I am awaiting professional advice moving forward. Thanks for your continuous support.”

Post that, the 31-year-old chose to compete in only the 100m at the Jamaican Olympic Trials, ending her chance to defend her Olympic title in the event for a second time. Now, she has withdrawn from the 100m sprint as well, with her management team writing on Instagram,

“Five-time Olympic Games Gold Medalist Elaine Thompson-Herah has withdrawn from the Jamaica National Championships and will be unable to defend her sprint titles at the 2024 Olympic Games due to injury.”

“Mrs. Thompson Herah extends her heartfelt thanks to her sponsors, fans and well-wishers for the love and support showered upon her during this challenging time.”

With Elaine Thompson-Herah out of the running, a look at the favorites to win gold at the Paris Olympics

Had Elaine Thompson-Herah qualified for the Paris Olympics, the Jamaican would have had a shot at defending her 100 and 200m titles for a second time. She first claimed gold in the events at the Rio Games, before going on to repeat the feat at 2020 Tokyo, despite struggling with injuries in the build-up.

Now, in her absence, the favorites for the 100m title will be America's Sha'Carri Richardson as well as Jamaicans Shelly Anne Fraiser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson.

The trio made up the podium for the 2023 World Athletics Championships, and are expected to be the top sprinters in Paris as well.

Joining Richardson, Fraiser-Pryce, and Jackson in the 200m title fight will be Gabby Thomas. The American took bronze in the distance at the 2020 Olympics and a silver at the 2023 World Championships.

Meanwhile, Elaine Thompson-Herah’s comeback to the sport remains in question. The Achilles injury, that is keeping her out of the Jamaican Olympic Trials, has plagued her since 2017, and fans will have to wait to see how well the sprinter recovers this time around.