“This year, I am equipped for greatness” - Elaine Thompson-Herah makes bold claim after missing out on title defense at Paris Olympics

One of the greatest sprinters of all time, Elaine Thompson-Herah has won five Olympic gold medals. After an injury-riddled 2024 forced her to sit out the Paris Olympics 2024, the Jamaican athlete recently made a bold claim for the upcoming 2025 season.

Thompson-Herah first rose to fame in 2015 when she stormed to a silver medal in the 200m at the Beijing World Championships. A year later, at the Rio Olympics, she became the first woman since Florence Griffith-Joyner to win the 100m and 200m titles at the same Games. Four years later, the Jamaican successfully defended both her titles, making her the only person other than Usain Bolt to have achieved this feat.

Amid high expectations from Elaine Thompson-Herah at the Paris Olympics, the sprinter was forced to miss out on the Games as her recurring ankle injury flared up. However, despite her disappointing 2024 campaign, the 32-year-old has set herself big targets for 2025. Taking to her official Instagram handle, she wrote:

“New Year proclamation. 2025 is my year! I declare this year to be filled with unprecedented favor, abundant blessings, and unwavering peace in every area of my life. I speak health over my body, clarity over my mind, and strength in my spirit. This year, I am equipped for greatness, and I walk in God's perfect plan for my life.”

Elaine Thompson-Herah reflects on her difficult 2024 season

Thompson-Herrah at the 2024 USATF NYC Grand Prix (Image Source: Getty)

For Elaine Thompson-Herah, 2024 was full of difficulties. She had a late start to her season, with her debut meet of the year coming at the Prefontaine Classic in May. Expectations from her were high in Eugene, where the Jamaican had previously recorded a career-best of 10.54s, the second fastest time in history. However, fans were shocked to see her finish ninth with a time of 11.30s.

A few days later, she competed at the New York City Grand Prix, where she finished ninth yet again, clocking 11.48s this time. After the race, she was carried off the track and announced that she had suffered an Achilles injury that would prevent her from running at the Paris Olympics.

As 2024 came to a close, Thompson-Herah reflected on her difficult season, writing on Instagram:

“Thank you, 2024 You may not have been the easiest year. But ironically, it's in times of difficulty that we often experience the greatest growth. Because when life breaks us open, it gives us the opportunity to rediscover who we truly are. It is through challenges that we uncover our true power. And it is through breakdowns that we often find our greatest breakthroughs. So thank you, 2024. You have gifted me with powerful lessons that will guide me for the rest of this journey.”

Elaine Thompson-Herah is yet to return to action. While the sprinter hasn't yet announced a date for her return, fans will anxiously await the five-time Olympic champion’s return to racing.